La Ruta del Cister Trail GR 175  forms part of the large European network of signposted footpaths and it is the only trail linking the three most outstanding Cistercian Order monasteries in Catalonia. The monasteries of Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona are located in the inland regions of Alt Camp, Conca de Barberà and Urgell respectively.

In this route, we will discover a agricultural landscape, with fields of cereals, almond trees, olive trees and vines, A beautiful example of rural dry stone masonry; the further we will explorer protected areas such as the Poblet Natural Park, the Prades mountains and the Tossal Gros de Miramar; we will walk through border mountains such as the Tallat mountains and the Comaverd mountains from which we have spectacular views, with the highest point of the whole route, the Cogulló (881 m.).

This walking tour requires being an active person, used to hiking for several days. As this is a circular route, it allows you to start and end anywhere and it can be realized in both directions of the march indistinctly. You can complete the circuit in stages, depending the accommodation offer, always taking into account how long you can spend on it, what you are aiming at and how fit you are. The stages can be shortened by using other marked routes, taxis or transfers; and hire the services of a tour guide or the backpack and luggage transport service.

La Ruta del Cister Trail GR 175 is circular hiking tour with a total of 105 km and 108 km for cyclists. It has 4 variants in the most complicated places for cycling traffic (GR 175-1 Figuerola-Prenafeta; GR 175-2 from Montblanc-Les Masies; GR 175-3 Mas d'en Llord-Cap del Coll; and GR 175-5 Puig de Comaverd-Cal Guixó) and anotherone by hiking  and by mountain bike (GR 175-6 by Blancafort and Solivella). It is all well-signposted (in both directions) as the GR 175, with the red and white balises of the French Grande Randonée network and waymarked posts showing additional information on each site and its height.  The path is also well-conditioned with railings, handrails and steps where necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable hike.

There are some striking experiences to be enjoyed along the way, such as evening prayers at Poblet accompanied by the monks’ canticles following a superb walk over the wooded hills of Prades and the Poblet Natural Park; the idyllic approach to Vallbona de les Monges through the vineyards of la Conca de Barberà and the fields of L’Urgell, which complements perfectly the nuns’ contemplative Vespers; or a hike along the rugged ridge of el Cogulló and the contrasting flatlands of l’Alt Camp to get to the impressive monastery of Santes Creus. There is still much to see, ably brought alive by a multi-lingual dramatic audiovisual installation, and English-speaking guides who will relate the medieval legends of the monastery. You are bound to enjoy all of these experiences, which you will only find along La Ruta del Cister.

Map of the itinerary of La Ruta del Cister GR 175 - Edition: 2022

HIKING TIPS:

• It is always advisable to pre-book a half board or full board stay and choose the specialized accommodation.
• Stay hydrated while hiking.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Avoid hiking in the warmest months of the year.
• It allows you to start and end anywhere and in both directions of the march indistinctly.
• MTB cyclist are advised not to carry  saddlebags.
• It is a hard running route.
• Luggage transport during the whole route with the company Drac Actiu tel. +34 629 21 32 63.
•  Pay attention to the 112 emergency line signal coverage point. In the event of an accident, please indicated  the number plate on the nearest signal post must so that emergency services can easily locate us.
• When you prepare the tour, do not forget the 6T Carnet.
• Plan your perfect route. 
• Decalogue for responsible travelers.