Introduction
Climbing to the little summit
This short but charming route takes you around the village of Gualta, exploring its narrow streets and discovering the historical structures hidden in them. After this, you head into the woods and start the climb to the Puig de la Font Pasquala with its spectacular views of the Empordà plain, the Montgrí and especially the Medes Islands. You will also pass through fields where you can find orchids in bloom and the nests of a very curious insect.
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TypologyTime Circular
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DifficultyFor families
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Duration1 hour 20 minutes
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Slope72.00 meters
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Distance3.80 km
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ThemeFlora and faunaGeologiaLandscaping
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ActivityBy footBy bike
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Rating
Slope graph
Description
Climbing to the little summit
This route is in the municipality of Gualta, in the Baix Empordà region. The route starts from the open area where you park your car on the way into the village.
The route starts in the streets of this small village of just over 390 inhabitants. Its narrow streets are captivating, but they will also block your GPS signal so it is a good idea to check the route you will be following before you set off to give you an idea of where to head.
The first stop is at the Molí de Gualta. This watermill is a piece of infrastructure dating from the medieval era and which since that time has been used to irrigate the fields on the right bank of the river Ter. You will see that this mill has a lot of history.
As soon as you leave the narrow streets behind, you start climbing on a road. At a point, the signposted track leads you into the woodland and you will start the climb to the Puig de la Font Pasquala. Even though this is not a very long route, you will have the chance to have a go at being naturalists. If you do the route in the spring, you will find various species of orchid on this part of it, each one more enchanting than the last. Continuing towards the summit, you will find yourself among abandoned olive groves and you will be able to see the difference with their neighbour: a grove of traditional olive trees.
Once you reach the summit of the Puig de la Font Pasquala, your body will be ready for a rest and a chance to admire, photograph, make a sketch or just recover your strength before the great panoramic view of the Empordà plain, the Montgrí, the Medes Islands and especially the Begur mountains.
From here, the descent starts and you will pass through thickets of Montpellier cistus, with its characteristic fragrance, and you will discover the geological origin of this mountainous formation.
As this is a circular route, you end where you began and so all you have to do is turn off your GPS and recover your strength with the memory of the things you have seen during the walk.
Tips
Route
- There is a significant uphill section. Although it is short, if you feel tired, stop, keep hydrated and take the chance to admire the views.
- It is important to follow the signals of the track for the route as the ones on the path can sometimes go unnoticed.
- SHORT CUT: About half way round there is a point where you can return to the village. Watch the track!
Water
- There are no sources of water anywhere on the route.
- Take water from home.
- It is important to hydrate at least once an hour while doing intensive walking.
Precautions
- There could be dogs or other animals loose in the area, so take care if you have children with you.
- We suggest you do not do this route on very hot days.
- Keep an eye out for cars and motorbikes using the trail.
Weather
- Wear sun cream if you plan to do it at times with strong sun, like spring or summer.
- You can do this with moderate precipitation, although it is best to do it in good weather as it will be more enjoyable.
- Avoid doing the route on days with strong winds.
Terrain
- You can use trekking poles to help with the steepest paths and sections.
- Some stretches can be muddy after rain.
Equipment
- Comfortable footwear suitable for walking
- Camera
- Trekking poles
- If using a mountain bike, remember to take equipment to repair or replace inner tubes if you get a puncture.
- Mountain bike safety equipment: Gloves and helmet.
