If you are a lover of history, nature and adventure you have a date on the Camino de los Buenos Hombres. Staying at a mountain campsite in the Catalan Pyrenees like ours allows you to be close to places of interest such as this Camino de los Buenos Hombres.
In this article you are going to discover much more about the Camino de los Buenos Hombres so that, if you did not know it, you are clear about everything you can learn on this interesting route.
What is the Way of Good Men?
The Camino de los Buenos Hombres is a trans-Pyrenean route that has about 200 kilometers where you will take a journey through history. This ancient route will be to the liking of all those who enjoy hiking and begins at the Sanctuary of Queralt, in Berga and ends in Foix, in Ariège.
Along the route you can enjoy a very varied landscape. You will pass through lush forests, green meadows, mountain peaks and also crystal clear rivers. There is no doubt that nature is the main attraction of this route along the Pyrenees, so lovers of adventure and trekking will find it particularly enjoyable.
History of the Cathars and their connection to the route
The historical component of the route is that it recalls the exile of the Occitan Cathars in the thirteenth century. These Cathars promoted a return to a pure and simple Christianity in contrast to what was the Catholic church of their time, considered by them to be a corrupt and ostentatious church. This same church was the one that declared them heretics and, therefore, they carried out this exile.
The Occitan Cathars were known as the Good Men and Good Women, hence the name given to the route. These Cathars were persecuted by the Inquisition and along the route sought refuge in the mountains. To do this, they used ancient paths that connected valleys and villages and that today can be known and followed on this Path of Good Men.
Why walk the Way of Good Men?
There are many reasons why walking the Way of Good Men is more than recommended. For starters, it’s a great way to connect with nature. In the shelter of the Pyrenees you will find landscapes that will take your breath away. In addition, it is a perfect activity to get away from the noise and pollution of the city by immersing yourself in a quiet environment where you can rest body and mind.
Completing the Way of Good Men is also a good example of self-improvement, so you will feel satisfied with yourself by carrying out this route in addition to the fact that it involves a certain physical challenge.
On the other hand, it is also a most enriching experience. This path is perfect for reflecting, learning more about medieval culture, meeting other pilgrims who walk the route with you and, of course, taking the opportunity to visit several villages with great attraction and cultural heritage.
It is not only a route where you can be in communion with nature, since in this part of Catalonia you will get to know Romanesque churches, castles and fortresses where you will feel like you were in another era.
The main stages of the Cathar route
The Way of Good Men is divided into several main stages. You can walk the entire path or carry out the stages that interest you the most depending on what you want to know.
The first stage goes from the Sanctuary of Queralt to Gósol. This introductory stage is perfect to enjoy the mountainous landscapes of the region and to get to know the Cathar world a little deeper. In addition, you will also get to know several charming villages.
The second stage is the one that goes from Gósol to Bagà. In this stage you will cross the Cadí-Moixeró, one of the most important natural parks in Catalonia.
By the third stage you will already be passing through the Sierra del Cadí, which will allow you to enjoy the most interesting panoramic views. From here, the rest of the routes run in France until the final finish in Foix.
Tips for enjoying this historic experience
Before leaving, we recommend that you plan your route in advance. As you are seeing in this article, there are different stages and activities that you can carry out along the route. It is good that you try to do as many as you can, but time is a factor to take into account and also the interests you may have.
We recommend that you also take into account the tasks to be carried out depending on your physical level and, as we mentioned before, also the time you have. It is also important that you take into account the weather and that you wear appropriate clothing for the occasion. In the mountains the weather can change abruptly, so it never hurts to have some warm clothes or protection against the rain.
Otherwise, you will find yourself with a moderately demanding route, so it is important to wear comfortable clothes, the right footwear and also important equipment such as a small first aid kit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and some water and food.
Cultural and tourist activities along the route
In addition to hiking enthusiasts, the Camino de los Buenos Hombres is a perfect route for all those who like to enjoy the historical heritage and cultural activities for everything that can be done and known along it.
This is possible by visiting many different monuments that add value to the route. One of the most recommended visits, which is where the route begins, is the Sanctuary of Queralt. This sanctuary is located on top of a mountain, which gives fabulous views and is the perfect prelude to everything that is to come along the way.
Along the route you will pass through medieval villages such as Gósol, Bagà or Bellver de Cerdanya. In these villages you can learn much more about the Cathar route and its history, as you can visit museums dedicated to archaeology and rural life in the region.
If you plan your visit along the route well , you will be able to coincide with a local festival. This is a great way to get to know and participate in the customs of the region, so it is an addition to take into account.
Along the route you will also have the possibility to enjoy cycling, if you prefer to do the route by bicycle, horse riding, water sports… A large number of activities that go far beyond observing the flora and fauna of the region. With all this you will achieve a most complete and enriching experience when walking the Way of Good Men.
How to get to the Camino de los Buenos Hombres?
You can get to the Camino de los Buenos Hombres from Berga easily. The easiest way to get there is via the C-16. The route lasts about 13 minutes, so it is relatively close Berga and is quite well signposted.
Plan your adventure from our camping resort
We recommend that you make your reservation in advance at our resort. In high season it can be more difficult to find accommodation and in our resort you will be close enough to the route to be able to enjoy it more comfortably.
From here you can also plan this historical hike much better. Our staff can help you by informing you about what aspects you should take into account or give you some tips to enjoy the route much more.
Here you will find all the amenities to enjoy these historic paths and natural adventure with total ease. In addition, we are in a privileged enclave so that you can enjoy other nearby activities for the whole family.
If you want to enjoy this region of Catalonia much more, in our camping resort you will find all the comforts to make the most of the days you come to spend. Contact us, we are waiting for you!
