The ascent to Croscat: Beyond Santa Margarida and the Fageda

Today we enjoyed one of the classic routes in the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa, but with a special touch that makes it unforgettable: the ascent to the summit of Volcà del Croscat. This 13.9 km loop allowed us to rediscover the majesty of this landscape in the heart of winter, with a serenity only found in the early morning.

The adventure began at the Santa Margarida car park (where a €4 fee is to be expected), with a gentle climb towards the crater of Volcà de Santa Margarida. The morning atmosphere was cool and enigmatic; the sun had not yet fully illuminated the crater's interior, granting us an almost intimate perspective free from crowds. After immortalizing the moment, we continued along a path that led us past the charming Oratori de Sant Isidre, before reaching Sant Miquel Sacot.

Beyond Sant Miquel, the path led us towards the iconic Fageda d'en Jordà. Despite being in winter, with the trees stripped of their leaves, its beauty remained undiminished, offering an almost magical setting. A short distance away, the ruins of Castell de Sacot reminded us of the rich history of these lands.

After reaching the Fageda car park, the true challenge and gem of the day awaited us: Volcà del Croscat. Instead of following the usual interpretive route to the 'gredes' (volcanic ash quarries), we embarked on a lesser-known path that, with an elevation gain of about 160 meters, led us directly to the summit. This ascent, new to us, proved to be an excellent decision.

The views from the summit were simply spectacular. The panorama stretched from the Natural Park of the Ter and Freser Headwaters, featuring peaks like Balandrau and Pic de la Dona, to the Alta Garrotxa with Comanegra, and even the imposing Massís del Canigó with Pic dels Set Homes. We could also admire the unique Puig del Bassegoda and the tip of the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont. As a testament to the past, we discovered the ruins of a military optical telegraphy tower, adding a historical touch to the natural wonder.

The quick descent from the summit allowed us to explore the impressive 'gredes del Croscat' up close, from where the volcano's profile and the summit tower took on a new dimension. We concluded this magnificent 13.9 km route with an improvised lunch at Restaurant Santa Margarida, closing a perfect circle on a day of volcanic exploration and unforgettable views.