Introduction
Stage 3. From Pals to Torroella via the Gola del Ter
The third stage of the Montgrí and Baix Ter Route starts from the Plaça de Catalunya in the town of Pals, which is also the end point of the second stage, and goes to Torroella de Montgrí. After passing Masos de Pals, it follows the irrigation channels and skirts the rice fields of the Baix Ter plain on its way to the beach of la Fonollera and the Gola del Ter and finishes by going back up the river towards Torroella.
We recommend the Local Natura App to do this route. Download it for free here:
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TypologyCrossing
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DifficultyMedian
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Duration6 hours 20 minutes
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Slope65.00 meters
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Distance19.00 km
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ThemeFlora and faunaEnvironmentArchitecture and environment
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ActivityBy footBy bike
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Rating
Slope graph
Description
Stage 3. From Pals to Torroella via the Gola del Ter
The route leaves Pals on the road which leads to Mas Salvi, skirting the mixed woodland of holm oaks, cork oaks, pines and, even some shady oaks, which carpet the feet of the mountains and the area of hills and the Quermany stream through which it passes. You soon come to Masos de Pals, a neighbourhood which has become more prosperous thanks to second homes, specifically in the quiet area of the Church of Sant Fructuós, more popularly known as Sant Fruitós.
After Masos de Pals, the road leads to the agricultural plain until, after skirting some pines woods and an enormous golf course, it reaches the area with the highest concentration of irrigation channels of the Baix Ter, now next to the rice fields and entering the boundaries of the Natural Park. It is worth paying special attention to this area as you enjoy the changing colours and appearance of the rice fields depending on the time of year: land and water, green and mature brown.
Further on, you cross the Rec del Molí de Pals, which is among the most important ones and the ones that carry the most water and it then accompanies you into the rice fields to the Bassa de l’Anser pond next to the Mas Pinell development, before it finally flows into the sea at the beach of la Fonollera, which you can enjoy with the backdrop of its restored dunes.
The dunes extend along this long flat coastline, and today’s route follows them as far as the Gola del Ter itself, where the river, old and tired, mixes with the playful waves of the Mediterranean. After walking in the sand of this place with its good atmosphere, all that remains is to go back up river as far as the old town of Torroella, and the end of your day’s journey.
Tips
ROUTE
- This route combines a first section where you are walking on asphalt and a more interesting second section on cart tracks, some paths and in particular the sand of the coast.
WATER
- It is possible to find water in Masos de Pals. However, drinking water is hard to find on the rest of the route, so take a full bottle from the start.
PRECAUTIONS
- On the coastal stretch, do not climb the dunes or leave the marked route.
- On days with rough seas or high waters, it is important to take care in the coastal area and around the Gola del Ter.
WEATHER
- The route is very open and has little shade. Protect yourself well from the effects of the sun.
- It is best to pick a day with little wind as the sand carried by the wind on the coastal stretch can be annoying.
TERRAIN
- The terrain is largely easy throughout the whole route. On the coastal stretch, there are sections of the route covered by sand from the dunes and so walking there can be difficult. You just have to be patient and make progress.
EQUIPMENT
- Windbreaker if the wind is strong on the coastal section, especially in winter.
- Hiking poles might help on the long trail sections.
- Binoculars and a camera for watching the birdlife and photographing the Gola del Ter.
OTHER FACILITIES
- You will have no trouble finding a wide variety of bars, restaurants, accommodation, tourist services and information about the area in Pals and in Toroella de Montgrí.
- On the beach of la Fonollera, in good weather, there are huts open where you can have a drink and eat something simple.
- There is a bar-restaurant in the Mas-Pinell development.
