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"Let yourself go"

Guided walks for visitors to La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone The Volcanic Region of La Garrotxa Natural Park Villages and towns steeped in history and rural culture, surrounded by verdant beech forests and volcanoes, all mute witness to fascinating geological pasts: join a walk led by specialist guides and explore the most intriguing parts of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone The Volcanic Region of La Garrotxa Natural Park.

Parc Natural de la Zona VolcĂ nica de la Garrotxa

Generalitat de Catalunya Departament de Medi Ambient i Habitatge

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Written and published by La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and associated entities.

Lay-out J. Trias & Associates Photographs and illustrations Educ’art, Escola de Natura, Guaita, La Cupp, MCGO, Paul Browning, PNZVG, TOSCA & Walking Catalonia Printing Impremta Aubert DL GI-1620-2007 November 2007

Introduction La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is one of the most exceptional of all protected areas in Catalonia: in all, it boasts around 40 volcanoes and over 20 lava flows, as well as a wonderfully varied flora and fauna, and many elements of great scenic and cultural interest.

The activities included in this brochure offer visitors a chance to discover the Park and its heritage in the company of a team of experienced professional environmental and cultural guides. All work in close collaboration with the Natural Park towards a common goal of improving the quality of the recreational and educational activities carried out in this singular part of the world and aim to promote a greater understanding of this protected area.

This offer of activities has been designed specifically for those visitors who wish to get to know La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and, along with the pedagogical activities provided for school groups, forms part of the Natural Park’s task of promoting awareness of the area’s exceptional scenic, cultural and natural heritage.

Educ’art, educational and cultural services Tel. 972 90 38 22/690 671 024 Fax: 972 27 32 28 E-mail: educart@educart.biz Web: www.educart.biz

Guaita, environmental and pedagogical activities Tels: 657 861 805/650 970 960 E-mail: guaitagarrotxa@yahoo.es

La Cupp, SCCL Tels: 636 667 381/686 077 331 E-mail: lacupp@gmail.com Web: www.lacupp.net

Mike Lockwood/Walking Catalonia Tels: 972 590 327/661 956 939 E-mail: mike@walkingcatalonia.net Web: www.walkingcatalonia.net 3

Activities Public

Organisers

Name of activity

Type of activity

Adult

Educ’art

The Olot School of Landscape painting

Discovery

Adult/Families

Educ’art

The Carline Wars: a century of conflict in Olot

Discovery

Adult

Educ’art

Olot and its art

Discovery

Adult

Guaita

The revolt of “Els Remences”: castle and sagrera Guided walk

Adult

Guaita

A different way of looking at volcanoes

Guided walk

Adult/ Families

Guaita

Map-reading around the medieval village of Santa Pau

Orientation

Adult/ Families

Guaita

The heart of The Volcanic Region of La Garrotxa Natural Park

Guided walk

Adult

La Cupp

The jewels in the Park’s crown

Guided walk

Adult

La Cupp

History, landscape and volcanoes

Guided walk

Adult

Walking Catalonia

The human “footprint” in the Natural Park

Guided walk

Adult/Families

Walking Catalonia

The butterflies of the Natural Park

Discovery

Adult

Walking Catalonia

Discover the flora of the Natural Park

Discovery

Adult

Walking Catalonia

The historical trails of the Natural Park

Guided walk

Difficulty: Low- Gentle activity of less than 2 km with very little uphill; Medium- Activity of 2-5 km with some uphill; High- Activity of over 5 km with moderate uphill.

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Dificulty

Description

Length

Pg.

Low

The landscape of the Lower Garrotxa, a source of inspiration for the artists of the Olot School of Art.

Half day

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Medium

From the volcano Montsacopa and Olot, a chance to visit some of the main sites associated with the three Carline Wars.

Half day

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Low

Discover some of the best-loved buildings in Olot: Can Trincheria museum/house, the Museu Comarcal and the museum of religious imagary (Museu dels Sants).

Half day

8

Medium

The castle of Hostoles and village of Sant Feliu de Pallerols

Half day

9

High

A walk through the valley of Sant Iscle, Fontpobra and the Bassols beech forest

Half day

10

Low

Discover Santa Pau and its history, compass in hand.

Half day

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Medium

An insight into the volcanic activity of La Garrotxa: Croscat, Pomereda and the D’en Jordà beechwood.

Half day

12

High

Visit the natural reserves of Croscat, Santa Margarida and the D’en Jordà beechwood. Half day

13

High

A walk to Colltort castle for an interpretation of the vegetation, volcanoes and landscape

Half day

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High

An interpretation of the landscape from on high.

Half day

15

Medium

An introduction to the wonderful world of butterflies.

Half day

16

Medium

An introduction to some of the most characteristic plants of our beech and oak woods Half day

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High

A walk along some of the historic trails of the Natural Park

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Whole day

Discovery: a chance to get to know little-known facets of the Natural Park; Orientation: map-reading with the aid of a compass.

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The Olot School of Landscape painting The landscape of the Lower Garrotxa: the inspiration for the artists of the Olot School of Landscape Art.

The work of the Olot School of Landscape Art was highly influential during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. But, what were the roots of its success? Where were the landscapes that inspired the Vayreda

brothers and Josep Berga? We will reveal all with a visit to the Museu Comarcal in Olot and then on a stroll from Olot to the verdant landscapes of La Moixina.

Places visited Museu Comarcal in Olot and la Moixina.

Route Walk to La Moixina along Joaquím Vayreda Street, past the Vayreda family home and the Museum of Religious Images, along the river Fluvià to Els Prats de la Mandra the marshy woodland of La Moixina.

Length 3½-4 hours at a gentle pace. No height gain.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (does not include entry to museums).

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in art and walking in a well-preserved landscape near the town centre.

This activity is only available on the days the Museu Comarcal in Olot is open (closed Monday and in the afternoon on Sunday and public holidays).

Contact Educ’art, S.L. Tel. 690 67 10 24 E-mail: educart@educart.biz

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The Carline Wars: a century of conflict in Olot From the top of the Montsacopa volcano and the streets of Olot we will visit some of the main sites linked to the three Carline Wars.

In the nineteenth century three Carline wars were fought in La Garrotxa and Olot. From the top of Montsacopa, we will visit the remains of the defence towers that witnessed the cruel struggles that divided the

region into Carlines and Liberals. In the town of Olot, we will walk along some of the main streets that provide a reminder of this tragic period of local history.

Places visited Montsacopa volcano, streets of Olot, the Museu Comarcal and the outsides of Casa Museu Trincheria and Casa Solà Morales.

Length 3½-4 hours at a gentle pace. Climb up Montsacopa and walk through the streets of Olot.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (does not include entry to museums).

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in studying history through a region’s cultural and architectural heritage.

This activity is only available on the days the Museu Comarcal in Olot is open (closed Monday and in the afternoon on Sunday and public holidays).

Contact Educ’art, S.L. Tel. 690 67 10 24 E-mail: educart@educart.biz

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Olot and its art A visit to the most interesting buildings in Olot covering a variety of different periods and artistic styles and including the exceptional Casa-Museo de Can Trinxeria.

A journey back in time through the centre of Olot, with a guided tour of the town’s interesting historical landmarks dating back to the devastating earthquakes of the

fifteenth century. Included is a visit to the remarkable Can Trincheria, an eighteenth century town-house converted into a museum/house.

Places visited Centre of Olot and Can Trincheria.

Length 3 hours at a gentle pace.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (does not include entry to museums).

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in studying history through a region’s cultural and architectural heritage.

This activity is only available on the days Can Trincheria is open (closed in the afternoon on Sunday and public holidays).

Contact Educ’art, S.L. Tel. 690 67 10 24 E-mail: educart@educart.biz

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The revolt of “Els Remences”: castle and sagrera Relive Europe’s first Peasant’s Revolt.

We visit Hostoles Castle, raided

by Francesc de Verntallat and his troops during the revolt of the Remences, for a wonderful view over the whole Hostoles valley.

Afterwards, we head for Sant Feliu de Pallerols to study the birth of its medieval sagrera (group of houses built next to the church for safety) and the development of the town up to the present day.

Places visited Castle and valley of Hostoles.

Route Hostoles castle and the old town of Sant Feliu de Pallerols.

Length 3½ - 4 hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (includes workbook for children).

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes.

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in studying history through a landscape.

Contact GUAITA, environmental and pedagogical activities.

Tel. 657 861 805/650 970 960 E-mail: guaitagarrotxa@yahoo.es

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A different way of looking at volcanoes A bird’s-eye view of the Natural Park.

A walk up to Colltort castle, famous for events during the revolt of the Remences and a magnificent vantage point over the Santa Margarida, Croscat and Rocanegra volcanoes. From here we continue

on through the Bassols beechwood, no less attractive than the more famous Fageda d’en Jordà forest, and finish up at the distinctive crater of the Fontpobra volcano, half hidden under a dense sweet chestnut forest.

Places visited Colltort Castle, Bassols beechwood, volcano of Fontpobre.

Route On foot from the La Tuta volcano up to Colltort and then descent through the beech forest to Fontpobra.

Length 3½ - 4 hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (includes workbook for children).

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes.

Ideal for ...

Those who want to discover the Natural Park from on high and visit a relatively unknown beech forest.

Contact GUAITA, environmental and pedagogical activities.

Tel. 657 861 805/650 970 960 E-mail: guaitagarrotxa@yahoo.es

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Map-reading around the medieval village of Santa Pau Don’t get lost!

Starting from Santa Maria dels Arcs at the foot of the Serra de Finestres, we head for the medieval village of Santa Pau. Once there, we will use a map and compass to discover some

of its most interesting corners and its history. You don’t need to be an expert in orienteering, your guides will take you on an enjoyable and entertaining journey of discovery!

Places visited Santa Maria dels Arcs and Santa Pau. Route From Santa Maria to the medieval village of Santa Pau on foot.

Length 3 hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (includes workbook for children).

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes.

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in discovering a medieval village with a compass and a map in hand.

Contact GUAITA, environmental and pedagogical activities.

Tel. 657 861 805/650 970 960 E-mail: guaitagarrotxa@yahoo.es

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The heart of The Volcanic Region of La Garrotxa Natural Park Within the core of the volcanoes.

The now disused quarries of Croscat will help us explain the raison d’être of the Natural Park.

Nevertheless, Turó de la Pomereda and its variegated layers of volcanic deposits and the Fageda d’en Jordà beechwood—its genesis inextricably linked to Croscat—are just as important for explaining the history of the Park as a whole.

Places visited Volcano of Croscat, Turó de la Pomereda and the Fageda d’en Jordà.

Route On foot from Croscat to the Fageda de’n Jordà via the volcanic deposits of Turó de la Pomereda.

Length 3½ hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide (includes workbook for children).

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes.

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in learning about volcanoes in a relaxed fashion.

Contact GUAITA, environmental and pedagogical activities.

Tel. 657 861 805/650 970 960 E-mail: guaitagarrotxa@yahoo.es

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The jewels in the Park’s crown Discover the hidden treasures of the Natural Park’s most renowned sites.

A route to some of the Natural Park’s most interesting sites: the mysterious Fageda d’en Jordà beechwood, with its verdant silence, the small

chapel hidden in the crater of Santa Margarida, the old quarry and the secrets of the Croscat volcano, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula.

Places visited The Fageda d’en Jordà beechwood and Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes.

Route On foot along route 1 of the Natural Park; in addition, walk into the crater of Croscat.

Length 4 hours at a gentle pace.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide.

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes, and a hat in summer.

Ideal for ...

Those who enjoy nature and scenery on foot.

Contact La Cupp, SCCL. Tel. 636 667 381 E-mail: lacupp@gmail.com

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History, landscape and volcanoes A complete and varied route through the Natural Park.

From the church of La Cot we walk up to Colltort Castle, from where Francesc de Verntallat, head of the Remences peasant’s revolt, gazed out over the countdoms of Girona and Besalú. This is an impressive

vantage point onto the Serra delCorb from where we look out over the volcanic valleys of Olot and Santa Pau. We return via the cool spring of Fontpobra on the slopes of its eponymous volcano.

Places visited Church of La Cot, Colltort Castle and Fontpobra volcano.

Route On foot along Natural Park trail no. 5.

Length 4 hours at a gentle pace.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide.

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes, and a hat in summer.

Ideal for ...

Those who wish to have a better idea of what the Natural Park has to offer.

Contact La Cupp, SCCL. Tel. 636 667 381 E-mail: lacupp@gmail.com

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The human “footprint” in the Natural Park Interpretation of the landscape from one of the best viewpoints in the Natural Park.

The best way to appreciate a landscape is to climb to a convenient vantage point. This route follows the main ridge of La Serra del Corb to Colltort Castle and the Roca Lladre

for excellent views over the Natural Park and the whole Olot area. From here we will be able to begin an interpretation of the landscape we have at our feet.

Places visited Serra del Corb, Colltort Castle, church of Sant Martí and the Fageda de’n Jordà beechwood.

Route On foot along part of Natural Park trails nos. 3 & 5; the top of the Serra del Corb.

Length 5 hours at a gentle pace.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide.

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes, and a hat in summer.

Ideal for ...

Those who enjoy walking and landscapes.

Contact Mike Lockwood.

Tel. 661 956 939/972 59 03 27 E-mail: mike@walkingcatalonia.net

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The butterflies of the Natural Park An introduction to the butterflies of the Natural Park.

Over 200 species of butterfly fly in Catalonia and over 120 have been recorded in the Natural Park. This discovery activity in the woods will reveal some of the complex behavioural strategies used by

butterflies when breeding, feeding and holding territories, which are not always evident to the casual onlooker. There will be plenty of time for detailed observation and photography.

Places visited Santa Pau and El Sallent de Santa Pau. Route On foot along part of Natural Park itinerary 14 Length 4 - 5 hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 â‚Ź (incl. VAT) per guide.

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes, and a hat in summer. Only possible during days and months when butterflies are on the wing (April-October).

Ideal for ...

Those wishing to find out more about the fascinating world of butterflies.

Contact Mike Lockwood.

Tel. 661 956 939/972 59 03 27 E-mail: mike@walkingcatalonia.net

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Discover the flora of the Natural Park An introduction to some of the most characteristic plants found in the Natural Park’s oak and beech woods.

La Garrotxa is the most wooded part of Catalonia and its oak and beech forests hide a wealth of fascinating plants and flowers. This walk will take us into some of the bestpreserved forests in the Natural Park where we will pay special attention to the plants in flower along the wayside. Although the species on view will depend a lot on the season, in spring close-up views of orchids are all but guaranteed.

Places visited Serra del Corb, El Racó volcano, churches of Sant Miquel and Sant Martí.

Route On foot along part of Natural Park itineraries 9 & 12; woods of Serra del Corb.

Length 4 - 5 hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide.

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes, and a hat in summer.

Ideal for ...

Those with an interest in botany in particular, and nature and landscapes in general.

Contact Mike Lockwood.

Tel. 661 956 939/972 59 03 27 E-mail: mike@walkingcatalonia.net

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The historical trails of the Natural Park Following the footsteps of our ancestors along the roads of old.

In the past everybody travelled on foot and the countryside was crisscrossed by paths that connected churches and villages, and were used by local farm people to deliver milk to Olot or go to the local weekly market. These trails also served as “information highways” for the news that spread from village to village and farm to farm. This route departs from Begudà and returns to Olot via the famous “Camí de Batet”.

Places visited Olot, Batet & Begudà.

Route On foot along part of Natural Park trail no. 8.

Length 7 hours.

Number of participants Maximum 20 visitors per guide.

Price 120 € (incl. VAT) per guide.

Recommendations Water and stout walking shoes, and a hat in summer.

Ideal for ...

Those who want to imagine what the world was like before the car.

Contact Mike Lockwood.

Tel. 661 956 939/972 59 03 27 E-mail: mike@walkingcatalonia.net

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Reservations

Choose your activity

All activities are designed for a certain type of public (families with children, groups of adults, etc.), as is explained in the table at the beginning of this booklet. Be sure to bear in mind the ratio of a maximum of 20 people per guide.

Get in touch

After having chosen your activity, get in touch with the company or person offering the activity. Details are given after each description.

The activity in the Natural Park

We hope you will arrive punctually for the start of the activity to ensure that it can be carried out in full. Otherwise, we reserve the right to vary the length and content of the activity.

For accommodation Turisme Garrotxa: 902 119 337 & www.turismegarrotxa.com

Recommendations Please come equipped with stout shoes or walking boots and protection against the cold, rain or sun, according to the season.

We reserve the right to change the content of the activities in case of adverse weather conditions or factors of force majeur.

(Prices valid for 2007. Annual increase according to the rise in the cost of living).

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Services

Information centre

Web pages

Casal de los Volcanes Av. de Santa Coloma, s/n - 17800 OLOT Tels. 972 26 62 02/972 26 60 12 Fax: 972 27 04 55

Information on natural park http://www.parcsdecatalunya.net

E-mail address cdpnzvg.dmah@gencat.net

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Tourist information for La Garrotxa http://www.turismegarrotxa.com