Colleto de la Portella

The trip over the Creu d’Eixol from Rialp is one way to climb the eastern slope of the Monstsent de Pallars. The other starts in the Vall d’Aneu on road no. 13 in the small town of Escalò. This option is no less attractive and even a touch more difficult.

The narrow streets of Escalò are enough to make you start to sweat. The first stretch to the hamlet of Escart still has an asphalt surface, after which it continues off-road. Rough surface, coarse gravel, washouts, tight switchbacks - that's what makes it fun. Once above the tree line, the route winds along the eastern slope of the mountain. It goes steeply down, not for people who have problems with heights. The views are fantastic, the atmosphere up here is unique.

Past the turnoff down to Rialp, the track crosses the saddle of the 2,265 meter high Colleto de la Portella. And once again, the views of the white peaks of the central Pyrenees leave you speechless.

Now on the western flank of the Montsent de Pallars, the track initially remains at the same height, before reaching its most difficult section: a narrow road, rough gravel, almost 30 bends, deep abysses. After eight kilometers, the fun is over, and the route descends entirely on asphalt to Espui on the Flamisell river.