Nature

The Faiada of Malpàs and Cambatiri

Information

• General information:

  The protected natural area of the Faiada de Malpàs i Cambatiri is located on the left bank of the Noguera Ribagorçana river, at the north-western end of the central Catalan Pre-Pyrenees. It is an area of great natural value that stands out for the diversity of flora and fauna that inhabit it.

  The Faiada de Malpàs massif, with a maximum altitude of 1,701 metres, has a very marked morphology. The northern slopes, known as the shady slopes of Cambatiri, are steeper and steeper, while to the south the massif is separated from the Serra de Sant Gervàs by several ravines.

  The orientation of the ridges from east to west and the difference in slope between the slopes mean that this area is home to a wide variety of forest communities typical of the Pre-Pyrenees. On the northern slopes, deciduous forests predominate, such as beech, oak or hazelnut. On the other hand, on the eastern slopes, which are sunnier and steeper, holm oak formations appear.

  Among all these forest communities, the beech forest (Buxo-Fagetum) stands out in particular, a type of forest that is rare in the central Pre-Pyrenees and is considered a relic of periods of colder and more humid climate.

  As for the fauna, the space is home to a remarkable representation of species typical of these environments, with a prominent presence of Mediterranean species that arrive from the southernmost areas. Among the birdlife, the presence of scavenger birds associated with cliffs and open spaces is particularly noteworthy.

  Recommended route: La Faiada and Montiberri from Font de la Mena

  A great way to discover the natural area of La Faiada de Malpàs i Cambatiri is to follow the route starting from Font de la Mena, near El Pont de Suert, climbing towards Montiberri and continuing up to the Cap de la Faiada, an outstanding natural viewpoint overlooking the Noguera Ribagorçana valley, the Escales reservoir and the central Pyrenees.

  This proposal partially combines two signposted Alta Ribagorça itineraries: the Cap de la Faiada Route and the Montiberri Fauna Route. The route can also be shortened by starting from Montiberri, although access is via a track not suitable for all vehicles.

  Route details
  Route type: linear
  Start and finish: Font de la Mena
  Distance: 11.77 km
  Elevation gain: +867 m
  Difficulty: moderate
  Estimated duration: 6 h 37 min
  Suitable for MTB: No