a0211 - Ribes de Freser to Vall de Nuria
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 9.32 mi
- Elevation gain
- 4,367 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 896 ft
- Max elevation
- 6,521 ft
- TrailRank
-
67
4.7
- Min elevation
- 2,950 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Coordinates
- 643
- Uploaded
- October 1, 2019
near Ribes de Freser, Catalunya (España)
Viewed 12629 times, downloaded 279 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Núria is a valley with a hotel complex and ski resort at an altitude of 1965 metres above sea level with Ribes de Freser being 899 metres above sea level so the total elevation gain along this route is 1331 metres which earns this route a medium-hard classification.
From RENFE Ribes de Freser walk towards the centre of the town parallel to the river. We turn off at a curve in the road and take a small alley out of the town and into the forest. From here start heading up through cattle grazing hills.
The route is 100% uphill all the way with brief flat sections. The first half of the route is through forests, foothill grazing farm land and small mountain villages arriving at the picturesque town of Queralbs. Note that the Cremallera racked railway stops at queralbs so those wanting to do a shorter route can cut this section out and start from Queralbs village.
The second half of the route enters the Núria river valley and we walk up a mountain path that has old stone bridges, caves, waterfalls, viewpoints and small pine forests.
This route can also be done in reverse starting at Núria ski resort but I prefer to do it starting at Ribes de Freser because it is a good workout. A meduim level of fitness is required. I Completed the route in 6 hours as an experienced mountain hiker. Note that good time management is also necessary to ensure getting the last Cremallera train back to Ribes de Freser.
For train maps and ticket information, tips for where to eat and overnight accommodation in Núria Resort, visit the Barcelona Travel Hacks website.
The Ribes to Núria route is from the Ripollès Pyrenees Region hiking collection.
Waypoints
Train stop
Provisioning
2,952 ft
Cafetería Bar Gusi & Ski Mountain Shop
www.bargusi.com www.skimountain.net
Intersection
2,979 ft
Turn right into Alley followed by a left
Once off the main road take the alley leading up followed by the first left. Follow this cobblestone road until it converts into a path into the forest.
Intersection
3,566 ft
Turn Left towards Batet Village
Follow the Tarmac road into the village
Intersection
3,691 ft
Batet
Follow route through village taking the rural track continuing as it converts into a path into the forest.
Panorama
4,110 ft
Vilamanya viewpoint
Behind the viewpoint is a signpost indicating the continuation of the path towards Queralbs.
Bridge
3,734 ft
Stone Bridge
Cross the small stone bridge and continue following the path round to the right.
Religious site
Fountain
3,996 ft
Dragon Water Fountain
This was, historically, where the townspeople would get drinking water and wash their clothes.
Monument
Provisioning
3,938 ft
Bars Restaurants
Walk down the main street in Queralbs. Stopp of for a quick drink and snack if needed.
Waterfall
Waypoint
4,780 ft
Straight Across Boulder field
The boulder field is perfectly stable. Stay on the path and follow the trail of trodden and worn down rocks.
Birding spot
Waypoint
6,432 ft
Cremallera ticket office
The ticket office is located inside this building. Following the route you will enter the building through the red door. The ticket office is on the left here and is also signposted.
Comments (5)
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Very good route, we did it the other way around, we left from the Vall de Nuria to Ribes de Freser and it took us 6 hours, counting that we stopped for an hour to have lunch in Queralbs and that a storm that came and went with us. We did the last section between Batat and Ribes de Freser on the road because otherwise it was going to give us the chance to catch the train. Thanks for sharing! ✌🏻
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Thanks for making such a locker and clear route! I the information and signposts along the way were really helpful, particularly from ribes de freser to queralbs which was not well signposted along the route itself so your directions were really useful! We did it exactly as you described and with similar timings. I would definitely reccomend using this route, it was so so beautiful and varied with a lovely pit stop in queralbs to refresh.
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Difficult
Awesome trail, tho actual .gpx file at some points slightly deviates from the actual trail
Empezar ruta ahora
Awesome