LONG TRIPS - Familiar camping Bassegoda Park, bungalows in Albanyà (Girona)

Sant Aniol d'Aguja – Albanyà

Time by MTB: 3 hrs. Distance: 17.55 km.

Stage 41 of the GR-11 which crosses the Pyrenees, joins Sant Aniol d’Aguja, the most magical church in the Alta Garrotxa region, with Albanyà. Starting from the church, the route is dominated by the Bassegoda mountain for most of the way. We shall pass through Coll Roig and Coll de Bassegoda before dropping down to below 1,000 metres along Serra de Corsavell towards Albanyà.

Albanyà – Maçanet de Cabrenys – La Vajol

Time by MTB: 4 hrs. Distance: 26.55 km.

Stage 42 of the GR-11 from the Pyrenees begins in Albanyà and heads north, towards Maçanet de Cabrenys and La Vajol. Heading towards Mas Ferrerós and El Coll de Palomeres, we shall pass through places such as the Sant Andreu d’Oliveda hermitage. We shall cross Maçanet and pass through Clot de Can Vinyes and the spectacular Mirador de l’Empordà until we reach La Vajol.

Albanyà – Bassegoda mountain – Albanyà

Time by MTB: 4 hrs. Distance: 21.09 km.

Bassegoda is the most emblematic peak of the Alta Garrotxa. You can reach it from the forest path beyond Bassegoda Park, passing through Serra de Corsavell and the Sant Martí de Corsavell church. The views are splendid from the peak of the Bassegoda mountain.

Muga nature trail

Time by MTB: 7.5 hrs. Distance: 41.30 km.

The Muga Nature Trail follows the river course from Sant Llorenç de la Muga to its mouth, in Empuriabrava (Castelló d’Empúries). It connects many natural spots of the Alt Empordà region, such as the Muga cliffs, the Alta Garrotxa Area of Natural Interest and Les Salines.

Bassegoda Park – Hostal de la Muga – Ribelles-Bassegoda – Bassegoda Park

Time by MTB: 7.5 hrs. Distance: 50 km approx.

Difficult and long route, although it is a concrete path almost all the way. We will follow the Muga river course during the first part, and then going upwards to Coll de Pincaró. From there, we will drop down to Pincaró and follow the signs until the Hostal de la Muga (an ancient inn, now abandoned), almost at the source of the river. We will pass near the Sant Corneli de la Muga church (in ruins) before going uphill, slowly if necessary, until we reach Coll de Bassegoda (just under the peak). Before we arrive here, we have two stops/brief diversions: Sant Julià de Ribelles church and the prehistoric burial mound of Cista de la Creu de Principi.

After Coll de Bassegoda, with great panoramic views of Alta Garrotxa at each side (and a well-earned rest!), we will start the slope back to Bassegoda Park, stopping –if we want– at the little town of Sant Miquel de Bassegoda and Sant Martí de Corsavell church.

Bassegoda Park – Bassegoda – Lliurona – Lladó – Albanyà

Time by MTB: 9.5 hrs. Distance: 65 km approx.

This is a route only for expert bikers who are in good shape; most of it is a concrete path through the forests. You can either start it from Lladó or Albanyà / Bassegoda Park since it is a circular route. It is signposted as Ruta BTT 28 (MTB Route 28).

If we start from Bassegoda Park, we will move uphill to Coll de Pincaró and follow the path through the Pla de la Teuleria and the northern hillside of Serra de Corsavell. Then, we will reach the Pla de la Bateria, just underneath the Bassegoda peak. If you want to go up there, it must be done without the bicycles (because it has a little climb). When going downwards, we will follow the signed path until the Lliurona neighborhood, from where all the route starts dropping down until you reach the Empordà plains (passing south of Serra Oliva and near Sant Martí Sesserres church).

We will reach Lladó, a cozy little town from Empordà surrounded by fields; and from there, we will follow the path that leads us towards the peak of Serra d’Estela. The ascent, though, this time is softer than Bassegoda’s one. Having reached the top, we will go downhill to Albanyà and Bassegoda Park.

After approximately 65 km and a 2.000 meters slope, we will arrive tired, but with the beautiful memories of spectacular landscapes and with a big smile painted on our faces!

+ MTB