Montsec de Rúbies: Unforgettable Peaks and Panoramas

On March 29, 2026, the call of Montsec de Rúbies was irresistible, especially with the promise of a sunny day before the heat fully set in. Following my ascent of Munt de Montsonís, I reserved this Sunday to explore the heart of this majestic mountain range. The challenge was ambitious: to conquer three emblematic summits —Lo Peladet and Tossal de Mirapallars (both "100 cims" peaks), and Tossal de les Torretes, the regional high point of Noguera— on a demanding 13.21 km route.

The day, however, was marked by the presence of a strong wind that persistently swept across all of Catalonia, bringing a noticeable cold sensation despite the radiant sun. Our adventure began comfortably on a track that led us to the depopulated hamlet of Rúbies, where we took the opportunity to explore its ancient hermitage, a silent witness to a bygone era. Subsequently, an uphill path guided us to Portella Blanca, the gateway to our first objective.

From Portella, we turned left to begin the ascent of Lo Peladet. The views from this summit were an initial reward: an impressive panorama of Montsec d'Ares, imposing across the valley of the Noguera Pallaresa. After soaking in the scenery, we returned to the pass to continue along the ridge of the range. Wisely, we opted for a track lined with trees that provided a natural barrier against the relentless wind, instead of the original Wikiloc path.

Once aligned with Tossal de les Torretes, we undertook a 65m off-track ascent through open terrain, which brought us to the summit of the regional high point. From here, the reward was immense: spectacular views of Sant Mamet to the south and a horizon of snowy mountains to the North, where the blowing snow (or 'torb') created a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Finally, we set our course for our last objective, Tossal de Mirapallars i Urgell. The ascent was a true challenge due to the wind, which was already extremely bothersome, forcing us to a brief stay at the summit for protection.

The descent via Coll del Grau Ample led us directly back to our starting point, completing a circular route that, despite the challenging winds, offered a profound immersion into the grandeur of Montsec de Rúbies. It was a day that tested our resilience but rewarded us with views and a sense of accomplishment that only the mountains can provide.