08 - A TASTE OF THE RIU CORB VALLEY
The Corb valley, straddling the Conca de Barberà and the Urgell, offers visitors a haven of tranquillity, where the rhythm of farming life blends into a rich natural and historical heritage. With a lively business community organised in an active association, a visit to the valley often ends with a taste of local products or cuisine.
- Desnivell
- +230 m
- Durada
- 2 h 10 min (walking time)
- Dificultat
- beginner level - green
- Senyalització
- municipal route signposting
Description
On this outing you can enjoy a small taste of the Corb valley, setting out from the village of Vallfogona de Riucorb and climbing between fields of crops in search of the Solà del Seniol. The walk goes round the hill south of the village, passing old farmhouses, sheepfolds and threshing floors. A visit to the Font del Ballart is a must, said to have proven diuretic properties. You return to the village through the Boixaders wood, with some steep descents.
Technical information
Distance: 6.7 km
Elevation gain: +230 m
Duration (approx.): 2 h 10 min (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): beginner level - green
Signposting: municipal route signposting
Vallfogona de Riucorb is a town with a splendid, noble past. Located in the Serra de Comalats, in the Riu Corb Valley, one of the edges of the Costa Daurada, Vallfogona is known for its thermal waters, channelled to the spa hotel, a recognised name on the health tourism circuit. It is also known for the traces of its medieval past, especially in the old town, where you can discover the legacy of the Templars. And more recently, because it named a street after the former footballer and manager Johan Cruyff. The street was dedicated after the death of the legendary player, with the blessing of his family, who, together with FC Barcelona directors, attended the inauguration, and with whom a curious relationship continues. Carrer Johan Cruyff is the gateway to the town's sports facilities.
Mentioned in 17th-century sources, this mineral water spring has proven diuretic properties and is considered one of the best in Vallfogona de Riucorb. In the time of the Rector of Vallfogona it was called the Font de les Canyes (Reed Spring), after the reed beds that grew around it. Today the Font del Ballart is piped to Plaça Francesc Vicent Garcia, in the centre of the village.
In Vallfogona de Riucorb you will also find the Rural Life Space where you can admire a remarkable collection of miniature farm tools, donated by the Solé family of the town. Besides the exhibit, there are information panels explaining how the land was worked.