La Morera - Escaladei - La Vilella Alta - Gratallops
18 kms - 5 hours
Our friendly hosts in La Morera. They kindly drove us to Escaladei , cutting off walking time in a very hot day (31o)
Escaladei, a historic site dating back to 11th century, set up by Carthusian monks from Grenoble in France. An order dedicated to prayer, living in single cells.
Free entry today as it is Catalan’s national day.
Impressive site with grand plans for more renovations. I wasn’t sure whose skull it was in the monk’s cell.
But it’s all about the grapes..
Leaving Escaladei the whole landscape was grapevines - on riverbeds, terraces, old and new vines.
Vines laden with ripe pendants of grapes
Vines laden with ripe pendants of grapes
Mainly dirt tracks today with spectacular views and a light breeze.
Some tricky sections.
We climbed down into La Vilella Alta for respite from the heat and found one bar open, Lo Cupet.
The owner was a bit of a character and preceded to give us a history and geography lesson about the area. We asked for a photo and he took us into the main square for a shot in front of the church but we suspect it was for his mates gathered in the square.
The next section had lovely views, a path by a hermitage, an AMAZING prickly pear bush, then the last few kms on the road.
The next section had lovely views, a path by a hermitage, an AMAZING prickly pear bush, then the last few kms on the road.
Walking into Gratallops.
Another surprise accommodation - La Bodega Clos Figueras (note this one for future stays)
Beautiful rooms, restaurant, cellar and accompanying Bodega.
Tonight is a menu with paired wines.
Last day walking tomorrow. What a treat it’s been. We would never have found these interesting places on our own.
We’ll sleep well tonight after a good day’s exercise and paired wines..
Wine tour
Delicious home grown vegetables and wines
M&M
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