Camí de la Trona, the ledge below the village

What it is

The Camí de la Trona is an old bridle path carved into the wall of the Siurana crag, below the village. The villagers used it to go down to their vegetable plots by the river. Today it is the most spectacular stretch of a circular route that Turisme Siurana calls "Records de Princeses i Guerrers": you set out along the ledge, go down towards the reservoir and return to the village by the cobbled medieval path that climbed from Cornudella.

• Distance: 5 km, circular.
• Ascent: about 200 m.
• Time: 2 h 30 not counting stops.
• Difficulty: medium, because of the exposure of the ledge rather than the effort.

Where it starts and where to park

It starts beside the castle ruins, at the end of the open area that serves as a car park at the entrance to the village. This is P1 of the Siurana car parks, paid all year (€3). If it is full, park at P2 and walk a few minutes to the castle.

The route step by step

1. The Trona ledge. From the castle ruins, the path advances along a narrow shelf cut into the cliff, with the Siurana river valley far below. It is the first stretch and the most impressive. In the bathing area, Turisme Siurana identifies it as PR-C 7, with yellow markings.
2. The track. The ledge comes out on a track. Turn right, towards the reservoir, and follow it until you have almost gone round the Punta de Siurana.
3. The link. Past the point, turn right and climb a small bank to find the connecting path.
4. The old path. That path joins the old route from Cornudella to Siurana through the Estopinyà ravine, where sections of the original cobbling, centuries old, can still be seen.
5. Return to the village. Follow the historic path to Siurana and you close the loop where you began.

Turisme Siurana offers a PDF map of the route on its website. Bring it downloaded: at the bottom of the valley coverage fails.

Water, shade and footwear

There are no springs on the route. Bring at least a litre per person, and more in summer. The ledge and the track are in full sun for much of the day. Wear mountain footwear with a good sole: there is loose stone and cobbled sections that are slippery when wet.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best time: mild temperatures and clear light over the Montsant. It can also be done in winter, with short days. In summer, set out first thing or in the late afternoon, never at midday. Avoid the route in rain, strong wind or fog: the ledge is narrow and has no continuous protection.

With children or with a dog

Turisme Siurana warns that the Trona is very exposed for anyone with vertigo and asks for great caution with children. With small children, better not. With teenagers used to walking it is an outing to remember, always holding hands on the narrowest steps. With a dog, only on a lead and if it is used to mountain paths.

If you want to extend it

From the track at step 2 you can divert towards the river pools: the Toll de la Palla is in that valley. And if you arrive from Cornudella on foot, link with the climb by the old path, which shares the final stretch.

On your return, the terrace of the Restaurant Siurana or Els Tallers, in the same village, is close by.