Pla de Beret to Montgarri

Today took us to the opposite side of the
Val d’Aran, for a beautiful walk in Naut Aran (High Aran), about 35km from the campsite.

We drove up to the Pla de Beret ( Beret Plain) a high mountain pasture and the location of the mid level of the Baqueira/Beret ski resort in the winter. In the summer you can drive up to, and park on, the plain at an altitude of about 1,850m.

After a picnic lunch whilst enjoying the fabulous views on the plain, we struck off north west in order to follow the Noguera Pallaresa river roughly in the direction of the French border and the border between Aran and the next county within Catalunya to the east: Pallars Sobirà.

Our aim was to walk to the Sanctario de Montgarri, a former monastery, just over 6km from the car park on the plain (and the limit of drivable roads) and the same distance back again.

We set off on the track and soon picked up the way-marked walking path which led into the edge of the forest above the river which gurgled below. We could frequently hear the sound of cow bells on cattle and on the wild Pyrenean mountain horses or pottioks.

After about an hour and a half, the steeple of the church came into view and we soon reached the bridge just opposite the sanctuary gate.

Until the 1960s there was a village, also called Montagarri, a few hundred metres beyond the sanctuary, which was once Aran’s highest inhabited village at 1645m.

Next to the 11th century sanctuary church stands a refuge in a 16th century slate building, offering refreshments and accommodation.

After a drink and a snack, we had a look inside the church and then began the return journey, now on the opposite side of the river, to Pla de Beret.

The views heading back were just as wonderful as the outward journey. We also saw at least one more Griffon vulture (an possiblly a second too).Read more