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A pleasant cycling trail through unique landscape on the banks of the Muga.
The murmur of the Muga flowing towards the sea is the sound track for this route inaugurated last September. It is a natural trail on the banks of the river that connects Sant Llorenç de la Muga with Castellò d’Empùries, and then continues to the sea. It connects the Pyrenean range with the Mediterranean traversing the Alt Empordà. The route follows ancient trails that had nearly disappeared for lack of use, but also includes a new section of six kilometres that connects with Castellò d’Empuries and goes on to Empuriabrava and the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. The whole trip is 40 kilometres long and can be done on foot, bicycle, or horseback. Take note that the last stretch of 12.5 kilometres with a slope of only 10 metres is suitable for wheelchairs.
The Muga nature trail offers us a wonderful route along the diverse landscapes and habitats of the riverside woods and the fluvial plains. The dense growth of ash, elm, black poplars, and alders combined with tamarind, bracken, or grey willow gives us glimpses of the water that is our lead throughout. Our tour commences in Sant Llorenç de la Muga and crosses the municipalities of Terrades, Boadella i Les Escaules, Pont de Molins, Cabanes, Peralada and Castellò d’Empúries. All villages and crossings have been carefully signposted, indicating all possible directions and distances. The route is suitable for anyone and in any mood: the most ambitious can aim for a speed record, whereas others will take it easy. There are many and varied attractive points along the way, especially when the weather is good. Pools in the river tempt you to stop and dive into the shiny water. Seven picnic areas have been prepared with bicycle parks. You can also stop to fish and catch a barb or a bass, or simply to watch the wildlife and the landscape in the areas of special natural interest (EIN) which appear on the way to the sea, from the Alta Garrotxa and Ses Salines to the Muga cliffs, passing through the Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. Shapes and colours of the landscape change like a kaleidoscope on this route. It is marvellous in autumn when the mist settles on the water and turns the landscape hazy, as if someone had painted it with gentle traits to capture the mood of a moment. Of course it is also beautiful in spring, when it gleams in the full and luminous colours of a great oil painting.//
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