Spain 2017 - Barcelona and The Pyrenees


View of the Pyrenees from Pic de Noucreus

My interest in Barcelona and the Pyrenees came about through reading three books: both Orwell and Lee wrote about their personal experiences of the Spanish Civil War, whilst Zafon delivers a fictional mystery set in the city's postwar streetscapes. I had planned to spend a couple of days visiting the Gaudi Buildings followed by a few days hiking in the mountains. The Segrada Família was my first stop and, although impressive, the sheer number of people jostling to get the best positions for photos was off-putting. Unfortunately it was a similar scene at most of the popular attractions and I was soon ready for the tranquility of Vall de Núria. I took a train from Barcelona to Ribes de Fresser then the Rack Railway into the valley (the only way it can be accessed). The line is an amazing feat of engineering and the ride has great views of chasms, forests, and rivers. The following afternoon I set off to hike the Noucreus trail, which turned out to be the highlight of the trip. It passes through rich green, wildflower-filled hills with numerous rivulets running into a central stream, which flows into the valley below. The only sounds are running water, birdsong, and the occasional bleating from small herds of grazing goats. At the top end, the greenery gives way to rock and scree with a short steep climb to a ridge. Beyond the ridge you're rewarded with stunning views of peaks and troughs dotted with green and blue pools that go on for miles. It was great, and just what I'd wanted to see. 

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