Between Sadernes and the former Farga lies a geological area within the protected natural area of Alta Garrotxa. Sinkholes, limestone karren and the natural cave Cova de la Guitlla give the landscape its distinctive contours; other trail-related landmarks focus on historic buildings and places of remembrance. When planning, it is useful to distinguish between the individual routes and their conditions.

Karst between Sadernes and the former Farga

Along the stretch between Sadernes and the former Farga, water seeps into the aquifer through sinkholes. The limestone karren here were shaped by the chemical dissolution of the rock. Cova de la Guitlla is a natural cave beside the trail along this stretch. These terms refer to different features: sinkholes are where water enters the aquifer, while limestone karren are rock formations shaped by dissolution; Cova de la Guitlla is a separate cave along the trail.

Castle ruins, churches and places of remembrance

Castell Sespasa was a pre-feudal structure dating from the 9th to the 10th century. The foundations of a rectangular tower and part of a wall remain. The site also includes a prominent rock face with climbing routes. Castell Sespasa lies on the trail from Sadernes to Bassegoda; the Sadernes–Puig de Bassegoda route passes the ruins. The site is therefore notable both for its surviving structures and for the climbing routes on the rock face.

Nearby is Sant Aniol d’Aguja, an 11th-century Romanesque church that was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 1983. Below the church is the Cova de l’Abat crypt, carved into the rock. Another church is Santa Cecília de Sadernes: the Sadernes–Puig de Bassegoda route begins on the trail beside it.

Behind the apse of Santa Cecília de Sadernes, a marker belonging to the Network of Memorial Sites commemorates the passage of Spanish Republican refugees in the winter of 1939. The old medieval trail from Sadernes to Sant Llorenç de Cerdans via Hostal de la Muga also served as a route into exile. Remembrance is present here on two levels: as a marker at the church and as a historic escape route.

Trails and navigation

The Sadernes–Sant Aniol d’Aguja route passes through rugged, wooded terrain with no services, springs or mobile phone coverage. It is signposted with orange and green markings, as well as the yellow markings of Itinerànnia. So do not count on supplies or mobile phone coverage along this trail. Beside Pont de Valentí, a G40 marker on the Itinerànnia trail network points towards Route 5 to Bassegoda.

Access to the Vall de Sant Aniol

For visitors heading to the Vall de Sant Aniol, the Sadernes car park is the only designated car park during the applicable period. From there, you must continue on foot or by bicycle. Check the current access conditions before travelling. In the area, canyoning on the central Sant Aniol and les Canals axis is limited to 70 people per week. Check the applicable permit requirements in advance as well.

For the overall travel overview: Sales De Llierca.