03 - THE PRIORAT FROM ABOVE: A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW FROM MONTSANT
The Serra de Montsant Natural Park, in the north of the Priorat comarca, is the destination of choice for hikers and climbers. Inhabited since ancient times and farmed for centuries, it was declared a natural park in 2002 to protect its biodiversity and landscape from the threat of wind farms on its windy ridge.
- Distància
- 11 km
- Desnivell
- +500 m
- Durada
- 3 h 30 min (walking time)
- Dificultat
- medium level - blue
- Senyalització
- natural park signposting and historic metal markers
Description
Here we suggest climbing the southern slope of the Serra de Montsant, cut by impressive cliffs that seem utterly impassable. Only where the cliff has let its guard down, following a stepped path built for people and livestock to pass, can we reach its most prized treasure: splendid views from 1,000 m up and bucolic nooks where the harshest terrain seems to have absorbed everything. Once at the top, the hike takes you to the unexpected Clot del Cirer, where the explosion of green vegetation watered by a small spring will surprise you.
Technical information
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain: +500 m
Duration (approx.): 3 h 30 min (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): medium level - blue
Waypointing: natural park signposting and historic metal markers
In the heart of the Serra del Montsant, the Clot del Cirer is one of the most emblematic spots in the Serra del Montsant Natural Park, one of the rooftops of the Costa Daurada. You reach it either from La Morera de Montsant, or via the Salfores or Grallera steps towards the Piló de Senyalets, and from both points to the Pi del Cugat, where you take a footpath that descends to the Clot. A place of pastures thanks to the grass that grows there and the water, the Clot del Cirer is a green lung that contrasts with the arid Serra Major. Incidentally, in place of a cherry tree, which died some years ago, a walnut tree now reigns.
Located in the Barranc dels Pèlags, the Toll de l’Ou is a privileged spot in the Montsant and the Costa Daurada, made up of several pools carved into the rock and linked by small waterfalls. Ideal for cooling off, the best times to visit are in spring and early summer. You reach it from Ulldemolins along the GR-171, passing the hermitage of Santa Magdalena towards the Pi de la Carabasseta, where a path descends to the Toll. You can also get there from La Morera del Montsant, following the same GR-171.
The best views of the historic Priorat, the Serra de la Gritella and the Serra de Llaberia are to be found from this privileged lookout. The Balcó del Priorat del Montsant, although a spot of extraordinary beauty and very photogenic, is not suitable for people with vertigo. Even so, if you take care you will enjoy unique views. So, do you dare? You reach it from La Morera de Montsant via the Grau dels Barrots, which presents some technical difficulty.