Groundhog Route

It is a well-marked path that runs along the reservoir, which, depending on the time of year, offers a more or less grateful image. When we reach the tail of the reservoir, a slight climb begins until we reach the Planell de Riumalo. Then comes the route with the most unevenness: the Llastres de la Morta. Zigzagging through the rocks polished by the glacier, we will finally see the Black Lake. The path is the gateway to the upper basin of the banks of Caldes. The herds of animals that graze in the pastures of the Val d’Aran also use this route to cross through the port of Caldes towards Colomèrs.

Points of interest

Cavallers Reservoir: extraordinarily wedged between high granite walls, it gives a very typical view of the high granite mountain. Although there are no forests, there are small groups of trees hanging from the rocks, and the meadows are just clippings that cover the cracks of the rocks that emerge. Such an inhospitable landscape is the testimony left in its wake by the glacier that descended along the banks of Caldes, no more than 34,000 years ago.

Riumalo Waterfall: spectacular waterfall of more than 20 m high, through which the Noguera de Tor descends, which is a little hidden to the left of our itinerary.

Planell de Riumalo: an extensive area from which we can enjoy the observation of the marmot, one of the friendliest animals in the Pyrenees. The pastures of the stony trees are their favourite habitat. To the west, we have the Malavesina valley, a classic route of ascent to the Besiberri massif.

Llastres de la Morta: a rocky group with spectacular glacial polishing surfaces adorned with numerous waterfalls and traps. It has this name in memory of a woman from Taüll who, leaving for France, died in strange circumstances centuries ago.

Estany Negre: this 35 m deep lake with dark waters is a clear example of the erosive power of the glacier. It is a good place to start other excursions to the Colieto valley, the lakes under the Travessani needles or to climb to the top of Montardo. The view over the Besiberri massif magnifies the alpine character of the Park.

* During the summer months (from 21 June to 30 September) there is a discretionary public transport service, known
as the Park Bus, which can be combined with routes through the mountains of Alta Ribagorça to other regions. The service allows you to return to your place of origin by means of 4 daily transport lines that operate between the Boí valley and the Espot valley, passing through the Val d’Aran.