Sunflower Books: Landscapes of the COSTA BRAVA: CAR TOURS AND WALKS

Costa Brava and Barcelona, 2nd edition (2006), updated 17/10/2009

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Updates for walks and car tours (drives) in the Costa Brava region and around Barcelona given below supplement those provided in the guidebook. It is vital that this Update is read in conjunction with the text of the book, but note that the Update applies only to the edition stated and not to any earlier editions. (If you have an older edition of this book and want to "upgrade" to the latest edition at half price, click here.)

Information has been forwarded to us by users of the book, and Sunflower Books offers the data in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate content in the Update. Unless indicated otherwise, what appears here has not been verified by the author or publisher, so please allow due caution when new or amended routes are suggested. Each piece of information is dated; bear in mind that some of the older observations may have since been overtaken by events or further changes. If, during your holiday, you are using the current edition of the guide and are able to provide any additional updating to add to this page, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please send information, preferably in hard copy, by post, to Sunflower Books, PO Box 115, Exeter EX2 6YU (or if you prefer, by e-mail, to mail@sunflowerbooks.co.uk).

Walks, general: In the local tourist offices you can now get sketch maps and write-ups of many walks (for instance, in Olot for various walks in the volcano area, in other places like Rupit and Tavertet (between Vic and Olot) for other lovely walks. (e-mail, 5/08)

Short Walk for Motorists 11, in Girona. A nice walk, gets you out of the city. Some confusion before the 45 minute point: the directions to descend to the left of the pylon didn't seem to make sense- we ended up meeting the City Walls at a different point. (User, 10/09)

Walk 3: The bridge referred to in page 66 is demolished due to civil works. Access to the GR-172 is from the erected stairs which can be accessed from the upper square (in front of the monastery entrance). (e-mail, 10/07)
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Walk 5: SAGALES bus Barcelona - Riells del Fai: Only the 06:00 and 20:00 bus leave from the corner of Passeig de Sant Joan & c/Diputacio, the rest i.e. 7:10, 10:10, 11:10, 12:10, 13:10, 14:10 etc leave from near the METRO station of Sagrera. (e-mail, 10/07)

Walk 9: This worked fine - good directions. (User, 10/09)

Walk 10 : Access: the dirt track going off to the left ,signposted to "Puigsacalm" and "Can Turo" now has a tarmac cover exactly up to the point where the walk starts. (User, 9/06) + The description in the book is very precise and up-to-date, but here are two suggestions: On weekends the parking places by the picnic spots are full to bursting, and it is easier to park at a signposted parking area just to the right of the turn off to 'Puigsacalm' mentioned in the book. Walk from there on the dirt road to the "Can Turo" restaurant where the walk begins. This adds 11min each way. At the 1h55min-point and again on the return from Santa Madgdalena we ignore a sign to Puigsacalm. Why? In the book it mentions a variation from Santa Magdalena the ascent of Puig Corneli, but in good weather I think it's better to climb Puigsacalm. The route is well waymarked from the sign (even though the waymarks are quite faded). When the route splits in a few minutes, take the right fork, which runs past Puig del Llops to Puigsacalm. The ascent lasts about 40 min, the descent about 30 min. In some places you have to scramble, but if you've managed the Escales de Sallent, this route will be no problem. (User, 5/04)

Walk 12: signposted throughout as Route 1, Route 2 (circuit of Tossol), Route 15 - there are maps and descriptions in English in the nature park information kiosk. The circuit in the Santa Margarida crater is now signposted. (e-mail, 5/08)

Walk 15: After the 10min-point there is a green gate on the right. After the 2h15min-point the walk no longer goes through pines - there's been a fire, and it's now unshaded and less attractive. (e-mail, 5/08)

Walk 16: Here's a possible improvement for those with a car. The climb up from l'Estartit to the top of the " plateau" is long and tedious. Much easier, drive to the top and park at the 25 minute spot. Either along the road, or in the woods, probably parking for 60-75 cars in various spots. ( We didn't make it to the cove, unfortunately, due to some knee problems, so likely missed out on the best part - the approach section is rather bleak). (User, 10/09)

Walks 14-18: Some 1:25,000 maps published by Verlag Piolet are now available locally in bookshops for walks in the following areas:
1) P.N.Aiguamolls - l'Escala
2) l'Escala - Pals
3) Pals - Palamos,
These show both GR and local walking routes. With these maps you can extend your walks in this area. (e-mail, 5/08)