Introduction
In search of the lost lake
This flat circular route goes around the old lake of Bellcaire, which was drained in the eighteenth century and where you can now enjoy a rural landscape typical of the Empordà with channels, rice fields, fruit trees, fields of cereal crops, Mediterranean woods, fortified farmhouses and villages high up on small hills.
At the feet of the emblematic Montgrí Massif, practically next to the sea and midway between the Baix Ter and the marshes of the Empordà, these lands are home to a rich and distinctive flora and fauna that will amaze you.
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TypologyTime Circular
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DifficultyEasy
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Duration1 hour 20 minutes
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Slope25.00 meters
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Distance11.30 km
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ThemeFlora and faunaArchitecture and environmentLandscaping
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ActivityBy footBy bike
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Rating
Slope graph
Description
In search of the lost lake
This circular route starts in the centre of Bellcaire d’Empordà, which has the castle of Bellcaire at its highest point, built on the orders of the Count of Empúries Ponç V, and where the last counts in this dynasty lived. As you descend from this higher area while leaving the village, you will encounter a great Romanesque work, Sant Joan de Bedenga, on the outskirts of the village.
Soon afterwards, and now outside the village, you come to the Rec del Molí which you will follow for a good distance alongside its reed beds accompanied by the singing of birds and under the shadow of lush alders, banana trees and white willows.
From here on, the route delves into in the varied agricultural landscape of the Empordà: you will see orchards of fruit trees and fields of fodder, rice, other cereals and so on. Leaving the Rec del Molí, the route passes in front of the fortified Torre Forçosa tower before crossing the road which leads to l’Escala.
Having crossed the road, the route you follow is on the boundary between the old lake of Bellcaire and old sand dunes, nowadays fixed and covered with woods which the route goes through towards the Muntanya Gran del Montgrí. Further on you head for the delightful village of Sobrestany, first passing by the impressive Torre Ferrana and the old Animal Park of Sobrestany, now closed.
After Sobrestany you return towards Bellcaire, saying goodbye to the vanished lake and the fields that now occupy it and make a last stop at the old mill of Bellcaire, which in days gone by used the power of the water of the Rec del Molí as it passed through the village.
Tips
Route
- Take care crossing the roads as they are quite busy.
Water
- Take plenty of water as there is little shade and no fountains.
Weather
- Avoid doing this route in hot weather, especially in the middle of the day.
- Wear a hat and sun cream.
Equipment
- Taking binoculars and a nature guidebook is highly recommended.
