Stage 30: Àreu - Refugio de Baiau
(0h0min;0km) Àreu (1.245m). Leave Forca d'Àreu along a track – paved surface to begin with – that is often busy with traffic in summer, until you reach the La Molinassa car park, the starting point for ascents to summits such as Pica d'Estats. After 3 kilometres the track changes sides and soon afterwards, the GR11 leaves it to follow a rather muddy path on the right. The path crosses the track a couple of times before reaching...
(1h35min; 5.4kms) Pla de la Selva (1.695m), where there is a picnic area without drinking water. Follow the track, then shortly afterwards turn off it on the right along a path that will eventually rejoin it, close to the car park at...
(2h50min; 9.1kms) La Molinassa (1.815m). Keep on the track, passing the crossing to Vallferrera refuge, Pica d'Estats and one of the connecting routes to the GR10. You continue along the track.
(3h05min; 9.7kms) Pla de Boet (1.865m), where there is another connecting route to the GR10 via Port de Boet. You leave it on your left, and continue your gradual climb to...
(3h45min; 11.2kms) Pla de Arcalis (2.015m). The path advances through black pine forest and fields with an abundance of livestock. The path heads away from Riu de Baiau and reaches Estanys d'Ascorbes lakes, while in the distance the metallic Baiau shelter can be seen. You reach Estany de Baiau lake, then finally...
(5h40min; 15.4kms) Refugio de Baiau o Josep María Montfort (2.517m).
In Àreu, we recommend Hotel Vallferrera (Tel: (+34) 973 62 43 43 / (+34) 629 07 41 58; info@hotelvallferrera.com). Very comfy. It also has apartments, restaurant and grocery.
During the stage, Refugio de Vallferrera (/).
At the end of the stage, Baiau or Josep María Montfort shelter (free, 9 places, blankets).
Services:In Àreu there are a few bars and restaurants and a small supermarket.
Maps:- Alpina: Alt Pirineu (Scale: 1/50.000).
Transport:The Aigües Tortes Park bus passes through Llavorsí, with Alsa buses. From Sort, there are bus connections with Lleida and Barcelona (Alsa). There are also connections between Sort and La Seu d'Urgell with the taxi firm Passem el Cantó. There is a daily public service (2 trips per day). In 2013 the price per person was 4€. To reserve, call 689 495 777 or 610 952 001. You can also get the train to Pobla de Segur or Seu d'Urgell (RENFE) from Lleida and Barcelona and then take the bus (Alsa).
Activities in the area:In La Força de Àreu, you have La Fusta museum (science and technology, tel: 973 621 002; e-mail: turisme@pallarssobira.cat).
