Basses de Brichs-Alzina-Miracle

The Brics and Alzina ponds, and Miracle.

Download the leaflet: Solsona_Basses de Brics i l’Alzina or follow the route on  Wikiloc.

“The region of the thousand farmhouses”

El Solsonès is popularly known as “the region of the thousand farmhouses” because of its rural image, a landscape of large extensions of fields and small hills. This GR-7 will guide us through the mosaic of meadows, forests and farmhouses that can be found in the south of the municipality of Solsona. The first section will lead us to Brics, where we will be able to see a pond, as well as one in Alsina, home to a remarkable diversity of fauna, including the presence of water birds. The route can be extended by another one hour journey, along the GR-7, in order to arrive at the Miracle Sanctuary, an outstanding historical and religious centre declared of National Cultural Interest. This itinerary is a reasonable walk around the South of El Solsonès.

Route             

The starting point of this route is the Sant Jordi roundabout; there we take a path that goes past some houses and farms until we reach the Ribalta torrent. Once there, we take the path towards the west until we cross a tunnel (1), and then we find the red and white marks of the GR-7 which lead us toward the south right until we reach the end of the route.

Each step will take us farther away from the city of Solsona, following a flattish path, not far from C-451 road, with a landscape that alternates quiet oak groves with crop fields amongst farmhouses and farms. The landscape that we find, unlike that in the north of Solsona, is soft and undulating. The red and white marks will make us cross the road to head south a few metres and go past the Aigüesvives torrent and farmhouse, a place of special charm. The eroded rock and the riverside vegetation accentuate the singularity of this spot compared to the rest of the route.

We will follow a path through a pine forest that was affected by the fires in 1998 until we reach a plateau with views of Solsona and its surroundings and of the Pre-Pyrenees. Farther on, this path joins a road until it turns to reach the small town of Brics where you can see the Brics pond. Then we follow the GR to get to the Alsina pond. These two ponds are of remarkable dimensions. It is not uncommon to see aquatic fauna such as the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) or the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis). There are observation points equipped with information boards of the natural values of the area.

From the Alsina pond, the GR takes us to Miracle (2), an hour’s walk farther on (4km), which is recommended due to its high cultural and architectural interest. There are some singular elements that stand out, such as the Baroque altarpiece of the church (18th century), the Gothic-Renaissance altarpiece of the Santíssim Chapel (16th century), the Casa Gran (16th century) or the organ (16th century). In addition to a Benedictine centre, there are also various places to visit, such as the House of Spirituality and tourist services, with a new Baroque Interpretation Centre, a monumental ensemble of great importance for celebrating liturgical and spiritual activities. The area is located in a spot that offers interesting panoramic views of the region.

La volta del Vinyet

Around El Vinyet

Download the leaflet Solsona_Volta Vinyet_ENG_FRA: or follow the route on Wikiloc.

“Rural landscape”

Vinyet is the name given to the outskirts of Solsona. There we can find crop fields, hills and farmhouses. The origin of the name comes from the vineyards that used to surround Solsona before the phylloxera plague killed them off during the 1880s. This is a circular route the follows marked trails and which allows people to discover the outskirts of Solsona and its humanized rural landscape. Fields, dry stone walls and farmhouses that maintain their farming activity are still there despite the growing urbanization of the area. The route can be done by bike and is a good way to enjoy nature without getting too far from Solsona. It is 17 kilometres long but you can decide to walk only part of it or link it with some of the other marked itineraries around Solsona.

Route

We start in Solsona and we follow the riverside until we get past the Corb Fountain. We take a turning on our left that goes up to the Creu Blanca area and then take a paved path to our right. During this section we can enjoy good views of the Castellvell. A little bit farther on, we take a turn on our left to reach the Mare de la Font Park. Here we can visit the botanical route that ends at La Mina Fountain. When we get there we take a trail that goes left and then on to the C-26. After that we turn right and get on a paved path that follows the Castellvell hillside. At that point, we get down towards the city of Solsona and following the instructions we will reach C-149a road. We have to follow it for about 400 metres and then we turn left to a trail that will take us to Sant Jordi square. Then, we go along the old Torà road until Cal Llarg urbanization, where we can visit the Sant Bernat chapel. Then we get on a path to the north until we reach Ribalta Torrent. We follow it and when we get to the Sewage treatment plant we take a turn on our right to climb to the Santa Llúcia chapel.

Now we can better enjoy the wonderful views of the Pre-Pyrenees, with the Querol, Verd and Ensija mountain ranges, we can even catch a glimpse of the Pedraforca or the Cadi mountain ranges behind them. We turn left and get down along a paved road until we have to take a track on the left after we get past Cal Pubill. We need to follow it to its end, we go over the bridge that crosses C-149 road and then we go right until we reach C-55 road. We cross it and follow a trail behind a construction company building. We reach an area of crop fields in the northern part of El Vinyet. We cross the Moriscots ditch and after a while we go left. We continue until we reach the Sant Honorat Chapel and then we take a trail that will lead us to the Solsona cemetery. Now, we get across the road and climb a path on our left until we reach a trail that will lead us to the starting point of this itinerary.

Torrent Ribalta

Ribalta Torrent

Download the leaflet: Solsona_Torrent Ribalta_ENG_FRA or follow the route on Wikiloc.

“A walk near the city”

The Torrent Ribalta route is a walk near the city in a natural setting. It is accessible to everyone and frequently used by the people from Solsona. It allows people to enjoy a riverside landscape while walking along trails of all widths and it takes you back to Solsona in a little less than an hour. One of its biggest attractions is the plethora of birds that can be seen, as well as the wide range of other species that can be observed throughout the year.

Route

Solsona is the starting point of this route (where the Black river and the Pallarès ravine meet). We have to follow the Black river until we reach the sewage treatment plant. We go under the Solsona Bridge, always escorted by riverside trees such as weeping willows, poplars and ashes. Soon, we have left the city behind, the buildings give way to gardens, and later on, these give way to fields. The road until the sewage treatment plant is flat and paved, suitable for elder people, families and even cradles. We get to see the typical agricultural landscape that can be found in the surroundings of Solsona. It’s a great option year round. In the spring and in the summer it’s full of shady places and birds singing. In the autumn and in the winter, you can enjoy sunny spots and watch as leaves fall.

Once we get to the sewage treatment plant, we leave behind the paved way and take a different trail, which is narrower but equally flat and walkable and which follows a small stream of water, the Ribalta Torrent after which this route is named. It’s here that the trail starts to zigzag. To our left, there is the stream, combining areas full of reeds with areas that are clear. We are surrounded by woods, to the south, and fields to the north. Along the way, we’ll find a willow of notable size. We need to get through a wide tunnel with enough space so that we don’t get wet. Some years we can see red-rumped swallow (Cecropisdaurica) nests hanging from the ceiling, which are made of mud and which have a particular entrance tunnel.

When we get out of the tunnel there is a nice trail flanked by towering poplars where we usually get to see great spotted woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major). The whole route is especially interesting during the winter, when we can see big flocks of small birds. Now that we leave Ribalta Torrent and we are getting closer to Solsona, we take a turn to our right. We go up a trail that goes across some houses and farms until we get to the south of Solsona, at Sant Jordi square, which is the end of the route.

Mare de la Font-Castellvell

Castellvell and Mare de la Font Park

Download the leaflet:Solsona_MareFont_Castellvell_ENG_FRA or follow the route on Wikiloc.

“From the riverside shade to sunny spots.”

This is Solsona’s star route. It takes us from dense riverside woods to the panoramic views from the watchtowers in Castellvell, a landscape of contrasts between sunny spots and shady places. During the course of the walk, we will also discover the rich heritage of the area, such as the flora on the botanical route to the La Mina Fountain or the hundred-year-old oak grove on the way to Castellvell. Have fun in the Mare de la Font Park; enjoy the history in Castellvell and the nearby ancient Iberian settlement. This route takes 90 minutes to complete and is suitable for all ages.

Route

Solsona is the starting point of this route (where the Black river and the Pallarès ravine meet). We have to follow the water stream to the Mare de la Font Park. This part is particularly suitable for all types of people and all times of the year, and can be done by bicycle. The path is wide and cars are not allowed: tall trees (poplars and ashes) flank the river. There is a section (1) which is especially interesting in the spring, when we get to listen to birds such as the nightingale, the golden oriole, the blackcap or the common blackbird singing away. In the afternoon, leaves form a spectacular mosaic of colours. Halfway through, we find the Fulla Fountain, and further along we cross two small stone aqueducts to get to a stairway, there we cross a paved path to reach an information point of the protected areas of El Solsonès (2). In order to get to La Mina Fountain we need to go through the metal tunnel. It is advisable, however, to visit the nearby Mare de la Font Park, where you can replenish your water supplies and then go back to La Mina Fountain to continue the route.

Just after the metal tunnel, on both sides of the torrent that goes to the Font de la Mina there is an interesting botanical route, where through signposts with texts and drawings we can learn about the flora that inhabits the area. Once across the Manel Fountain (3) we reach La Mina Fountain. There, in a shady corner, we see a cave with a waterfall which welcomes us in the springtime. Then we can climb some steps to reach the La Mina Park, where there is a sports circuit.

We cross the park and take a path on its western end that goes through an impressive oak grove with some very sturdy and mature exemplars. In this part of the route, the path goes up the Castellvell shady side of the hill, with pine groves and undergrowth in the form of box, until we reach the Castellvell road (4). Then, we will only have to walk a few hundred metres to reach the building that gives name to this route.

At the top of the hill, 848 metres above sea level and 130 metres above the city, we find the remains of the ancient castle of Solsona, currently located in the municipality of Olius. The Castellvell is a great place to visit and an excellent spot to contemplate Solsona and the geography of the area. Dating from the 10th century, it has been transformed over the centuries. We can also see the remains of an ancient Romanesque church, a Gothic chapel and the most recent fortifications dating from the 19th century Carlist wars.

West of Castellvell, there is an Iberian settlement on a small plateau. It dates from the 6th and 5th century BC, during the Iron Age; and it lasted until medieval times, with the 3rd century being its period of splendour.

Once we have explored the place we take a trail that will transform into a stony stairway (5) which comes down from the Castellvell in zigzag. Now we are getting closer to the city and we start to see the Cathedral’s bell tower and the Clock tower. Then we reach the old road (6), which leads us back to Solsona.