Mountains run through from north to south crashing valleys and plateaus in a violent topography which gives the quintessence of this nature. An aesthetic category based on the idea that the roughness could excite the retina and thus produce pleasure to the romantic view of nature.
Centuries ago this area was the border among Moslem Taifas and the Cristian Kingdom of Aragón. Explore the core of
Els Ports, Natural Park of La Tinença and Maestrazgo.
Enjoy the finest ending getting Morella, the pearl of Maestrazgo.
Self guided program.
Group size: min. 1.
Grade: level B moderate
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days walking.
Daywalk baggage: Daysac.
Accommodation: Small hotel, Guest House (Casas Rurales), cabin (mountain hut).
Price: from 596 EUR / pp / 2 person party. Sharing double room.
Dates: From 01/03 to 11/11.
Connecting landscape & emotion:
Trek village to village; challenge & Achievement. Mountains fill the horizons. Sun breaks through tops and illuminates farms. Something pure and original, something deeply human and true is found in the ancient culture of the rural population. Rediscovering a lost tradition: dialogue with nature.
Detailed Tour
1
Meet up in Beceite. Briefing.
Beceite, the wilder heart of the Matarraña at the entrance of the mountain massif Els Ports and medieval village, a cultural-historical monument that belongs to the Spanish heritage.
2
Arnes - Penyagalera peak - Beceite.
18 km.
Short transfer to starting point. Penyagalera forms a rocky line of conglomerate and limestone which marks the border between the provinces of Tarragona and Teruel. During ascent we can appreciate the thousands of years of eroding activity water. Depending on the weather, we may enjoy a dip in the Uldemó River.
3
Beceite - Moles D’ Arany - Font Ferrera hut.
17 km.
We leave towards El Parrizal, a narrow valley formed by the Matarranya River, which gives this area its name. Today we will see one of the wildest landscapes of the week. For the most part, we follow the PR route with its continuous ascents and descents. The highest part reaches Roca Morera and Moles de Arany, which have exceptional views. The itinerary continues down to the Matarranya River and La Coscollosa ravin, amongst woody mixed masses of pines, holm oaks.
4
Font Ferrera - Tossal Three Kings - Fredes.
13 km.
Our route leads us into the Natural Park of La Tinença de Benifassá. We leave the dense forest that surrounds Font Ferrera and head up to Tossal Los Tres Reyes - Three Kings Peak 1350 m. height-. We get an awesome panoramic view. It marks the border among the provinces of Tarragona, Castellón and Teruel. Then, descent to Fredes.
5
Fredes. Circular around. El Portel del Infern.
13 km.
One of the best routes offered in La Tinença de Benifassá Natural Park. The first section, runs along the former horseshoe path that links the villages of Fredes and La Senia, through the mythical natural pass El Portell del Infern, among large limestone rock walls.
The itinerary invites us to enjoy the surrounding nature: extensive woods, “Masías”, and river gorges. It is precisely the lack of human influence which has preserved the ecosystems of these lands.
6
Fredes - Boixar - Vallibona.
20 km.
As on the previous day, we walk along the GR7 leaving Fredes, the last of the towns of La Tinença, a territory which was part of the estate of the Abbot of the Monastery of Benifassá. James I the Conqueror recovered these lands before the conquest of Valencia, and in 1233 founded a commemorative hermitage on Mount Beni Hasan.
First get Boixar (means a place round by buxus) and then from here, almost always in descent, we reach Vallibona, another small town of less than 40 inhabitants.
7
Vallibona - Morella.
15 km.
That is the final day in this area with its intricate mountain ranges before reaching the spectacular Morella, a town which can be seen for hours in the distance. A town laden with history: Calle Els Porxes, the Town Hall, Iglesia de Santa María Church, Towers and Castle, Renaissance Noble Palaces and a lot more.
Its walls have borne witness to legends such as El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz, who passed through Morella in the year 1084, or the Tiger of El Maestrazgo, Ramón Cabrera, a Carlist General who took up a strong position in the town.
8
Transfer to bus connection / hired car / train station. Farewell.
What is included in this picturesque tour?
596€/pers*
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days walking.
- Briefing at spot is delivered. Half board.
- Internal transfers days 2nd,3rd.
- Baggage transport.
- Route book (maps and notes send by mail).
- 24/7 emergency telephone number.
- Taxes.
Not included
- Transport to local start point and return.
- Picnic.
- Insurance.
Optional
- Transportation to starting point from any airport and back.
- Extended stays.
- Divide stages.
- Map lover?: please ask us about originals.
- Local guide: UIMLA International Mountain Leader (English spoken). Please ask us about
* 596 EUR per person in a double room. 30% deposit at booking. The rest to be paid 30 days prior to departure. Read conditions.
Travelers’ pictures
