15 excursions with a lot of shade

In the heart of July, the mountain can be a suffocating trap or an inscrutable oasis. The difference, basically, depends on a millennia-old technology that doesn't plug into anything: the tree. We all know the blast of heat when we open a car parked in the sun, and the sigh of relief when we find it under the protection of a good canopy. This same survival logic, scaled up, turns forests into the planet's most efficient primitive air conditioning.

And we're not talking about poetic license, but pure thermodynamics. Reports from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have put numbers to this sensation: under good forest shade – with the original canopy intact and not mutilated by urban pruning – the thermometer can drop between 6 and 8 degrees. Where does the magic lie? Unlike a tarp, a bar awning, or a concrete porch – which block the sun but reheat like a frying pan – the tree evapotranspires. The leaves release water vapor, steal heat from the environment, and create a cool, humid microclimate. It's such a perfect system that, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USDA), having these green guardians near a building can reduce the need to run artificial air conditioning by up to 30%.

Therefore, if you want to go on easy hikes this August without suffocating, we've asked for help from one of the entities that knows our local natural spaces' paths best. The Centre Excursionista de Catalunya (CEC) has guided us in selecting a range of routes where the heat doesn't hit as hard. Marcel Blanes, technical director of the CEC, is clear: “The priority objective in summer is to find shaded areas, preferably in deciduous forests like beech forests, or dense forests like fir forests.” In addition to seeking the protective shade of vegetation, the CEC points to another key factor for selection: the orientation of the paths. “It is advisable to plan itineraries along north-facing slopes or in shady areas, which receive less direct sunlight during the central hours of the day,” Blanes details. This guarantees us lower temperatures, more ambient humidity, and a much cooler environment. Prepare your boots and backpack, because we're going to find real coolness with these fifteen sanctuaries of shade and water.

Era Artiga de Lin and Uelhs deth Joèu (Aran Valley)

The spectacle of water emerging from the bowels of the mountain, coming from the Aneto, will captivate you. The water springs of the Joèu river, originating from Forau d’Aigualluts at the foot of the Aneto, are the best incentive to walk through a lush valley with a cool atmosphere: an authentic natural cooler in the middle of summer.

You can reach it from the car park of the hermitage of Mare de Déu de l'Artiga de Lin (Es Bòrdes)

Llauset Lakes Route (Ribagorça)

If you want to experience high mountains without complications, this is an ideal route that will take you to the Cap de Llauset refuge through different lakes. Although the forest is scarce at this altitude, the heat is neutralized by taking advantage of the thermoregulatory effect of glacial lakes, which compensate for solar radiation.

You can reach it from the Llauset reservoir car park (Aneto).

Bosc de la Mata de València (Pallars Sobirà)

We are in front of the largest continuous fir forest in the Iberian Peninsula. The Pyrenean altitude, combined with a dense forest of mossy and humid ground, gives us a mystical and dense shade, perfect for walking without suffering the asphyxia of the plain.

You can reach it from the Callau car park (la Bonaigua de Baix).

Path to Sant Pere de les Maleses (Pallars Jussà)

Combines forest and medieval history. The trees will provide natural shade for a good part of this pleasant journey, which leads us to discover the remains of a Romanesque monastery magically nestled under a large rock overhang.

It can be reached from the Figuereta fountain rest area (La Pobla de Segur).

Camí del Riu Bona (Alt Urgell)

Ideal for all audiences because it has little unevenness and because it runs practically attached to the river course. The riverside forests form a green corridor here that guarantees a long and grateful strip of continuous shade from the heat.

You can get there from the parking lot of the hermitage of Sant Julià dels Garrics (la Vansa i Fórnols).

Camí de l'Aigua (Cerdanya)

A pleasant and flat walk that follows the old Solana Canal. We will cross beautiful wooden bridges while the rows of trees growing along the canal perfectly protect us from the Cerdanya sun.

You can get there from the hermitage of El Remei in Bolvir.

Camí dels Empedrats (Berguedà)

A classic route that spectacularly carves through the bottom of a gorge, flanked by the Pendís river. The vertical rock walls and riverside vegetation block the midday sun, offering a very shady walk. The final treat, if there is enough water, a very photogenic waterfall.

It can be reached from Cal Cerdanyola (Bagà).

Itinerary of the Fonts del Llobregat (Berguedà)

Short and spectacular route (even suitable for some strollers) to see how the water bursts with fury from inside the rock until it becomes the Llobregat River. The shade is abundant, although not everywhere, which is why the cool sensation of the water is appreciated.

Linear / 2 km / +50 m / 45' / Start: Castellar de n'Hug.

Grevolosa Forest (Osona)

Monumental beech forest where the beeches exceed thirty meters in height. It is a green cathedral where the light arrives filtered and the strong evapotranspiration capacity of the trees dissipates the stuffiness instantly.

You can get there from the Coll de Bracons.

Fageda d'en Jordà (Garrotxa)

Unavoidable walk over the lava flow of the Croscat volcano. The foliage of these exceptional beech trees forms a practically opaque canopy. Inside, a dark, cool, silent world opens up, completely isolated from the outside summer.

You can get there from the Can Serra area (Olot).

Gorg del Molí dels Murris (Garrotxa)

Pleasant walk to introduce young children to river hiking. We go up the Cogolls stream under a very dense riverside forest that acts as a thermal shield until we find a clear water pool to refresh ourselves.

It can be reached from the parking lot near the cemetery of Les Planes d'Hostoles.

Gorgues del Freser and Salt del Grill (Ripollès)

Ideal itinerary for summer thanks to the refreshing roar of the Freser river. It is a route with good shade, as there is a lot of vegetation at the bottom of the valley, which culminates in the Salt del Grill, a vertical waterfall that releases humidity and freshness into the air.

You can get there from the Farga car park (Queralbs).

Font de la Tosca and Torrent de la Masica (Ripollès)

Enchanting linear route that follows the Torrent de la Masica and the Torrent del Tornall. We will advance between moss-covered ravines and small waterfalls, which create a humid shield ideal for frequent stops. It is especially rewarding with children.

You can get there from the Vallfogona de Ripollès car park.

The Beech of the Altarpiece (Montsià)

We leave the Pyrenees and find ourselves in the heart of the Ports, where one of the southernmost beech forests in Europe is hidden. This prodigious forest grows in a humid shady area that serves as an unbeatable climatic refuge, guarded by the imposing roots of the monumental tree called Faig Pare (Father Beech).

You can reach it from the recreational area of the Infern valley (la Sénia).

Gorgs de la Febró (Baix Camp)

Descent into a natural fissure opened in the limestone rock. The water has carved a succession of pools and clear water ponds perfectly isolated from insolation thanks to the narrowness of the walls and a dense forest.

It can be reached from La Febró.