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The walk starts directly from the Casa Puixico lodge. The route begins by crossing the village of Calvera, heading down the tarmac road to reach the start of the dirt track. You then simply follow this track, which is suitable for vehicles (but closed to unauthorised vehicles), as it descends gently through the countryside towards the valley. The path is clear and impossible to miss. As you approach your destination, the track continues to descend gently towards the barranc (gorge) of Castrocit, where you can explore the remains and ruins of the abandoned village. To round off the visit, a short track climbs slightly up the hill to reach the Church of Sant Cristòfol. The return journey then follows the same route, entirely uphill, back to the lodge in Calvera.
The abandoned village of Castrocit as seen from Calvera
An easy walk of less than 6 km there and back from the Casa Puixico lodge in Calvera. An ideal walk to discover the abandoned village of Castrocit and its church in a wild and peaceful landscape.
Details
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 3.15 mi -
Average duration: 1h 50 -
Difficulty: Easy -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 443 ft -
Descent: - 476 ft -
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Highest point: 4,052 ft -
Lowest point: 3,720 ft
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,052 ft - Casa Puixico
- 1 : mi 0.01 - alt. 4,039 ft - Photo
- 2 : mi 0.32 - alt. 3,862 ft - Information point
- 3 : mi 1.26 - alt. 3,750 ft - Calvaire
- 4 : mi 1.48 - alt. 3,763 ft - Photo
- 5 : mi 1.54 - alt. 3,766 ft - Castrocit
- 6 : mi 1.6 - alt. 3,819 ft - Iglesia de San Cristóbal
- S/E : mi 3.15 - alt. 4,042 ft - Casa Puixico
Notes
- Terrain: The route follows a dirt track suitable for vehicles throughout.
- Route profile: The route is mainly downhill on the way to the village and the Castrocit ravine. Please note that there is a short climb to reach the Church of Sant Cristòfol.
- Effort on the return journey: The return journey to Calvera is entirely uphill.
- Exposure: The track is completely exposed to the sun, with no shade. The climb back up to Calvera can be gruelling, particularly at midday during the summer. Remember to take water and a hat.
- Safety: If you decide to leave the track to explore the ruins of the abandoned village, please be careful. The site is overgrown with stinging nettles. It is advisable to wear long trousers.
Worth a visit
- The abandoned village of Castrocit: A hamlet steeped in history that was deserted in the second half of the 20th century. Its stone ruins offer a striking glimpse into the rural life of the Ribagorza region in days gone by.
- The Church of Sant Cristòfol: Perched on the hill overlooking the village, this 12th-century Romanesque church has a single nave and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding valley.
- The Barranc de Castrocit: The wild ravine stretching out at the foot of the village, carved out by the waters and typical of the rugged terrain of the Aragonese Pyrenees.
- Of note along the way (Sierra de Sis massif): Well before reaching Castrocit, the main track comes to a junction leading towards the peaks. This is where experienced hikers turn off to follow the famous Sierra de Sis route or the historic Las Tozas trail, without needing to descend all the way to the abandoned village.
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The tranquillity is one of the great attractions of this walk. Calvera lies at the end of a small mountain road and, outside the mushroom-picking season, it is rare to come across other walkers there. Bearded vultures are frequently seen gliding above the cliffs.
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