Route description
Introduction: Together with the Picossa, these are the finest internal viewpoints in the comarca. The summit of La Caixa is a mesa completely surrounded by cliffs with a curious shape. The Periganyol has an abandoned former fire lookout post that was active for 27 summers. Near the summit stand the remains of a small shelter where the lookout took refuge from the cold and storms, with a tiny fireplace and a very cramped cooking and living space. The landscape is enhanced by the contrast with the blue waters of the Pena reservoir, lying at the foot of the mountain.
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes up and back. Water points: There is no spring anywhere along the route. Bring water. Reference points: Near the Mas de Ferrás, Mas de Felip, Solana de la Caixa, Periganyol summit.
Access to the starting point: Near the Mas de Ferrás, on the track connecting the village of Beceite with the Pena reservoir. From Plaza de Santa Anna in Beceite, take the paved track (which later becomes a good dirt track) that begins beside the Pena dam. There is a signpost. Follow the G.R. waymarks throughout. After 4.5 km you reach the start of the path — a signpost marks it. Nearby, the Mas de Ferrás is clearly visible on the opposite side of the trail you need to climb.
Itinerary: km 0.0 – Near the Mas de Ferrás. Take the wide track, relatively flat (barely any incline), beside the dry-stone terraces (on the right) and cultivated fields on the left, heading N.N.W. A signpost marks the start. P.R. ET-152.
Km 0.27 – Start of the climb. Another signpost. To the right, set back from the path, you can make out the Mas de Felip. The climb is clear and well marked, alternating open areas with short stretches sheltered by pine woodland. The ground is quite rocky with stones, yet the path is comfortable.
Km 0.84 – Solana de la Caixa. You reach a ridge where there is a pond and a path joining from the right (only visible if you walk around the pond). Continue climbing over open ground, steadily heading north.
Km 1.6 – Fork. Signpost. Bear right, continuing uphill; you will soon leave the trees and see the first of the two summits close ahead.
Km 1.9 – Periganyol summit, 1,033 metres. Very good panoramic views over the comarca. You will find the disused lookout tower and the stone shelter where the lookout used to seek refuge. After resting at the summit, descend by retracing your steps.
Km 2.1 – Rejoin the path you left at km 1.6, now followed to the right heading north, then immediately turning west across a flat stretch through the forest.
Km 2.8 – Reach the eastern prow of the La Caixa cliff. Begin to circle around its shaded side — that is, to the right, along the north — on a well-laid path that runs just beneath the vertical rock faces. P.R. waymarks are present.
Km 3.0 – Reach the opposite end of the La Caixa cliff, i.e. the western side of the summit, where a vertical rock gully offers a possible ascent — its current condition is unknown.
Descent: by the same itinerary, omitting the short climb to the Periganyol.
