Pedraforca
Pedraforca is a mountain in the Sierra de Cadi in the Pre-Pyrenees. It is one of the most famous mountains in Catalonia, and marks the boundary between the two terms and between the province of Barcelona and Lleida
Pedraforca (Wikiepdia)
Pedraforca has a very peculiar shape, composed of two parallel ridges (the pollegons) joined by a neck (the Enforcadura). The upper ridge has an altitude of 2,506.1 meters with a secondary peak, the Calderer of 2,475.4 meters and the ridge below is 2444.8 m tall. The Enforcadura or forking section’s highest point lies at 2356.2 m.
Pedraforca is one of the most beautiful mountains in Catalonia. It has two main peaks that look like a pitchfork when viewed from the East (Pedraforca means ‘pitchfork of stone’ in Catalan). The North face is a steep rocky wall in which dificult climbing was introduced in Catalonia by Lluis Estasen in 1928. Nowadays a lot of people ascent it by the normal route, specially in summer, because it is easy. The route climbs the north peak (Pollegó Superior), which is the highest. It is a nice route, you cross a forest, walk up a col (Coll del Verdet), climb a little rocky section (very easy) and follow the ridge overhanging the north face (a little aerial).
Where to stay near Pedraforca
- Hostal Pedraforca “Hostal Pedraforca is located in Maçaners-Saldes, in the Cadí Mountains, 1.5km from the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Its facilities, including a swimming pool and terrace, offer superb views of the landscape”
- Hostal Cal Batista “Set in foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, this charming, rustic-style hotel is surrounded by beautiful nature, located on the edge of Cadi-Moixeró National Park.”
- Fonda Biayna “The Fonda Biayna is a 17th-century manor house in the historic centre of Bellver de Cerdanya, within the Catalan Pyrenees. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas. One of the oldest inns in Spain, Fonda Biayna is just metres from the Plaça Major. Bellver is a short drive from the La Masella Ski Resort and the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. It is also well-known for its castle. The area is ideal for horse-riding and hiking.” (This place looks authentic!)
Books and Maps on Pedraforca and La Serra de Cadi
- Trekking and Climbing in Northern Spain (Trekking & Climbing Guides) has a chapter and some good routes in the Cadi range and Pedraforca
- Map of Andorra/Sierra Del Cadi featuring Pedraforca
The Iberianature guide to Spain