Spring fills Ripollès with colour and is the perfect time to set out on walking routes and discover the Girona Pyrenees on foot. As the season arrives, the region shifts into a different rhythm. Rivers run full after the snowmelt, meadows regain their deep green tones, and forests become one of the best settings for walking.

This time of year is ideal for relaxed hiking and for discovering the area with a slower, more mindful perspective. Ripollès is home to the extensive Itinerànnia network of trails, which connects villages, valleys and landscapes through historic paths.

If you’re planning a spring getaway, these 5 routes in Ripollès are a great way to start exploring the region.

Important notice: due to strong winds over the weekend of 14–15 March 2026, it is essential to check the condition of the trails with local tourist offices before setting out. Maintenance work is currently underway to address the issues caused by this weather event.

1. Route through the Surroca and Ogassa mining basin

This route offers the chance to discover the significant geological interest of the former Surroca and Ogassa mining basin.

Located in the municipality of Ogassa, the Surroca Mines have left a deep mark on this village in Ripollès, which still preserves the characteristic architecture of a former mining settlement.

The route is circular and starts in the village of Ogassa. Along the way, you can observe various remains of mining activity, such as old workers’ colonies, coal extraction facilities and remnants of industrial infrastructure that tell the story of the area.

In addition to its historical interest, the route also stands out for its natural landscape. Along the trail, you’ll encounter streams, springs and woodland areas that make it a particularly pleasant walk in spring.

It’s a highly appealing option for combining nature and heritage, ideal for discovering a lesser-known side of Ripollès while enjoying a slower, more relaxed pace through the landscape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Circular route: Yellow Itinerànnia waymarks

More information: Route through the Surroca and Ogassa mining basin

2. Livestock Royal Path from Campdevànol to Gombrèn

The livestock royal path from Campdevànol to Gombrèn is a route that follows an old historic trail used for centuries to connect different villages in the region. This itinerary formed part of the traditional routes used by farmers and livestock herders before the construction of modern roads.

Today, the path can be explored on foot or by bicycle and offers the opportunity to discover a landscape that is very characteristic of the area. Several sections of the route follow the course of the Merdàs River, surrounded by riverside vegetation with species such as alders, poplars and hawthorns.

Along the way, you’ll find a number of natural and cultural points of interest, including springs, picnic areas and small Romanesque churches that form part of the region’s historic landscape. This combination of nature, heritage and history makes it a particularly appealing way to explore Ripollès at a relaxed pace.

It is an especially pleasant route in spring, when the riverside vegetation is at its most vibrant and the landscape appears lush and full of life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Non-circular route: Yellow Itinerànnia waymarks

More information:  Livestock Royal Path route from Campdevànol

3. Architectural route of Ripoll

This route allows you to discover some of the most significant heritage landmarks in the town of Ripoll while enjoying a relaxed walk.

The itinerary begins near the Monastery of Santa Maria and the Ripoll Portal, one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Catalonia.

It is a short and accessible urban route that combines history, culture and landscape.

Difficulty: Easy

Circular route: Local urban route

More information: Architectural route of Ripoll

4. Ribes de Freser – Pla d’Erola Refuge

The Ribes de Freser – Pla d’Erola Refuge route is an itinerary that allows you to explore the landscapes of the Vall de Ribes, following mountain paths through forests of Scots pine and black pine. The route starts in the town of Ribes de Freser, passes through the area of Ribes Altes and continues uphill until reaching the Pla d’Erola refuge, set in a natural environment of great interest.

Along the way, you can observe different types of mountain vegetation and alpine scrub, as well as several natural viewpoints offering excellent panoramic views over the Vall de Ribes. The area is also part of a Natural Area of Interest that serves as a potential habitat for the capercaillie, an emblematic species of the Pyrenean forests.

Difficulty: Moderate

Non-circular route: Yellow Itinerànnia waymarks / Natural Park

More information: Ribes de Freser – Pla d’Erola Refuge route

5. The springs of Camprodon

The Les Fonts de Camprodon route is a circular itinerary that allows you to discover some of the most emblematic springs in this municipality of Ripollès, located in the Camprodon Valley.

Along the route, the path passes through several natural and cultural points of interest, such as the Botàs spring, Sant Patllari spring, Vern spring and Boix spring, following forest paths and green areas close to the town centre. This itinerary combines heritage, landscape and the hiking tradition that characterises the area.

With its short distance and moderate elevation gain, it is an ideal excursion for families or for enjoying a relaxed walk surrounded by nature and local culture.

Difficulty: Easy

Non-circular route: Local urban route

More information: Les Fonts de Camprodon route

Responsible hiking in Ripollès

Walking in Ripollès also means respecting the natural environment. Following marked trails and taking care of the landscape is essential to preserve these areas.

Ripollès actively works to promote sustainable tourism through the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), an initiative that encourages good practices to protect the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

When visiting the area, it is recommended to:

• always follow marked routes
• avoid leaving waste in the natural environment
• respect wildlife and vegetation
• check conditions before starting your route

These small actions help preserve the landscape so that everyone can continue to enjoy it.

Discover Ripollès in spring

Spring is one of the best times to explore the Girona Pyrenees. Nature is in full transformation, and the trails and routes in Ripollès offer plenty of opportunities for walking.

With good planning and respect for the environment, each route becomes an opportunity to get to know the area better and enjoy one of the most authentic landscapes in the Catalan Pyrenees.

If you’d like to continue exploring the region, you can browse all the routes in Ripollès, where you’ll find a wide range of hiking itineraries to discover the landscapes of the Girona Pyrenees.