Tot Garrotxa guida (english)

From
Oix to
Vall del Bac
This is a hard, demanding route through some of
the roughest countryside in Alta Garrotxa. The
circular route starts in the centre of Oix and runs
through some of the most attractive spots of Alta
Garrotxa, through Scots pine forests mixed with
box trees, holm oaks, oaks and open areas, such as
meadows, cropland and scrubland.
Located right in the heart of Alta Garrotxa, Oix is the
largest village in this natural area. This small village,
which is home to around one hundred people, has an
extremely relevant cultural heritage.
Oix bridge was built in medieval times and has a large
semicircular arch, possibly on the site of the remains of
an older bridge. Legend has it that the lord of the
Quera de Talaixà country house was heading for Santa
Bàrbara de Pruneres to exercise his lord’s rights over
the local maidens. A downpour prevented him from
crossing the Oix river and, therefore, he ordered the
bridge to be built.
Oix castle was built in the 15th century alongside the
village centre and was where the lord and lady of
Bestrecà set up residence, as they had been attacked
and looted by the remences (Catalan serfs) in the
fortress, where they had previously been living.
The parish church of Sant Llorenç d'Oix, located in the
village itself, is a Romanesque construction with just
one nave and a ribbed tunnel vault, a semicircular apse
to the east and a sawtooth frieze broken up by
ornamental corbels, a cornice and a central window
with two arches.
The route starts at the top of the main street known as
Carrer Major in Oix, where you will see the signpost
indicating “Hostal de la vall del Bac 3 h 20 min”. Follow
the trail to the turn-off to Cal Quic. Head towards Vall
del Bac through El Quer forest, following the signposts
(“Hostal de la vall del Bac: 2 h 20 min). The footpath
runs alongside the river and past the El Saguer de Pera
house, where there is another crossroads. Carry straight
on towards “Hostal de la vall de Bac: 1 h”.