Sadurnes is a tiny hamlet in the in the Alta Garrotxa Natural Park (Parc Natural de Alta Garrotxa) and is the starting point of a spectacular 16 kilometre circular hiking route via the Sant Aniol d'Aguja river valley passing water mill ruins, tiny chapels and waterfalls.
The largely unpopulated mountains of Alta Garrotxa that run to the French border within the 153 square kilometres natural park has a wealth of landscapes. The isolation and wild nature of the terrain have enabled a broad array of wildlife to settle here.
Historically, Alta Garrotxa had a very low number of inhabitants most of whom worked in agriculture and livestock. Today, the principle industry is tourism with a range of activities on offer such as hiking, swimming, canyoning, climbing, caving and mountain biking.
This route is a hiking route with fantastic swimming spots in the deep waterfall pools of crystal clear water. The route passes through a terrain formed of silicic and calcareous rocks as well as scree slopes. Vegetation consists of lowland oak grove, mountain oak grove and riparian forest. The route follows the river as far as Salt de Brull waterfall that is 4 kilometres from the French border.
The flow of the River Sant Aniol is often intermittent, as the water infiltrates below the stream bed and rocks so I recommend visiting in early September.
Note: Sadurnes is access controlled to protect the natural space and a parking permit must be obtained to visit the river valley.
Allow 6 to 8 hours to complete this route.
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From Sadurnes Parking, walk past Hostal de Sadernes along the paved road and follow the road passing Església de Santa Cecília de Sadernes, continue through the second Sadurnes parking area onto Camí de Sant Aniol country lane as it passes next to the Sant Aniol river.
After 1 kilometre the road crosses the river via a stone Norman arch bridge called Pont del Pas dels Aures From here you might see that the river bed is dry. This is normal because further up the river is a weir to retain the water level. Follow the road a further 700m and cross the river again via an iron bridge called pont de Ferro. a further 400m takes us to a small parking area and another Norman arch stone bridge, Pont de Valentí, where we cross the river again.
On the other side of the river there is a stone farmhouse that has been converted to Easy Day Hostel / Hostal de Ca la Bruta offering nature based learning retreats. From the hostel take the forested footpath parallel to the river for 1.5 kilometres through the forest until you pass Molí de Riu watermill ruin where the path dips down to a natural fording point to cross the river and follow the path on the opposite bank.
After half a kilometre the path opens up to a lake, El Gomarell that has been created by a weir across the river. This is the first place I dipped my feet in the water and admired the fish. The path continues across the top of the weir to the opposite bank. The next kilometre of the path is a steep climb up a rocky path with many switchbacks climbing in altitude from 356m to 552m. Along the path are multiple viewpoints of the surrounding mountain cliffs, Cingles de Guitarriu as the path snakes its way around the mountain it crosses two scree slopes where you can see down the mountain side.
After a 1 kilometre section of relatively flat path it starts to descend back down to the river. take the left descending fork in the path passing Cal Sastre farmhouse ruin. When the path gets to the Ermita de Sant Aniol d'Aguja chapel, take the left path and after 500m you arrive at Gorg del Citró which is another great place to swim in the natural pool of the waterfall. A further 500m up the path next to the river is the spectacular Salt del Brull waterfall and natural pool that is also great for swimming. You may even see people doing canyoning here.
This is the turnaround point of the route so first back track to Ermita de Sant Aniol d'Aguja chapel but do not take the mountainous path that you came from. facing the chapel, the the left of the façade next to Refugi Sant Aniol d’Aguja is a path that dips down to the river and crosses via a wooden footbridge. Turn right and follow the path parallel to the river for 1 kilometre.
Cross the river via the natural fording point and continue along the forested trail before emerging onto a cliff side path next to the river. This path leads onto Gorg del Citró which is my favourite place to swim. you can swim up the narrow channel of the river a short way. The water is a dazzling clear blue here. Continue on this path as it fords the river past the pool. follow the path parallel to the river for half a kilometre crossing a wooden footbridge.
The path continues for a further kilometre crossing the river a few times until it arrives at El Gomarell lake and the weir that we crossed at the beginning of the hike. backtrack along the same path until Molí de Riu watermill ruin where shortly after you take the left fork onto a path that follows the river passing La Farga watermill ruin. The path crosses the river and continues for about a kilometre to arrive at Pont de Valentí and Easy Day Hostel / Hostal de Ca la Bruta. From here follow the road back to Sadurnes.
Shortly after passing Església de Santa Cecília de Sadernes you can stop off in Hostal de Sadurnes garden to enjoy a cold beer and snacks in the benches.
This route is great with a dog and does not present any difficulties. the part of the route along the top of the river canyon does involve clambering over some boulders in one short part and you may need to help your dog here. No need to carry extra water for the dog because there is drinking water readily available in the streams and waterfalls. You may need to keep your dog on a leash for the beginning of the hike along paved lane because of occasional vehicle traffic.
The route involves walking through mixed forests of predominantly non pine trees but be vigilant in spring and summer for poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars if you see pine trees.
This is an medium walking route in the Pyrenees mountains. I always do it with a small rucksack of the essentials and first aid kit. Emergency waterproof/windproof jacket is recommended.
Take 2 to 3 litres of water.
Explore secret waterfall of the Pyrenees Mountains in Alta Garrotxa from the village of Sadurnes.
Note: Van pickup from Caldes de Malavella Train Station about 1 hour from barcelona Paseo de Gracia train station. We will provide you with all the information on how to catch the train from Paseo de Gracia.
Address: Parking Sadernes, Sadurnes, Girona. 17853
Sadurnes is only reachable by car.
Take the AP7 to Girona and exit at junction 5 onto the C-66 towards Banyoles. Continue past Banyoles and onto Besalú where you take the A-26 to Olot. At Km75 take the exit onto the GIV-5233 to Montagut where you take the GIV-5231 to Sadurnes. Allow for 2 hours driving time to get to Sadurnes from Barcelona.
Alternatively, Sadurnes can be reached taking the C17 to Vic then the C37 & C152 to Olot. From Olot take the A25 to Besalú exiting at km72 onto the GIV-5233.
A stunning 15km circular route from Sadurnes via natural pools & waterfalls of Sant Aniol d'Aguja river valley with watermill ruins, stone farmhouses & chapels
Distance: 15.35 Km
Difficulty: Meduim
Return Travel Fare: €35.00
Transport Network: CAR
