Roquetes walks

El Caro is a high point (1,442 m) in the Ports Natural Park, at the far end of Catalonia, overlooking the Ebro Valley. A road leads up to it from the valley, as it serves the mobile phone masts installed on this exposed summit. This road is best known to cyclists, who climb nearly 1,200 m over 13.8 km. However, this summit lies on a ridge that can be explored on foot, starting from the wooded plateau at its base. The elevation gain on this circular route is modest, but some of the climbs are physically demanding. The view from the summit is therefore well worth the effort on this route.

Above Catí, Tossal de la Nevera is one of the highest points in this part of the Maestrazgo, with extensive views on a clear day. A refurbished marked loop runs along this ridge from Catí, but it includes a lot of road at the bottom. This guide suggests starting a little higher up to limit the amount of tarmac and the length of the walk. The path climbs gently up the Barranc de la Tova, then ascends through the forest until it reaches the mountain pastures at the Col de la Selleta, from where the end of the climb is clearly visible between terraces bordered by retaining walls or small rocky outcrops. The return route follows the ridge line for a good while, then passes by Avellà, a historic thermal spring, before descending via the pass to Catí.

A very pleasant route. The farmers in the village of Pratdip have taken great care to maintain their paths and dry stone walls. The hike was done at the end of August, when there was no water in the streams. The hike offers beautiful views of Pratdip, the mountains and the sea in the distance. The hike seems easier when done anti-clockwise.