Sant Quirze De Besora Montesquiu Castle & Mir Waterfall is a meduim-hard circular hiking route of 18km. The paths are mostly gravel roads and well trodden rural walking paths, all in good condition.
The first point of interest on this route is Montesquiu Castle, Castell de Montesquiu. It is possible to visit the interior of the castle. Opening times and prices to visit Montesquiu Castle can be found on the website.
After this castle the route takes rural gravel roads through Pre-Pyrenees cattle grazing land and forestal tracks to the ruined Besora Castle, Castell de Besora, which has spectacular 360° panoramic views.
From this ruined castle the route goes down via more stone farmhouses to the village of Besora then on through more grazing hills to the Mir river which is crossed via a wooden bridge infront of a weir. A little furter we pass the abandoned and ruined stone watermills and arrive at the 40m high Mir waterfall.
After the waterfall the route takes an uphill forestal path to a ridgeline with some great viewpoints. Follow the ridgeline path leading back to Sant Quirze de Besora.
Montesquiu Castle dates from the 9th century when a guard tower was built for Count Guifré I. In the 14th Century the guard tower is transformed from a farmhouse with guard tower into a large fortified residence by Arnau Guillem de Besora.
Lluís Descatllar, residing in Barcelona, expanded and ennobled the house in the 17th Century, building the current chapel and expanding the north-east corner. At the beginning of the 20th century, Emili Juncadella gave the building the appearance of a castle that it has today and surrounded the castle with gardens.
After works to preserved the most significant architectural evidence from the various periods of the castle it has opened as a museum. The Nobel floor of Montesquiu castle is a centre to host conventions, conferences, courses or work meetings for companies and public bodies.
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I recommend allowing 7-9 hours to complete the route and return to Sant Quirze de Besora station.
I advise at least 2 to 3 litres of drinking water.
I also strongly recommend taking neoprene swimming shoes (Escarpines) for swimming in the waterfalls to protect feet from stones in the water. Escarpines cost about 6 euros in decathlon.
Most of this route is forestall and mountain farm plains with cattle and sheep. You may come across poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars in spring and summer. If you do this route in Autumn, as I recommend, there is a low probability of finding Pine Processionary Caterpillars but you may want to keep your dog on a leash around farm animals. The waterfall and river is an area of this route that your fury friend will love. The forests around the river and waterfall will also contain scents of wild rabbits, boars and posibly deer.
This is a medium-long walking route. I always do it with a small rucksack of the essentials and first aid kit. Emergency waterproof jacket is optional depending on the weather forecast.
Take 2 to 3 litres of water. It might be possible to purchase additional water in Santa Maria de Besora but when I passed through the town the two cafeterias were closed. There is also a drinking fountain near the church but it may not be working. I would not recommend taking water from the waterfall because all the animal agriculture farmlands drain into this river so it may give you a stomach bug.
Address: Estacio de RENFE, Sant Quirze de Besora. 08580
The route starts and ends at Sant Quirze de Besora Renfe on the R3 RODALIES train line about 90 minutes from Barcelona.
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A beautiful route that includes Montesquiu Castle, ruined castle of Besora, Besora village, Mir waterfall and abandoned Mill. Forest paths and ridgeline views.
Distance: 18.48 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Return Travel Fare: €12.60
Transport Network: Rodalies
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