VISITING

Activities

The whole of the Ripollès county is bursting with things to do, thanks to its amazing countryside. Obviously, the Pyrenees provide skiing and other winter sport opportunities, for instance at the Vallter 2000 resort, which has 12 slopes. At Vall de Núria, there is a great range of outdoor activities including climbing, horse riding, archery and a children’s park, as well as ski slopes. Experienced walkers may like to get off the Vall de Núria cog train at Queralbs and do the three-hour hike up through the Gorges de Núria. The Puigmal peak is another ideal objective for those who like mountain-walking—from Núria, it takes about three hours. If planning a mountain hike, extend the experience with an overnight stay in a refuge (refugi). Information on these, as well as routes (senders), is available from the FEEC, a Catalan walkers’ organisation.

For cyclists, the Vies Verdes will be appealing—this is a series of bike routes around the Catalan countryside, which hopefully will eventually be joined up. One of the Ripollès Vies Verdes is the 12-kilometre Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó (the Iron and Coal Route) running between Ripoll and Ogassa. Walkers can also use this route.

When to go

On May 20th, Ripoll celebrates a Festival of Wool and Country Marriages—this combines displays of sheep-shearing and wool-spinning, with the recreation of a typical rural wedding with traditional costumes, dancing and food. A week before, in Vallfogona de Ripollès, there is a celebration of the Roser dance, an annual event dating back to the 17th century. Springtime is also ideal for hill and mountain-walking, the time to take advantage of the fine weather, before it gets too hot.

What to eat

Gastronomes will be delighted with a trip to this area, which is famed for its embotits, game animals including wild boar (senglar), honey, cheese and other dairy products, trumfa potatoes from the Camprodon valley and locally-reared meat, especially xai (lamb). Certain towns produce special biscuits such as the Birba brand from Camprodon and coca cakes are another regional speciality.

Where to stay

The Hotel Camprodon is an inexpensive option with a Twenties' style elegance. Alternatively, many of the smaller towns and villages have at least one simple pensió, perfect for a tranquil break. The website www.pyreneesguide.com has a list of accommodation available in the area. And for an even more isolated stay there is the Sanctuary at Núria, with hotel rooms and apartments available, as well as a small campsite.

More info...

Consell Comarcal del Ripollès: Tel. 972 70 32 11, www.ripolles.cat (Catalan only)

Vall de Núria: Tel. 972 73 20 20, www.valldenuria.com

Vallter 2000: Tel. 972 74 01 04, www.vallter2000.com

FEEC (Federació d'Entitats Excursionistes de Catalunya): www.feec.es

Vies Verdes: Tel. 972 18 51 99, www.viesverdes.org

Hotel Camprodon: Tel. 972 74 00 13