The nineteenth stage of the GR 1 Transversal Trail lets us discover and enjoy the tranquility of the Pla de Tragó and charming spots in the village of Peramola, where the poet Miquel Martí i Pol spent copious amounts of time. During this stage you will see magnificent views of the Segre River valley and you can overlook most of the western section of the Oliana anticline. After skirting the Tossal de Sant Mark, you will leave Alt Urgell and enter the region of la Noguera. You will be walking through a forested territory that is not well known, but is very enticing.
Tracks
Technical info
Starting point of the stage
Oliana
Endpoint of the stage
Pallerols
Distance
14,80
Duration
3:50h
Total ascent
+545m / -188m
Maximum altitude
996
Minimum altitude
451
Dificultat
Considerable. Derived from the distance and ascent to overcome.
Material
We recommend carrying a pair of binoculars for observing both small and large birds of prey.
Cartography
Topographic map of Catalonia 1:25,000. Oliana - 62. ICGC Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya
Route
We begin the nineteenth stage of the GR 1 in (1) Oliana (0:00 - 451 m). Follow the white and red GR trail markers and pass the village’s water treatment plant, on your right side as you go by. Very soon you will reach the Palanca bridge over the Segre River. Directly you will enter the village of Tragó. Cross the village through the plaça del Ball and the road to Peramola. Follow the Tragó road for a few meters (NW) and then branch off toward the left (SW) following a wide track used for farming purposes. Cross the broad Pla de Tragó following that same track, until you come to a two-way fork. Take the track to the right (NW) in the direction of Peramola. Cross the road and enter the village on Sant Miquel street. Soon you will reach plaça Josep Roca, the heart of the historic village of (2) Peramola (1:30 - 570 m).
From the center of Peramola, continue along Frederic Ribó street and pass the public washbasins. You will leave Peramola along the road to Cortiuda. After passing a number of summer houses and two switchbacks, you will leave the road and turn off to the left along the Camí de la Mina, and track through the forest that climbs up toward the old bauxite mines in the serra de Sant Marc. Continue toward the S-SW. A few meters below, you will see the road that connects Peramola with Politg and la Torre de Rialb. You will arrive in a clearing and turn to the left along a narrow path that draws close to the base of the cliffs of Tossal de Sant Marc. Further along, the narrow path feeds back onto the track you were following earlier. Take the track to your right (W). Skirt the mountain and pass a number of buildings in ruins.
The road will be relatively flat with a slight tendency to descend until you come to the (3) Sant Marc fork (3:00 - 962 m). To the right, a path breaks off which climbs up onto the Tossal. Take the left fork instead, making a very sharp turn (track). The path will circle around the foothill and you will be reach the southern slope of the mountain. Along the flank, you will cross the three streams on the barranc del Vilaró. Walk through the interior of a lovely pine forest where, if you pay attention, you will hear the song of birds such as the great tit or the chaffinch. Nearing Pallerols, you will reach a fork. Turn to the left and after a number of switchbacks, you will arrive in (4) Pallerols (3:50 - 808 m), the endpoint of this stage.
Highlights
Crossings the Segre River over the magnificent Palanca bridge, and enjoying watching river birds like kingfishers and herons.
Walking unhurriedly while enjoying the agricultural landscape of the Pla de Tragó.
The fountains, the antique public wash basins, the gardens and the narrow streets of the lovely village of Peramola.
The views over the Segre valley and the Rialb Reservoir during the stretch under the cliffs of Tossal de Sant Marc.
Did you know that...
Before the Palanca bridge was built, the residents of Tragó used a boat to cross the Segre? Using that system, the residents of the village could get to Oliana very quickly. Unfortunately, the boat was swept away by a flash flood in 1955. Later, a metallic towrope was used along with a structure that four people could ride in, but the handle the turned the cable pulley broke. A wooden suspension bridge was also built, but the planks deteriorated too quickly. Finally, the current concrete Palanca bridge was built, which can be crossed by pedestrians, motorcycles, cars, and small trucks.
Do not miss...
Discovering the cozy village of Peramola, with its fountains and narrow streets, far from the constant din of the C-14 highway. Peramola is also one of the gateways to the wild territory of les Roques del Corb i de Sant Honorat and the serra d’Aubenç. A dry and labyrinthine natural treasure which holds an extraordinary savage beauty.
Observations
The route for this stage is very exposed to the sun. If you are travelling during the summer months, it is important to drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun to prevent sunstroke.
Image gallery
