Capçaleres del Ter and Freser Natural Park - Ulldeter Refuge

The Refugi d'Ulldeter is located 20 minutes from the road that leads to the Vallter 2000 station, at the foot of the Gra de Fajol, very close to the source of the river Ter, in the glacial cirque of Ulldeter.

How to get there

From Setcases, we follow the road in the direction of the Vallter 2000 station, on a 12 km uphill route with numerous curves. After the first chairlift car park, you will find a sign indicating the way to the Ulldeter Refuge. You can park here; it is not necessary to reach the Vallter 2000 station. The path begins at a well-signposted curve, and from this point it is approximately a 20-minute climb to the refuge, following the GR11 markings.

Capçaleres del Ter and Freser Natural Park

The Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park, declared as such in 2015, is located in the eastern Pyrenees, in Ripollès, with an area of ​​more than 14,000 hectares distributed among 7 municipalities.

The current relief is the result of the erosion produced by the water network after the various glaciations. Above 2,000 m, the entire surface was covered by ice platforms and glacial cirques, from which tongues of ice flowed through the valleys and could be 10 km long and up to 500 m thick.

Cirques and glaciers shaped the relief of the mountain range forming troughs, U-shaped valleys and periglacial sedimentary zones in the upper Ter valley and the Núria valley.

Within the Park there are many examples of glacial morphology: the Coma de l'Orri, the Coma de l'Embut, the Coma d'Eina, the Coma de Vaca, the Coma del Freser, all formed by glacial cirques like the Concros circus, the Ulldeter circus, or the Funnel circus. Currently, there are no glaciers.

Bastiments and Coll de la Geganta protect the waters of the Ter River. About 100 m from the old refuge is the source of the Ter river, which rises at 2,400 m at the foot of the ancient glacial cirque and is also protected by the Gra de Fajol and the Pic de la Dona.

The river takes a route of 208 km through several Catalan counties until it reaches its mouth at the beaches of Estartit and Pals.

Gra de Fajol

Bastiments

Old Ulldeter Refuge

Ulldeter Refuge

The New Ulldeter Refuge, inaugurated in 1959 and located at 2,221 meters above sea level, replaces the previous refuge, built in 1909 at 2,393 meters. This first refuge has the historical milestone of being the first mountain equipment in Spain, promoted by the Center Excursionista de Catalunya.

The Camprodon Valley

The Alta Vall del Ter is a paradise with very little human footprint, chosen by many wealthy people as a place of rest.

Camprodon

Catalan Pyrenean Horse Fair

The Mouth of the Ter

The Ter, after traveling 208 km, flows into L’Estartit, in front of the Medes Islands. Now that we have seen the beginning, we cannot miss the end; it’s fantastic.

More Information

Ulldeter Refuge Català Version Spanish Version

Route around the Sant Llorenç de Montgai Reservoir

It is a pleasant excursion suitable for all audiences, with a route so well-conditioned that it feels more like a leisurely walk. The landscapes, the light, the colors of the rocks, and the wildlife—already accustomed to human presence—make this experience a very enjoyable outing. However, it’s not uncommon to find someone huffing and puffing. Bring water, especially in summer, as most of the route is exposed to the sun.

The Route

This is a less than three-hour walking route around the Sant Llorenç de Montgai reservoir.

We parked the car at the Camping la Noguera. Then, we took the track leading to the dam, where we could observe aquatic birds flying over the Segre. From here, we headed left, following a trail that winds through pines and oaks beneath the Coma de Gelis until reaching the Escalera Bridge. Across the lake, you can see Sant Llorenç de Montgai and the various climbing walls on the San Salvador mountain. We returned via the road, where a parallel walkway has been set up alongside the highway.

The Dam

The Sant Llorenç de Montgai hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of 7.4 megawatts and is also the origin of the Urgell Auxiliary Canal, with a flow rate of 8 m³/s.

Above the dam runs the long-distance cycling route that connects Lleida with La Pobla de Segur. We are on the Balaguer - Sant Llorenç de Montgai section, which is about 12 kilometers long.

The Other Side of the Lake

Despite the noise of cars still echoing from the road, the cries of birds of prey can be heard from the rocks of Monteró. Along the edge of the reservoir, massive trout swim majestically through the river.

The Escalera Bridge

La Roca dels Bous - Climbing

La Roca dels Bous is an archaeological site from the Middle Paleolithic period, inhabited by Neanderthals 50,000 years ago. Excavations have uncovered information about their tools, subsistence strategies, and ways of life. In 2015, it was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest due to its historical and scientific significance.

Archaeology in Lleida is always accompanied by climbers. The Pared del Oso and the Cylinder are iconic rock formations that offer numerous climbing routes of varying difficulties, making them very popular among climbers.

The Reeds with Cattails

The Sant Llorenç de Montgai dam maintains a high and constant water level throughout the year, allowing for the development of an extensive strip of reeds with cattails. This environment provides an ideal habitat for numerous species of aquatic birds. For this reason, the reservoir is a Wildlife Nature Reserve.

Walk Around

We cross Sant Llorenç de Montgai by skirting the lake.

Pedal Boats at the Mirador del Llac

Kayaks at Camping la Noguera

More Information

Sant Llorenç de Montgai Càmping La Noguera Bar "El Mirador del Llac" Català Version Spanish Version

El Molí Geolocalitzat

Where to Eat

• Bar-Restaurante "El Mirador del Llac"
• Restaurante del Camping "La Noguera"
• Can Pere - Camarasa

More Excursions

• Congost del Mu
• The Camarasa tabac cave