Description
Perarrua is a small hamlet on the Esera River, in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Not much going on there except a nice restaurant (Chill-Outdoor), a church and some old houses. Behind the village, however, you can enjoy nice quiet walks and birding. You will hardly see anyone here and birding is relaxed. No real rarities or superspecies you find here, with the exception of the Egyptian Vulture perhaps. A road winds about 3 kilometres up to a castle ruin with beautiful views. You can drive/cycle/ walk all the way up to the castle. On this walk we were especially amazed by the amount of Subalpine Warbler. They were all over the place! At the castle (which is no more than a ruin) you have a nice view with a chance to see many raptors like Short-toed Snake Eagle, Booted Eagle, Red Kite, Black Kite, but also Common Raven and vultures.
Details
Access
You can park next to restaurant Chill Outdoor or at other places on the edge of in the village and walk from there. Click on the P on the map to directly go to the parking. It's not a circular walk, so you have to walk the same road back. The road to the castle is always open for walking. The road can also be driven by car. The road is paved, but there are some potholes in it, so without a high wheelbase it is not really relaxed driving. But sometimes the road is closed by a barrier. Walking the 3 km up to the castle takes about 40-60 minutes, depending on how much birds you see.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest, MountainConditions
Mountainous, RockyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring, SummerBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Foot, Bicycle, CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The only facility is restaurant Chill-Outdoor (good food and drinks). Take plenty of water with you because there's nothing along the way.
Birdingplaces Near
You can combine this walk with the Perarrua River Walk, which has the same starting point and is also described on this website.