Stage 20: Pallerols - Coll de Comiols

Begin the eighteenth stage of GR 1 in the small village of (1) Pallerols (0:00 - 808 m). Descend for a stretch along the flatlands of the Pallerols fountain, following the white and red GR trail markers. Soon you will turn off to the right (W) alongside lovely the Bosc de les Bòfies. You will reach the top of a hill and descend to the out-of-the-way Cal Tomàs ravine. Cross the ravine and begin ascending the south-facing slope (SW) until you reach the crest of the mountain. The path turns to the right (NW) and begins to descend. Soon you will reach the banks of the Rialb River. 

Follow this lovely watercourse to the North, enjoying the gorgeous riparian forest that borders it, and accompanied by the singing of countless birds that come to the river for water and food – for example, the kingfisher. On the other bank of the river, you will see the fish farm Molinou. Continue along until you reach the Cal Metge farmhouse and the (2) bridge over the Rialb (1:50 - 485 m). Cross the river and take the paved track that climbs up the Maçaners ravine to the (3) Massanés farmhouse (2:35 - 653 m). From the farmhouse, the stage continues along a track that ascends to the ridgeline toward the NW. You will pass a number of other tracks turning off to both sides, which provide access to some houses and fields. Continue through the higher areas of the mountain, called the serrat de Turpí in this section. You will have good views of the serra d’Aubenç, the Port del Comte, and even Cadí.

Continue walking along the serra de Turpí toward the N until you reach a fork in the path. At this point, take the track to the left (NW) and descend until you reach the Gavernera ravine. Cross the ravine and begin ascending (W) toward the Grau de Moles. Pass the cutoff that leads to the Gavernera house (in ruins) and continue climbing. Leave the track behind and continue a few final meters on a narrow path that will lead you to the (4) Grau de Moles pass (3:50 - 1,216 m). The view from this natural mountain pass are unforgettable! You will see the Conca Dellà and Conca de Tremp below, flanked by countless ridges, peaks and passes. It is worth highlighting Montsec, the serra de Gurp, the Turbón, the cliffs of Sant Gervàs, Sant Corneli, Montsent de Pallars, Cap de Boumort and the limestone walls of Carreu.

Descend from the pass toward the SW, sheltered by the sandstone of the Roc de Benavent, a spectacular cliff face oriented toward the West. The descent is magnificent and serves as a wonderful entry to the Pallars Jussà. You will arrive at the base of the cliffs and the village of (5) Benavent de la Conca (5:00 - 995 m). Cross the village and make a final effort to reach the (6) coll de Comiols (6:00 h - 1,100 m), the endpoint of this stage.