El Salt de la Nina is an equipped trail that bypasses part of the large walls of the Ecos via the north face. A historic route, it was more or less abandoned after violent rains in 2000 devastated the trails, especially in the second part of the route, which has since been condemned (bypassing the Eco Supérior). Fortunately, the Hort del Malany canal, re-equipped with brand-new chains and ropes, enables us to exit flush with the Lluis Estasen needle and join the Esfinx path to complete the walk. A lovely, varied and well-equipped route, albeit a little strenuous and with a few exposed, airy sections. Since our last visit in January 2010, a huge boulder had collapsed at the foot of the Hort del Malany canal, slightly modifying the route at this point.
Sur le chemin de retour, panorama sur les Agulles
Technical summary
Access to the place
From Barcelona, take the A2 towards Leida and exit after Le Bruc at the Grand Hotel du Bruc. Further on, turn right towards the monastery and climb up to the Can Maçana pass, at the westernmost point of the Montserrat massif. Just after the pass, take the BP-1103 road towards the monastery and park on the road at Creu Regató, where there's a small clearance to leave the car. The trailhead starts directly opposite.
Itinerary description
Hiking to the start 45'
As you climb up, turn left immediately to go up the cami del Miracle, which joins the GR 172 further up. Turn right onto the GR and follow it for a few minutes to find the entrance to the Canal del Miracle on your left. Climb this steep path, which will certainly provide the warm-up part of the walk (30′). And, 2 hairpin bends before reaching the pass, take the small path to the left. Follow this path through the trees and vegetation for a while, with a few passages equipped with ropes to cross the most devastated areas. Further on, you come to a superb bivouac area with a small fountain a few metres further on. This is where the Salt de la Nina really begins.
Course
The north-facing traverse doesn't present any major difficulties, with a few de-escalations and the final exit with a bit of climbing, but nothing too difficult. No equipment is required (unless you're a beginner), but a helmet is a good idea, given the overhanging walls.
Part 1
The trail continues across the large walls, with a short passage equipped with chains, which can be recalled if necessary. Continuing in this way, with the valley underfoot and the Pyrenees in the background, comes a final pitch equipped with cables in very good condition, traversed this time on the rock face, just below the Lluis Estasen needle. At this point, the path joins the Canal del Hort del Malany.
Part 2
Go straight up the canal del Hort del Malany, between the aiguilles del Eco superior and the Lluis Estasen. This is the most physical part: a string of knotted ropes and chains to pull yourself up and out over a small pass at the foot of the Lluis Estasen needle crest. It's hard on the arms, and you need to have good footing to avoid tetanization. Climbing up the back of the Luis Estasen, you get a splendid view of the Ecos and the south face of Montserrat.
Back
Take the Pas de l'Esfinx path to reach Coll du Miracle in 40 minutes. To reach this path, go down (or rather downhill, as it's really steep!) from the small pass at the top of the canal del Hort del Malany and quickly take a sharp right (watch out for the faint signs, as the path is at a very narrow angle). Then follow the path marked red then blue. This is a magnificent route over the ridges, with exceptional views, and you arrive over the Col del Miracle, which you simply have to climb back down to the north side of the parking lot.
Leave a Reply