Stage 36: Mequinenza - Almatret

You will leave Mequinenza via the long, narrow bridge over the branch of the Riba-roja reservoir, which leads to Granja d’Escarp, at the confluence of the rivers Segre and Cinca. The confluence of these three great rivers, the Ebro, the Segre and the Cinca, forms l’Aiguabarreig, an important site of natural interest. The Nature Trail follows the mining service road that runs along the shore of the reservoir. The path continues east, hugging the reservoir, after passing the strip or orchards separating it from the shore.

At the end of the paved path, the track turns southeast and, after passing some mine entrances, it reaches the deep l’Aiguamoll gorge, which acts as a dividing line between Aragon and Catalonia - and which at this point has a major water catchment facility on its left bank. It is time to leave the shore of the reservoir, turning left (north-east) to climb up the bottom of the open valley on its right bank, in view of the remnants of riparian vegetation that come as a surprise in the midst of so much mining debris. Several tracks on the right and left, which are signposted with no access allowed signs, mark the way to various mines. This section climbs up to a high point which still features the remains of disused mines, with precarious facilities: the well-known Lluc mines.

The path gradually gains altitude as the valley opens onto the upper plain. Shortly after that, hikers will reach a crossroads where they should ignore a branch on the left that leads to the village of Maials and instead take the one on the right, which turns upwards towards the large expanses of rainfed crops. Then, on the right, is the entrance to Mas de Gili (or Cisco).

After passing the entrance, a slight descent precedes a crossroads from which you will continue straight ahead. You will now enter an extensive valley to ascend the main track, leaving behind old derelict buildings until you reach the l’Empedrola pond, which precedes a sharp bend in the path. After this, you will reach a watershed in the sierra and, shortly after that, the widening of the LV-7046 (Maials-Almatret) road. At this point, the path offers excellent views to the north and east, amidst Mediterranean scrubland vegetation, which without a doubt enhance enjoyment of the place.

On the other side of the road, follow the course of the old road that descends to cross a stream and turns up the shady pine-clad slope. After following it for 1,300 m, the old road connects with the modern route, next to a livestock farm. You don’t have far to go until you reach your destination, since, in a little under two kilometres you will see the village of Almatret, a small settlement with a little over a thousand residents who work in agriculture. A premium quality olive oil is obtained here from the Arbequina variety. Although the village is some distance from the Ebro, it is no stranger to the vicissitudes of the river and the entire surrounding area is a continuous viewpoint over its entrenched course.