This is a linear 15km MEDIUM or MEDIUM-HARD mountain walk starting at Ribes de Freser and finishing at Vall de Núria Winter Ski and Summer resort. To return to Ribes de Freser take the Cremallera racked railway from Núria Ski resort back to Ribes de Freser Renfe station.
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 MEDUIM-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 MEDIUM 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.
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About 2 minutes walk from the Renfe Train station is Bar Gusi which serves snacks and drinks all day, including vegan options.
Allow 6-9 hours to complete the route depending on physical fitness.
I recommend completing this route from June to August to enjoy the wild flowers in the meadows, full leafy green forests and to swim in Núria Lake or the Salt de la Cua de Vavall waterfall near Núria Resort.
The route starts by traversing small mountain plains linked by forests in the lower slopes and you may find free grazing cattle. The forests are mixed oak, beach, cork and pine. After Queralbs the forest transition to mostly pines which is where along the route you may find poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars in spring and summer. The route is viable for a dog with no difficulties for your fury friend. Note that in the village of Vilamanya you may find free roaming cats. Your dog will enjoy this route because after Queralbs there are a few places to swim in the mountain river.
I pack for wind and rain when doing this hike because it is in the high Pyrenees mountains.
I recommend 2-3 litres of water because there is nowhere to top up water bottles along the route.
If doing this as a winter hike, I recommend crampons for added traction on any snow or ice.
Address: Estacio de Muntanya, Vall de Nuria. 17534
Take the Renfe R3 Rodalies train to Ribes de Freser and use the Vall de Núria Cremallera to return from Núria Resort. The route starts at Ribes de Freser and ends at Núria Resort.
Train fares and times for the Cremallera racked railway can be found on the Vall de Núria website. A combined Renfe and Cremallera ticket is available, TreNatura which is considerably cheaper than buying the tickets individually.
The combined Renfe + Cremallera return ticket called TreNatura can be purchased from any Renfe Rodalies ticket machine or purchased online. Note that the combined return ticket will print out two tickets. One is for the Renfe segment and one for the cremallera segment. When you get to Ribes de Freser you have to swap the cremallera ticket at the Nuria cremallera ticket office for a barcode ticket that can be used on the cremallera ticket machines.
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A linear route uphill via a spectacular mountain valley passing via querlabs mountain village and mulltiple waterfalls to get to Nuria Resort.
Distance: 14.99 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Return Travel Fare: €33.50
Transport Network: Rodalies & Cremallera
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