The eighth stage of the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing leads from Beget to Setcases, in the headwaters of the River Ter. The first half of the stage, until reaching the border town of Molló, is dominated by forests, some farmhouses and middle mountain landscapes. The silhouette of the Rocabruna Castle, located atop a hill, will accompany you for a good part of the first section. Once you arrive at Molló, you will begin a long climb through a cleared ridge without any trees until reaching the pass of Fembra Morta and Lliens Hill. Once your overcome these difficulties you will head down to Setcases, a high-mountain town that is located on the banks of the Ter.
Tracks
Technical info
Starting point of the stage
Sant Aniol d'Aguja
Endpoint of the stage
Beget
Distance
23,00
Duration
6:50h
Total ascent
+1.600m / -861m
Maximum altitude
1865
Minimum altitude
531
Dificultat
Considerable. Derived from the length and ascent to overcome. This stage does not have any technical difficulties.
Material
No special equipment required.
Cartography
Capçaleres del Ter and Freser Nature Reserve 1:25.000. Editorial Alpina.
Ripollès. 01:50.000. Editorial Alpina.
Topographic base of Catalonia 1:25.000. Geological and Cartographic Institute of Catalonia (ICGC).
Route
Let’s start the eighth stage of the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing in the idyllic town of (1) Beget (0:00 - 531m). You will leave the village from the extreme NW. During this first part of the stage, you will go up following the Beget Stream, alternating stretches with some sections that have its own road. You will go around the Rocabruna Castle,almost at its base. Then you will pass by Molí d'en Sorolla, Can Planes and Can Pujol. Clearly distinguish Boixeda Hill, where you will go to the west. The path makes a zigzag, adapting to the topography of the mountain. You will arrive at Boixeda Hill. At this point, cross the road and continue climbing towards the NW. Leave with Mas Querol on the left and reach (2) the mountain pass of Costa (2:50 – 1,172m). From this pass we can start to make out the houses in Molló, our next objective, to the NW.
Start a comfortable descent on a dirt track. Leave the building in Costa to the right and follow the bottom of the valley, where you will cross the River Ritort on a bridge. You will arrive at the hamlet of Riberal and from this small town, climb to Molló on the old Riberal road. From the distance you can already see the monumental tower of the church of Santa Cecilia. Finally, you will reach (3) Molló (3:30 – 1,183m), a charming mountain town.
From Molló, located at the halfway point of the stage, you will approach the long climb to the mountain pas of Fembra Morta, almost 700m above where we are now. You will leave Molló for the hamlet of Favars, following the red and white GR 11 markers and a Setcases signpost, the final point of our stage. First you will advance on a cemented track and then trails and pastures. The trail ascends on a rounded ridge with few trees where we can enjoy great views of the area. You must be very aware of the direction: path changes are frequent and, being an area for pasturing, there are several fences for livestock and many cattle trails that can be disorienting. You will pass by the side of the rounded peak of Moscós Summit (1.740m), which goes around to the left (S) and you will reach (4) the mountain pass of Fembra Morta (5:10 – 1,727m). You will continue along the rounded ridge, now without following any well defined way. Leave with the Sistra Peak to your right (1.989m) and you will reach (5) Lliens Hill (5:40 – 1,865m), the highest point of the stage.
Now you just need to make the descent to Setcases. You will alternate long stretches with paths for some sections of the trail. The descent is steep and continuous. Finally, you will arrive at (6) Setcases (6:50 – 1,270m), a small eminently tourist town that has preserved its charm.
Highlights
The beautiful spots that are hidden by the banks of the Beget.
Walk the scenic and rounded ridge that leads to the pass of Fembra Morta.
The church of Santa Cecília de Molló and its beautiful bell tower.
Did you know that...
According to legend a girl died in the pass of Fembra Morta? She was a maid from Mas Galceran, who wanted to show that she did not fear the ghosts that the old folks said haunted that area, so she climbed it one night. Once there, she put a stick in the ground to show how far she had gone, but it inadvertently snagged her dress. She did not see it, and when she felt trapped out of fear she had a heart attack and she died.
Do not miss...
Rocabruna Castle and its silhouette, which will accompany us during the first part of the stage. The fortification, which appeared documented in the 11th century is situated on top of a hill from where it dominates the whole area of the Rocabruna neighbourhood and the upper part of the Beget Stream.
Observations
The stage is long and the ascent is considerable, therefore, if you think it is necessary, you can divide the stage into two days and spend the night in Molló. The pass of Fembra Morta begins the GR 11-6 variant Trans-Pyrenees Crossing: This variant arrives at the Ulldeter Refuge, where it again connects with the GR 11, passing through Pal Hill, Costabona Peak, Portella del Callau and the ski resort of Vallter 2000.
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