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Equipped path Camí del Gall

This route is dedicated to the Pyrenean grouse, and is accessible for the whole family. It descends parallel to la Valira river from Soldeu to Canillo, indicated profusely with informative signposts, and with some fun stretches.

K1AndorraEquipped pathFor beginnersChild Friendly

Location

CanilloCanilloAndorraAndorra Technical description Downloadable files

How to get there

We’ll go up to Soldeu from Canillo on the CG-2. We’ll be able to park on a bend to the left once past the 17km point and opposite the Sport Hotels Resort & Spa. It’s not a free parking area. The path starts on the right-hand side along the “Camí Vell de Soldeu”. You’ll see a beautiful handmade wooden signpost of the Camí del Gall and the sign Canillo 6.6 km.

The route

The Camí del Gall is a natural path that connects the two Andorran villages of Soldeu and Canillo. It’s mostly a traditional route to do on foot, although we’ll find sections equipped with walkways, steps and handrails. Aside from being suitable for the whole family, it’s also very entertaining thanks to the signposts and the features that the route itself offers.

It’s not very likely, but you might be lucky enough to spot a capercaillie, which gives the route its name, or perhaps a deer, a squirrel or a fox. On the other hand, you’ll most likely see cows and horses grazing, and you may also come across mushrooms, at least the most poisonous ones, like the colourful Amanita muscaria.

There are nine stops in total which are considered rest spots. The first one is the Palinquero one, a few metres from the beginning. If we follow the numbers we’ll know how much further it is to Canillo from any given point.

One of the signposts on the route.

We’ll cross up to five streams along our way down, the widest one over a long wooden walkway. We’ll also cross the fields of the Soldeu-El Tarter ski slopes. We can make use of the Balma de l’Aixopluc in case it rains, or take a longer detour that goes into the Mandurana forest, increasing both the distance and the difference in height.
Conversely, if we get tired, there are exits that go straight down to the CG-2, and that will allow us to shorten the way by half. Before the first variant that zigzags down to Canillo, which is always signposted, we’ll find the most dangerous equipped stretch: an aerial cornice with a chain.

The longest walkway along the Camí del Gall

We’ll end the excursion with the baroque Santa Creu de Canillo chapel and La Valira river, which we’ll cross easily over a wide bridge.

It’s better to do the descending part of the route if you go with children under 6 years old. By doing this the positive height difference will make the hike easier; we’ll only have to pay attention to the red grouse markings, which will be extra motivation for the kids.
Beware of the altitude, over 1700 metres, and the position of the route facing north, which means you’ll have to carry extra clothing even in summer.

We’ll also be doing a section of ElCamí that overlaps with the Camí del Gall where it crosses Andorra: a path that connects all Catalan-speaking regions with a common route.

The way back

We’ll have to go up to Soldeu again.
» If we arranged for another car to wait for us it’ll be easy, just 15 minutes on foot.
» There’s a daily bus service. You can also take a taxi.
» Hitchhiking along the CG-2 is also an option, since it’s a very busy road.

Bibliography

Visita Andorra

Nearby routes

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