Circular walk around Cornudella de Montsant

This 10 km walk is a total joy for the eyes and the senses and one of my absolute favourites.

Starting from the ample public car park (there is a decent bakery nearby if you need to fuel up) you walk up the lanes of Cornudella de Montsant towards the mountains until reaching the end of the village. There you with meet a country lane leading through idyllic fields planted with almond and olive trees, moving upwards through vineyards and walnut groves. The path narrows and becomes steeper giving way to wilderness as you reach the lower level of the imposing Serra Major del Montsant.

You will eventually get to a prominent sign which shows several directions one of which points upwards to the serra Major: keep going and keep an eye on the wikiloc map.

Eventually the path bends right and moves steadily, following the mid ridge of the Sierra, and continues for a kilometre or so until you reach the beautiful Ermita de Sant Joan del Codolar announced by a row of tall and century old cypresses.

This is a beautiful and peaceful place to stop for at least a few minutes, drink from the natural well (this is untreated water, clean and fresh as it gets) before you continuing the journey by following a path which starts between the hermitage and a rock.

The path continues evenly and spectacularly for several kilometres with stunning views looking upwards and below. When you get to a strange shaped rock (on your left) which looks like a giant mushroom it's time to pay attention as you will soon start descending. Locating the downward path is a little tricky due to the erosion in the terrain but once you are on it it's just a matter of moving downhill until you reach Cornudella.

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For a detailed description in Catalan see https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/cornudella-sant-joan-del-codolar-serra-major-montsant-cami-dels-cartoixans-16270461#comment_1079472.