Hiking from La Massana to Escaldes-Engordany in Andorra

Posted: May 13 2024​

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The 'pendings' were starting to build up. I needed to take time out. But why not combine a working day with a little exploration and a short hike from la Massana to Escaldes-Engordany

And of course, getting the text done, and finding the corresponding photos takes lots of time and reveals that some of the photos needed to be retaken. Blogging can be never-ending.

I took the bus to the small town of La Massana, found a cafe and got my laptop out for 2 hours.

After 90 minutes, I cracked most of the backlog and as my battery was almost out and there was no socket to hand, I packed up and went exploring.
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There are 3 museums in La Massana, the Comic Book Museum, the Casa Rull House Museum and the Rossel Forge Interpretation Centre if you so wish.
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I was happy to see the Sant Iscle i Santa Victòria church with the perfect Andorran Mountain backdrop:

And honestly, the town wasn't up to much but you come here for the mountains.

Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in the Principality of Andorra at 2,943 m, so it takes considerable effort from town, which lies at just 1230m. The hike is classed as moderate, with the last 800 m classed as somewhat difficult.

There is the Comapedrosa Skyrace in July.

And after a menu del día at a small restaurant, I picked up the trail, to go back to Escaldes-Engordany, which was the purpose of this little excursion:

The trail is the old road that linked La Massana to Escaldes-Engordany and runs alongside the Valira del Norte river

There is a very cute chapel along the way, the Església de Sant Antoni de la Grella. It was sadly all locked up when I passed. The Església de Sant Antoni de la Grella is dedicated to Sant Antoni Abat, the patron saint of porters. It was severely damaged by the construction of the modern road but was rebuilt in the 1940s:

The medieval Pont de Sant Antoni de la Grella which spans the Valira del Norte river:

It was a great hike. Of course, it was very easy, compared to what I used to do and there are some killer walks in Andorra but in May, there is quite a bit of snow at around 2500m, so factor that in when contemplating heading off.

And this completes my travels in Andorra. 9 blog posts for a 10-night stay at the Alberg Els Andes Hostel in Escaldes-Engordany.
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