This 15km meduim-hard circular hiking route in the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró is a beutiful route along the PR-C-125 trail starting out in a beach forest to visit the Bullidor de la llet, (the Milk Kettle) waterfall and fast flowing river that has the appearance of boiling milk. The water emerges from the side of a cliff and flows rapidly down a narrow channel producing fast flowing white water.
The next stage ascends a forested trail into the valley of the Torrent de la font del Faig to arrive at the spectacular Els Empedrats where the natural pool is a great place to swim. The trail follows this river valley constantly ascending the rocky valley until arriving at a mountain plain at Refugi Sant Jordi (hostel).
The route continues ascending a forested trail up to Pas de Galigan ridge and onto the Cap de la Boixasa summit with breath-taking panoramic Pyreneers mountain views. The returm route drops down to Collada de la Pelosa and dowm pista de Pelosa track passing El Monnell farm ruin.
As the path transitions into a paved rural road, there is a small diversion of 150m to head into a forest to find the Salt de Murcorols waterfall. This is a waterfall that flows over a clay rock and where you will see a Pillar of joined stalactite and a stalagmite.
Following the road back to the start there is also another waterfall, Salt Dou de Bastareny that can be found about 20 metres inside the forest. and further along the road another interesting water feature called Bullidor de Sant Esteve. Just before arriving at the start of the route you pass Molí del Forat watermill ruin.
The route starts and ends at Cal Cerdanyola - Aula de Natura La Salle hostel and nature education centre where you will find parking.
It is advisable to complete this route in late spring or autumn to ensure that water is flowing in all the water features. In summer the rivers may be dry and in winter they may be frozen.
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Starting from Aparcament dels Empedrats follow the gravel track past Font Nostra and across a metal railing bridge turning right and crossing a chain across the track. Continue past a stone building called Refugi Vents del Cadí and continue as it transitions into the Camí dels Empedrats footpath. After a few Kilometres of walking in the forest the trail crosses the river via a stone bridge. You might not even notice the bridge because it is hidden by plant growth- Shortly after the bridge is a left turn to head towards Bullidor de la llet (1023m).
I recommend taking this short diversion to see the first waterfall and its river channel. This waterfall is not really a good place to swim but you can get a good shower from the waterfall. Once back on the main path continue heading up through the forest as the trail enters a very rocky canyon. This part of the route is spectacularly beautiful as the path weaves up the canyon crossing the river multiple times. You will arrive at Els Empedrats waterfall (1035m). This is the best place to swim on the route with the natural pool in front of the 10m waterfall having a stone beach and good depth.
After the waterfall, pick up the ascending rocky trail and as you pass the waterfall you will see a natural hole in the rocks that looks down onto the pool of the waterfall. Keep following this trail paying attention to the red an yellow route markers on the rocks. if you see a red or yellow cross this means that the trail is not via that path. The route passes a smaller waterfall and the rocky river bed of the canyon.
The trail gradually bears round to the left following the river and passing Estret d'Escriu information point and Font Gran d'Escriu (1318m) natural spring where it enters Vall de Pendis and eventually emerges into a n open mountain meadow leading up to Refugi Sant Jordi hostel (1558m). Here it may be possible to get a cold beer. However there is still more uphill walking to do!
From Refugi Sant Jordi pick up an ascending forested trail that contours up the side of a ridge to Pas de Galigan (1688m) where if you walk a few metres off the trail along the rocky ridge you will be rewarded with a great viewpoint. Continue along this trail climbing further up to Cap de la Boixassa (1825m) this is the top plateau where you will find a stone summit marker.
Descend via the opposite side of Boixassa mountain. follow the GPS trail to get the right path. At Collada de Pelosa take the gravel rural track descending down the mountain for a couple of kilometres and passing El Monnell farmhouse ruin. Shortly after the gravel track transitions into a paved country lane that you bear left onto.
after about 100m keep an eye out for a path on the right into the forest to Salt de Murcarols this is another small diversion that is well worth the effort to visit this waterfall, even though by now you will probably be very tired. Once back on the road after walking another 500m there is another spectacular waterfall on the right called Salt Dou de Bastareny. Continue along the road for a further 500m and there is also another water feature called Bullidor de Sant Esteve. The last km or so is via the road back to the starting point and passing Molí del Forat watermill ruin.
This is a medium-hard route because the distance is 15 km through mountainous terrain with a total elevation gain and loss of 1087 metres.
Allow 7-9 hours to complete this route.
Pack a normal mountain hiking rucksack but include a lightweight towel, swimwear and escarpines (water shoes).
Address: Cal Cerdanyola, Camí de Monell a la font de l'Adou, Bagá. 08695
Take the C16 motorway to Berga and about 20km further north take an exit signposted Bagá. Follow the road into the centre of the village. Turn right onto Av. de Salarich and at the roundabout take passeig de Gillebás. turn right onto Avenida Reina Elisenda skirting the centre of town as it transitions into Avenida del Districte Forestal. Follow this road past the tourist information office and Camping Bastareny. This road will eventually reach a Y junction where you need to the the ascending right fork gravel track to the Aparcament dels Empedrats at Cal Cerdanyola - Aula de Natura La Salle hostel
There are no bars or restaurants once you leave the town of Bagá so I recommend stopping at the Circs petrol station on the C16. Here you will find a typical roadside Spanish cafe called Els Portals de Cercs. This petrol station is famous because of the cafe/restaurant which has a rear terrace overlooking the Panta de la Baells reservoir. This cafe has a large counter with home baked sweet and savoury pastries which are the best you will find in this part of Catalonia.
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Medium-Hard 15km Cadí-Moixeró natural park circular route via Bullidor de la llet & Els Empedrats waterfalls, Sant jordi Hostel & Boixasa summit
Distance: 15.08 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Return Travel Fare: €25.00
Transport Network: Car
Mountain Forecast weather for Vulturoacute; (near Cap de la Boixassa)
