Walks
Short walks from the campsite
For an afternoon, a rest day or with children: short walks around Sadernes.
Read the article: Short walks from the campsite
Alta Garrotxa
In the heart of the Alta Garrotxa
Turquoise pools, limestone gorges, Romanesque hermitages and paths that start right at the campsite.
Sadernes
The gateway to the Sant Aniol valley
Sadernes is a small hamlet in Sales de Llierca, at the foot of the Alta Garrotxa cliffs: a protected natural area of mid-mountain terrain, holm oak and beech woods, and streams that cut gorges into the limestone.
This is where the Sant Aniol stream begins, one of the most beautiful valleys in Catalonia. From the campsite you can walk to the pools, hermitages and summits without taking the car. Next door is Santa Cecília de Sadernes, a 12th-century Romanesque church whose bell tower was turned into a defensive tower.
It all starts on foot, from your pitch.
Walks from the campsite
Sant Aniol d'Aguja
Read the routeThe classic: up the stream past pools and bridges to the hermitage. Medium difficulty. About 2 h each way; the Consorci loop via the Núvia takes about 5 h.
Salt del Brull
Read the routeA waterfall squeezed between rock walls. From the Sant Aniol hermitage, about 40 minutes there and back.
Salt de la Núvia and Talaixà
Read the routeA balcony over the valley and an abandoned village. Loops of about 14 km with 600–750 m of ascent. A narrow passage with chains.
Puig de Bassegoda
Read the routeThe Alta Garrotxa's emblematic summit, over 1,300 m. A long, hard route: about 8 h from Sadernes.
Santa Bàrbara de Pruneres
Read the routeA Romanesque hermitage on a summit between the Oix valley and Sadernes, with views over the whole Alta Garrotxa.
Short walks
Read the routeIf you only have a little time or are with children: Santa Cecília de Sadernes and the first stretch of the Sant Aniol path, up to the Gomarell.
Climbing in Sadernes
Sadernes's limestone walls are one of the reference sport-climbing areas in the Girona region: more than a hundred bolted routes across several sectors, from 4b to 8b, with single-pitch and multi-pitch lines.
Some sectors close for part of the year to protect nesting cliff birds. Before you go, check the current rules of the Consorci de l'Alta Garrotxa.
Pools and canyons
The Sant Aniol stream forms cold, clear pools such as the Gorg Blau, which get very busy in July and August. Swim without soap or sun cream, leave nothing behind and respect closed areas.
For canyoning fans, the Barranc de les Canals on the Comella stream is reached from Sadernes: an abseiling descent that needs experience, gear and the Consorci's regulated permit. If you're not experienced, go with a guiding company.
The Alta Garrotxa in pictures
Riera de Sant Aniol 
Sant Aniol d'Aguja 
Bassegoda 
Alta Garrotxa 
TalaixàIn winter 
Climbing 
The valley 
Fageda d'en Jordà Gorg Blau Salt del Brull
A short drive away
Castellfollit de la Roca
Ideas for a day outA village perched on a basalt cliff almost 50 m high, formed by lava flows.
Besalú
Ideas for a day outA medieval town with its fortified bridge over the Fluvià, the Jewish quarter and the mikveh.
Fageda d'en Jordà and volcanoes
Ideas for a day outIn the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: a beech wood growing on a lava flow, and the Croscat volcano.
Walks and ideas on the blog
Walks
The Sant Aniol d'Aguja walk, step by step
Up the stream to the Sant Aniol d'Aguja hermitage, with turquoise pools, bridges and waterfalls along the way.
Read the article: The Sant Aniol d'Aguja walk, step by stepWalks
The Salt del Brull, Sant Aniol's hidden waterfall
A waterfall squeezed between rock walls, 20 minutes from the Sant Aniol d'Aguja hermitage.
Read the article: The Salt del Brull, Sant Aniol's hidden waterfall
Your base camp in the Alta Garrotxa
Book a pitch and start walking from the campsite.
Before you set off
Do I need to book parking?
In high season, vehicle access to Sadernes is regulated and the valley car park must be booked and paid for on the Consorci de l'Alta Garrotxa website. If you're staying at the campsite, you can set off on foot and leave the car where it is.
Is there phone signal and water on the way?
There's hardly any signal and few springs (there's one at the Sant Aniol hermitage). Carry all the water you need and download the map before you go.
How are the paths waymarked?
With the yellow signposts and marks of the Itinerànnia network, the GR 11 (white and red) and the Consorci route marks. The reference map is Editorial Alpina's 'Alta Garrotxa' 1:25,000.
When is the best time to go?
From spring to autumn. In summer the pools are busier: set off early. After heavy rain the stream can run high and the stepping-stone crossings become dangerous.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a lead, and pick up after it. There are flocks grazing on the mountain.
Can I light fires or camp outside the campsite?
No. The Alta Garrotxa is a protected natural area: fires and wild camping are not allowed. That's what the campsite is for.