Self-guided · Catalan Pyrenees, Spain
Stone villages
and high passes
in the Pyrenees.
A week between the mountain villages of the Catalan Pyrenees, from Camprodon's 12th-century bridge to the rack railway at Ribes de Freser. Two high passes, two free days, and comfortable mountain hotels every night.
- Days
- 8
- Distance
- 60 km
- Ascent
- 3,500 m
- Grade
- Moderate
Trip Essentials
Two free days
Stay put in Setcases or climb Costabona at 2,465 m. Later, take the rack railway up to the Vall de Núria among 3,000 m peaks.
The walk
The quiet end
of the Pyrenees.
The eastern Pyrenees are where the mountains drop towards the Mediterranean, and the valleys above Camprodon are some of the least visited in Spain. You walk through high pasture and beech forest, past old stone farmhouses, and over two passes above 1,700 m with the big peaks to the west and the green hills of the Garrotxa to the east.
The days are four to six hours, and there are two free days. In Setcases you can rest or take on Costabona, at 2,465 m the biggest climb of the week. In Ribes de Freser you can ride the rack railway up to the monastery at Núria, ringed by 3,000 m peaks, and walk back down the valley.
Every night is in a small mountain hotel, most with a pool or a spa, and your bags travel ahead of you.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Arrive in Camprodon
Camprodon sits where the Ter and Ritort rivers meet under a 12th-century stone bridge. Wander the squares and the family-run shops full of local cheese and cured meats. Night at Hotel Cims de Camprodon, a few steps from the centre.
- 02
Camprodon → Molló
3 h · 8.7 kmAn easy start up through lush pasture into the high Garrotxa, then down through woods and valleys past old farmhouses to Molló and its 12th-century Romanesque church. There's a wildlife park to visit in the afternoon. Night at Hotel Calitxó, a mountain hotel with a garden and pool.
- 03
Molló → Fembra Morta and Lliens passes → Setcases
4.5 h · 12.9 kmThe big walking day: a long, steady climb to the Fembra Morta pass (1,728 m), then high along to the Lliens pass (1,864 m), a good spot for a picnic. Big Pyrenean peaks to the west, wooded hills to the east, then down to the village of Setcases. Night at Hotel Coma, at 1,279 m, with a pool and a fireplace.
- 04
Free day in Setcases, or climb Costabona
Optional · 6 h · 17.9 kmRest in the village or take on Costabona (2,465 m): up through fir and beech forest and mountain streams to granite summits and views across the high Pyrenees, then back down to Setcases. Second night at Hotel Coma.
- 05
Setcases → La Roca → Camprodon
4.5 h · 13.6 kmA lovely high route above the valley, with wide views in clear weather, past La Roca, which looks as though it's growing out of the rock, and back to Camprodon. Night at Hotel Cims de Camprodon.
- 06
Collada Verda pass → Ribes de Freser
6.5 h · 16.8 kmA 20-minute transfer, then a gradual climb up a wild valley to the Collada Verda pass (1,606 m) and down on rolling paths to Ribes de Freser. If you'd rather not walk today, you can travel with the bags. Night at Hotel Els Caçadors, family-run since 1920, with a rooftop jacuzzi.
- 07
Free day: the rack railway to Núria
Optional · 3.5 h · 8.3 kmTake the rack railway 1,000 m up to the monastery at Núria, walk the marked loops among the 3,000 m peaks, and if you like walk back down the valley to Queralbs. Second night at Hotel Els Caçadors.
- 08
Departure
Train from Ribes de Freser to Barcelona, or bus from Ripoll to Girona.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Seven nights in four mountain hotels: Hotel Cims de Camprodon in the centre of Camprodon, Hotel Calitxó in Molló with its garden and pool, Hotel Coma in Setcases with indoor and outdoor pools, and Hotel Els Caçadors in Ribes de Freser, opposite the rack railway, with a rooftop jacuzzi.
Getting there
Fly to Barcelona and take the direct bus to Camprodon. Going home, the train runs from Ribes de Freser to Barcelona, or there's a bus from Ripoll to Girona.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Seven nights in mountain hotels, two sharing a room
Seven breakfasts
Your bags moved between hotels
Arrival transfer from Ripoll
Transfer to the start of the walk on day 6
Route notes, maps, GPX files and a phone app with built-in navigation
Local phone and WhatsApp support, and an out-of-hours number
All planning and booking by Big Trail Adventures
Not included
- Flights and trains
- Rack railway tickets to Núria
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (half board for five nights can be added)
- Travel insurance (we recommend it)
- Entry fees and personal expenses
This route. These nights.
One clear price.
You are booking the itinerary above: your walking days, your overnight stays and the support that carries you between them.
Organising this trail for friends? Build a group trip with individual payments
- Full refund if unhappy with any changes
- Confirmation within a few days
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
How hard is it?
Moderate. Most days are three to four and a half hours, with one longer six-hour day over the Collada Verda. The two passes on day 3 are a steady climb rather than a scramble. Costabona on day 4 is optional and the hardest walk of the week.
Can I walk it on my own?
Not this one. Our local team runs it for two or more walkers. If two of you want separate rooms, it's £510 extra for the single room. For a solo trip, look at the Rugged Catalan Coast or Catalan Coast & Mountain.
Can I add dinners?
Yes. Half board on five of the nights can be added. Ask us when you book.
Can I start on any date?
Yes, any date between 21 April and 14 October, as long as it's at least six weeks away.
Who do I book with?
You book with Big Trail Adventures and pay us. We arrange everything with our local team in Catalonia, who look after you on the ground.
Is the Catalan High Pyrenees tour self-guided?
Yes. This is a self-guided trip: you walk the 60 km route independently, with no guide and no group. Accommodation for all 7 nights is booked for you, route notes and maps are provided, and there is local support in the region if anything goes wrong.
Do I need a guide or can I walk it alone?
No guide is needed. The route is walked on marked paths with the notes and mapping supplied in your pack. You choose your own start date within the season (21 April to 14 October) and walk each day at your own pace.
Who arranges the accommodation?
We do. Seven nights in four mountain hotels: Hotel Cims de Camprodon in the centre of Camprodon, Hotel Calitxó in Molló with its garden and pool, Hotel Coma in Setcases with indoor and outdoor pools, and Hotel Els Caçadors in Ribes de Freser, opposite the rack railway, with a rooftop jacuzzi.
