Discover the Iron and Coal route, the natural wonder that will amaze you
May is synonymous with nature in its purest form, temperatures that invite adventure, and an atmosphere that has not yet fallen under the pressure of summer. But it’s not just that: if you like to walk and let yourself be surprised, this route will change your idea of conventional hiking.
Between the Girona regions of Ripollès, between Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses, there is a stretch with history, nature, and a magical touch you haven’t discovered yet. According to National Geographic, it’s the outing you can’t miss this month.
The Iron and Coal Route: a journey through history and nature
✈️ How to get there: Girona-Costa Brava Airport, 1h30 by car from Tarragona
📅 Best time: May-June, for fresh spring and green landscapes
Connection between nature and industrial heritage
With 18 kilometers to cover, this old railway line connects natural spots with industrial remains that tell the area’s past. You will cross walkways, long tunnels, and iconic bridges such as the Reixac Bridge and the Perella Bridge, all witnesses to an era when coal and iron were the local driving forces.
Recommendations for the whole family
If you decide to do this hike with kids, prepare for a demanding day filled with memorable moments. The route alternates meadows and spectacular views, but carrying water and good footwear is mandatory. The hike is not just any walk: the 18 kilometers will challenge even the bravest.
The Malatosca water hole: charm and legend amid the water
A place of mystery and natural beauty
This route wouldn’t be the same without the obligatory stop at the Malatosca Pool or water hole, a pool where the green of the vegetation blends with the crystalline water. If it’s hot (and you feel adventurous), you can swim there. But beware: legend says this pool is enchanted by witches who gathered there and protected magical creatures nobody else saw.
The legend of the golden lentils
According to oral tradition, a midwife received a handful of lentils as a reward from a witch. Disappointed, she threw them into the Ter River, but one lentil, which had not fallen into the river (according to some sources it stuck to her apron and according to others it stayed at the bottom of a bag), turned into gold. This gave this place the name also known as the Witches’ water hole, a spot that adds mystery to the natural beauty. Listen to the entire legend, as told to us by Esther Barcelona.
How to get there, what to see, and where to enjoy most
Access and transport
To reach Ripoll or Sant Joan de les Abadesses from Tarragona, the best option is by car, with a journey of around 2h30. There are also train connections to Ripoll, but the route starts and ends at different points, so planning the return or doing it circularly is advisable.
Gastronomy and accommodation nearby
After an intense day, you can recover your strength at local restaurants where traditional Catalan cuisine is the star, with dishes like coca de recapte and local cured meats. For sleeping, the rural houses of Sant Joan de les Abadesses offer quiet and authentic options, ideal for continuing to discover the region.
The reality is that this stretch of the Iron and Coal Route is a hard-to-find combination: nature, legend, and industrial heritage in a journey that leaves no one indifferent. So, if you haven’t done it yet, you know what you’re missing.
