Route description
We can consider the bridge over the Pena river (or "riu Sec", as it is known locally), one of the arms of the Pena reservoir, as our starting point; you can reach it by car from Beceite or Valderrobres.
Take the path that runs along the reservoir on the side opposite the dam; before entering the tunnel carved into the rock, leave the G.R. waymarks and turn left, following the P.R. marker. Take a track that will cross the bed of the Pena river — often dry — several times. About 4 km from the mentioned bridge, the P.R. waymark leads you into a ravine: this is the confluence of the Pena and Racó de Patorrat rivers (their beds are usually dry on the surface).
The trail immediately climbs to the right of the ravine, through the forest. You will soon reach a paved section. The ascent is steady and steep. On either side, panoramic views and the fragrance of the forest are a gift to the senses. After half an hour on the trail you begin to see terraces and other signs of the former agricultural work of the area.
Near the destination, you emerge onto a forest track. Cross it to continue on the trail section that, in a final ascent, brings you to the hermitage and farmhouses (mases) of San Miguel de Espinalva. This was once a gathering place for the families living in all the surrounding farmhouses, both to celebrate religious festivals and to exchange goods — and even to arrange marriages.
The descent follows the trail that, from the track, goes down to the left; along this way you will pass through corners of wild beauty, such as the surroundings of the Mas Roig or the Molino de Barrancos.
