Circular walk around Requesens castle, in the Albera

What it is

It is route 2 of the Albera Protected Natural Site of National Interest, called Voltants del Castell: a 5.5 km circular loop around Requesens castle, in the range that forms the border with France. It is easy, climbs 140 m in all and takes about 2 hours at an easy pace. The park presents it as a route to discover the proto-industrial features of the estate: what was built to harness the water and timber of the mountain.

The castle gives the excursion its meaning, and also the visit from Peralada. It stands at 512 m above sea level, in the municipality of La Jonquera, and for centuries belonged to the Rocabertí, viscounts and later counts of Peralada. What you see today is a neo-medieval reconstruction from 1893 to 1899, commissioned by the last counts, Tomàs de Rocabertí and his sister Joana-Adelaida, as a summer residence. They are the same ones who transformed Peralada castle into a palace and commissioned its park. The castle is privately owned: the route goes round it, not in.

The route step by step

The official start is the Les Pipes car park. As it is circular, you can also start from the Teuleria, Corral Nou or Resclosa car parks. In order, the park map marks these points:

1. La Serradora, the estate's former sawmill.
2. Les Pipes, where water drove the machinery and generated electricity.
3. Mas de l'Església Vella.
4. Requesens castle, with the view of its towers over the valley.
5. A lime kiln.
6. A charcoal-burner's site, where charcoal was made from the woodland timber.
7. La Resclosa, the dam that held back the water.
8. An ice pit.
9. La Teuleria, the tile kiln.
10. El Pentinador and the Font Rovellada.

The path follows forest tracks and trails and is waymarked. The timber of these woods was both a resource in itself and fuel for the lime, charcoal and tile kilns, and that is what you come across along the way.

Getting there and where to park

Requesens is far from any village. The park says the castle is accessible by motor vehicle along a forest track; ask about the condition of the track at the site offices before you go, especially after heavy rain. Park in one of the car parks on the route: Les Pipes, la Teuleria, el Corral Nou, la Resclosa or el Pentinador. There is no public transport to Requesens.

Site rules

All the park's routes cross private land, and the rules are clear: follow the waymarked paths, respect the tracks with restricted motorised access, keep your dog on a lead and do not camp freely. The area has a high risk of forest fire and lighting fires is prohibited in all cases. Take your rubbish with you.

When to go and what to bring

It is a route for all year. In spring and autumn the forest is at its best and the temperature is pleasant. In summer, set off early to avoid the midday heat. In winter it can be cold and windy in the range. Check the forecast before setting out and take mountain footwear, a warm layer, food and water: the park recommends this.

With children and with a dog

With children it is a good first mountain walk: short, with little climbing and something to look at every few minutes, from the castle to the ice pit. With babies, a baby carrier is better than a pushchair. Dogs may come, always on a lead. If you want to complete the day with children, the Albera is also the land of the Mediterranean tortoise: the Garriguella tortoise centre is open from March to October in the mornings.

Information

The site offices are in the Rectoria Vella in Espolla (carrer Amadeu Sudrià, 3; 972 545 079), which is the headquarters and information centre, and at Can Laporta, at carrer Major, 2, in La Jonquera (972 555 258), with a permanent exhibition.