The Salt de Sallent waterfall is Catalunya's biggest at some 95 mts high and at just 90 minutes from Cal Domino makes it into our list of top 5 spectacular hikes close to the Villa. Situated near to the chocolate-box village of Rupit, it lies in between the Collsacabra and Guillerias mountain ranges in the low Pyrenees and is an excellent day out for hikers.
This particular hike is not suitable for anyone that has vertigo, children or those that would struggle with a 12km circular walk. The route starts at the little village of Rupit (google map from Cal Domino here) where there is ample parking, bars and restaurants.
From Rupit, follow the signs to the "Salt de Sallent" and follow the river path down to the head of the falls. You will arrive with the river on your right, but it is well worth crossing over and seeing the view from the other side. You get a stunning view of the Rupit cliffs all the way to El Far, a sanctuary located on the cliff edge some 12km away.
At this point you'll realise why I say that this route is not suitable for everyone. The waterfall has a drop of some 95 mts, making it Catalunya's biggest cascade, but the path that leads down to the bottom is very steep, vertiguous and narrow in places. There are no railings or ropes although you don't need an specialist equipment to get down and in reality, there are only two places that will scare the bejesus out of those with vertigo (that's me). The first is at the very top which is very exposed and you're right on the cliff edge and the second is right at the bottom when you get to the plunge pool. The rest of the trail zig-zags down a forested ravine and although steep, you can't see the drop for the trees. The path is easy to follow and the only place where you need to make an obvious choice, is marked by a small man-made pile of stones. Take the right trail to get to the waterfall, the left trail takes you to the valley floor. Even though there are some vertiginous moments, it is well worth the pain for this spectacular view......
Once at the bottom, this is a good place to find a comfy rock and have your picnic. Make sure you take plenty of water with you as there is only one font close to Rupit and once you are on the waterfall trail, there are no more ! Even in mid-November, is was 18ºC today with blue skies. You'll need suncream or a hat and at least 1 lt of water per person. Bear in mind that this is the low Pyrenees. You'll need a solid blue-sky weather day and take layers. Today was quite warm and I was in a T-shirt and long hiking trousers, but if the wind starts to blow, you'll need a little more....
Once you climb back up the ravine to the top and get back to the trail, turn right and follow it. You'll come across a couple of gates and probably a load of cows that are put out to pasture up there. They are friendly ! There are signposts along the trail.
The first signpost that will come across where the trail splits is the Solana de pujolràs post. Take the Cami de la Casassa a Castellet trail towards El Pla de l'Om (Elm field). The next signpost where the trail splits is the Can Miquel - Pla de Castellet post. Take the left, Cami del Far a Cabrera per Rupit trail through the gate towards the Torrent de Gravette.
When you come to a small stone bridge that crosses a river (Torrent de Gravette), you can either turn left and follow a trail that leads up to a ruined castle or today, the right which leads you through oak, pine and elm forests back towards Rupit. Again the trail is easy to follow and after about 2 km, the trail will split. Here take the left dirt track to get back to the village.
This looped trail is about 12 km long and best done out of season between the end of October and the end of February. During the change, (a period of between 4-6 weeks usually in October and March) the weather switches between a north African influence to a mainland Europe influence. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains and it's when we receive the bulk of our rain for the year. During the summer, this walk would uncomfortably warm and with little or no rain, the waterfall will not be showing its best side. After the rains and when the leaves are on the turn is the best time to come. This walk was done on Sunday 17th November 2024.
For more information regarding our rental Villa Casa Cal Domino, please see our website for more details of pricing, photos of the Villa and information regarding things to do and places to visit all throughout the year.
Out of season, we offer the Villa at €421 per day (sleeps 8) with log fireplace, central heating, thick winter duvets, heated exterior jacuzzi / hot tub and interior sauna. The pool is usable, but not heated from the end of October until the end of March. Minimum stay is three days (no discounts available), for week stays we have discounts for early booking, regular clients and multiple week reservations and a 40% discount for 31 days rental. All utility bills, welcome pack, broadband WIFI and taxes are included.
Come and spend Christmas in the sun, hiking, biking, skiing in a home away from home.
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