(0h00min; 0 kms) Talaixà (735m). The track descends through dense Mediterranean woodland to the ruins at La Quera (15') then continues along a path. You continue downhill for another 15mins until you see a path on the left that heads up a steep slope around the hill known as Salt de la Novia. After a short climb, followed by another downhill stretch, you reach...

(1h15min; 3,6 kms) Sant Aniol d'Aguja (446m). Here there is a drinking fountain in an ideal spot for camping and of course it is worth a stop to visit the Romanesque chapel of St Aniol by the ruins of the old refuge.

Just by the fountain there is a path heading north - following the Riera de Sant Aniol - that goes to Gorg Blau (300m), a magnificent pool of crystal-clear water where you can go for a dip, and a little further on, to Salt del Brull (650m).

The tiny monastery of Sant Aniol d'Aguja was founded in the year 859 by a community of Benedictine monks. Due to its isolated position, it soon became dependent on Girona Cathedral and in 1003 the community transferred to Sant Llorenç del Mont, just a few kilometres from here.

Close to the chapel stands the large building that once housed Sant Aniol mountain refuge. Volunteer groups from the area (Amics de Sant Aniol d'Aguja) are currently carrying out restoration work on the refuge, although it is difficult to know when this work will be finished.

You cross a footbridge and leave St Aniol d'Aguja behind. You walk down to Riera de la Comella, where you change direction (a left turn) and begin a steep climb to the...

(2h35min; 6,5 kms) Coll Roig (830m). The climb has not finished, so keep on climbing to the left. Along paths and tracks, and across rough terrain, you reach a track close to the Collado de Principi (1,129m). To your right, is the Puig de Bassegoda (1,374m), the highest peak in the Garrotxa region. Follow the track for 5 minutes to the...

(3h50min; 9,9 kms) Coll de Bassegoda (1.102m). You begin to head downhill, and soon take a path on the left that drops quickly down to the Refugio de Bassegoda - Can Galan.

(4h25min; 11,5 kms) Can Nou (770m). There is a gravel track that reaches this point from Albanyà, which soon becomes a cement track. As soon as you leave, you pass a drinking fountain (just a trickle of water, does not inspire confidence). You could walk all the way down the track, although we prefer to follow the yellow and white markings of a local path that are more direct, bypassing several bends. The end of the stage is by track.

(6h15min; 19,3 kms) Albanyà (362m).