Descubre el Ripollès: ruta del hierro desde Sant Joan de les Abadesses a Ripoll , Sat, Nov 11, 2023,...

Join us on a fascinating journey to the heart of medieval Catalonia, a land of abbots and counts. We will embark on a delightful and easy 10km walk along the former railway track, exploring the "Ruta del Hierro y del Carbón" that connected Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Ripoll. This picturesque route, often running alongside the river, once transported coal and iron from the mines of Ogassa to Ripoll.

– IRON AND COAL ROUTE
The "Iron and Coal Route" spans 10km and offers a flat terrain, showcasing stunning landscapes and charming surroundings. As you journey through this historical path, you will be captivated by the beauty and tranquility of the region.

– SANT JOAN DE LES ABADESSES AND ITS MONASTERY (optional)
Sant Joan de les Abadesses is a town that beautifully combines its industrial past with its medieval heritage. Located on the banks of the Ter River in the Ripollès region of Girona, this town boasts numerous Romanesque monuments, including the renowned Sant Joan de les Abadesses Monastery, Sant Pol Parish Church, Old Bridge, Abadía Palace, city walls, and Main Street. Sant Joan is also closely associated with the legend of Count Arnau, the most famous and popular spirit in Catalonia. This mythological and literary character originated from a traditional Catalan song, possibly originating in Ripoll in the late 16th century.

THE PLAN:

– 8:30 AM: Meet at Plaza Universitat to board our private coach.

– 10:00-10:30 AM: Enjoy a quick breakfast/coffee break in Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

– 10:30-11:30 AM: Guided tour of the town (optional visit to the monastery during the tour).

– 11:30 AM-2:30 PM: Walk to Ripoll along the greenway (former railway track).

– 2:30-4:30 PM: Free time to have lunch in Ripoll. Option to dine together at "La Perla" restaurant (menu: 18 euros).

– 4:30-5:30 PM: Guided tour in Ripoll.

– 5:30 PM: Return by coach, arriving in Barcelona around 7:00 PM.

Languages: Spanish and Catalan.
Guide: Toni Bellido (official guide and flâneur).

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK:

– Difficulty Level: Easy (but requires a minimum level of fitness).
– Total Distance: 10km.
– Elevation Gain: Negligible (the path is wide and completely flat).
– Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

PRICE: 40 euros (cash payment at the start of the excursion).
ADVANCE SALE for 35€ on the ENJOY CATALONIA website (up to 24 hours before the start of the excursion):
https://www.enjoycatalonia.com/tours/otono-en-el-ripolles-la-ruta-del-hierro-desde-sant-joan-hasta-ripoll-2/

This price includes:
✔︎ Organization
✔︎ Transportation by private coach from Barcelona
✔︎ Accompanying official guide from Barcelona
✔︎ Guided tours in Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Ripoll

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
✔︎ The walk (10km) is very easy and completely flat, but a minimum level of fitness is required.
✔︎ Lunch can be individual or together at "La Perla" restaurant (menu: 18 euros).
✔︎ In case of bad weather forecast, the excursion will be postponed.