Route description
An interesting and short excursion that takes you to the hermitage of Santa Magdalena, carved into the rock and forming a large natural shelter (balma).
From Valderrobres, take the A-1414 road towards Fuentespalda. Just past kilometre point 21, a wide track branches off to the right (signposted) — that is the path to Santa Magdalena. Shortly after, cross a transverse track and continue straight in a N.W. direction; after a few metres you reach the information board where the route begins.
There is a small parking area in the lower part of the Altos de la Moleta. Follow the trail to the left of the track. P.R. waymarks in white and yellow mark a steady climb through fairly open woodland, with increasingly sweeping panoramic views.
About 1 km along, a detour leads to the ruins of the Santa Magdalena hermitage. You can see the great rock shelter and its arch, as well as the hermit's house. After visiting this spot, return to the path you left a hundred metres back.
Back at the junction at kilometre point 5.8, continue along the P.R.-marked trail through the middle of the forest. After a few metres you reach a fork — a signpost marks the way. Bear left on the ascending path until you reach the wooded plateau. Leave the trail briefly, heading right towards the edge of the cliff, where some rocks serve as a viewpoint over the central part of the Matarraña comarca. After taking in the views, retrace your steps and at the junction at kilometre point 6.3 descend to the left, following a steep drop in a N.N.W. direction with several zigzag bends.
Near the Mas de Dominguet (not visible from this point) you reach a diagonal track; turn right and descend in a N.E. direction, continuing along the secondary track. Follow the P.R. straight ahead until you reach a wide track that you follow to the right in a S.E. direction — a signpost marks the way. On this short stretch the P.R. waymarks coincide with the equestrian route until you return to the parking area in the lower part of the Altos de la Moleta.
