The best phrase to define this corner of Aran is “ beautiful views any time of the year”. From the starting point at the Aiguamog valley we see the many features of this area: pastures, fields, forests, rivers and high peaks serving as appetizer for the largest mountain basin of the Pyrenees – The Colomèrs Circ. This itinerary offers a pleasant hike where one can discover one part of this valley which is on the periphery of the National Parks of Aigüestortes and Saint Maurici Lake. You will enter the forest following the river until reaching a waterfall. You will then take a manicured and interesting path until you arrive to a lookout point where you have the panoramic views of the grand Colomers Peak (2.933m) and looking down you will see the swamp and protected river area of the Aigües Tortes of Colomers. The return journey will take you past old barns, pastures and livestock.

Detailed Route:

The route begins at the end of the car park of the Tredos Baths. A sign indicates the Camin dera Montanheta (Montanheta Trail). Lazily following the river this trail is surrounded by a variety of floral vegetation. The trail will lead you to a waterfall. You will go up until reaching the Aigües Tortes cabin next to the path where you will find a sign encouraging you to follow the trail adjacent to the river. The trail goes back up through the pine and fir tree forest first until reaching a log bridge and later until reaching a lookout point which is slightly off of the trail to the left. After a few short uphill ascents and downhill descents you will exit the forest and take the path (1) to the left which will lead you to the Pont dera Montanheta and the picnic area. Continue along this comfortable trail until reaching the starting point.

Recommendations:

A visit to the Tredos Hot Springs is a must. Don’t forget your swim suit as the outdoor pool has warm thermal water!

Curiosities:

With the recess of the last glaciers from the last glacial era, the lakes were formed in the mountains’ basins which over time filled up with sediments until they became flat. The rivers or streams began to spill out from these lakes creating varied forms at the base of the valleys. These varied or twisted shapes are the reason for the name Aigües Tortes which translates to mean “twisted waters”. The roe deer is a mammal from the deer family that lives in the forest and from which it rarely leaves. The male has small horns with three points which change every year. The female in the only one of its species with delayed fecundation: after mating the female has the fecundated egg and can wait to develop it until the external conditions are most favourable. The yarrow (achillea millefolium) flower grows in the pastures and on the edges of the trails. It has been known since the time of the Romans. The soldiers always carried some of them in their bags for their power to help heal cuts. In infusions the yarrow plant is used to treat ulcers and gastritis.