Empordaguia

A hike to escape from the heat

The folds of the Gavarres range hide small valleys with tempting waters. The Valley of Mills presents the visitor with a shady and cool route. Water, the spring of life, has bestowed a rich a varied ecosystem.

Throughout the 18^th C and up to the early 20^th C the valley of the Riera de Romanyà was full of mills that used the current to mill wheat. All along our route we will find various components built to make the best use of the water: a system of channels, reservoirs, and ponds. We can still see them today, although they are no longer in use. These mills were so important, that they not only worked for their owners but also for villages in the vicinity.

Although it is hot in summer, this route is shady and cool. To walk along the bank of the river is a soothing and tranquil experience. Thick and abundant vegetation will protect us from the sun throughout most of the route. At times we will cross the river, and we will walk beneath pine trees and oak forests. The nearer we get to the stream, the more we can enjoy the rich and humid vegetation on the banks. The diversity here guarantees a pleasurable walk for lovers of nature and for all seeking peace and quiet.

The humidity of this area and the dense forest also allow for a great variety of birds that go to drink at the stream and feed on the many insects that live on the water. As we walk, we will be sure to hear a nightingale sing, a goldfinch chirrup, or a finch warble. The water, especially the ponds, also attracts many small amphibians, such as frogs, toads, and even some water snakes. But what strikes us most is the large number of butterflies and dragonflies that fly incessantly along the banks. One of the most rare and difficult to see is the black dragonfly; it is small and has dark wings.

One of the most outstanding points of this route is the reservoir of the Molí de les Roques that lies in a magnificent gorge. This place is very popular among locals; it carries water nearly all year round. Higher up, reaching the Molí d’en Lluís, take note of the reservoir with its spectacular waterfall. It is best to go and watch it after it has rained, when the water level rises.

Although the route starts at the Pont Penjat in Calonge, you can also set off from the development Vescomtat de Cabanyes, above which rises a house that was converted into a majestic castle. The legend has it that here counterfeit money was once coined. We can park in front of the playground and the green (on Figueres street). Look for the white and yellow markers of our route. In this way we avoid the stretch on the paved road and can enter the woods on the banks right away.

Route Information:

Start and finish: Pine wood at the Pont Penjat of Calonge

(Road GI-6612 to Romanyà de la Selva)

Distance: 11 Kms (5.5 Kms each way).

Difficulty: easy, suitable for children.

Ascent: hardly noticeable, small changes in elevation along the river bank

Signs: route PR-C 116.1 (yellow and white markers)

Itinerary: Pont Penjat - Molí d'en Mayola - Roca Riquel - Development Vescomtat de Cabanyes - Molí de les Roques - Molí Cremat - Molí d'en Lluís

Precautions: take care in the rainy season, as you need to cross the stream at times.