It is a pleasant excursion suitable for all audiences, with a route so well-conditioned that it feels more like a leisurely walk. The landscapes, the light, the colors of the rocks, and the wildlife—already accustomed to human presence—make this experience a very enjoyable outing. However, it’s not uncommon to find someone huffing and puffing. Bring water, especially in summer, as most of the route is exposed to the sun.
The Route
This is a less than three-hour walking route around the Sant Llorenç de Montgai reservoir.
We parked the car at the Camping la Noguera. Then, we took the track leading to the dam, where we could observe aquatic birds flying over the Segre. From here, we headed left, following a trail that winds through pines and oaks beneath the Coma de Gelis until reaching the Escalera Bridge. Across the lake, you can see Sant Llorenç de Montgai and the various climbing walls on the San Salvador mountain. We returned via the road, where a parallel walkway has been set up alongside the highway.
The Dam
The Sant Llorenç de Montgai hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of 7.4 megawatts and is also the origin of the Urgell Auxiliary Canal, with a flow rate of 8 m³/s.
Above the dam runs the long-distance cycling route that connects Lleida with La Pobla de Segur. We are on the Balaguer - Sant Llorenç de Montgai section, which is about 12 kilometers long.
The Other Side of the Lake
Despite the noise of cars still echoing from the road, the cries of birds of prey can be heard from the rocks of Monteró. Along the edge of the reservoir, massive trout swim majestically through the river.
The Escalera Bridge
La Roca dels Bous - Climbing
La Roca dels Bous is an archaeological site from the Middle Paleolithic period, inhabited by Neanderthals 50,000 years ago. Excavations have uncovered information about their tools, subsistence strategies, and ways of life. In 2015, it was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest due to its historical and scientific significance.
Archaeology in Lleida is always accompanied by climbers. The Pared del Oso and the Cylinder are iconic rock formations that offer numerous climbing routes of varying difficulties, making them very popular among climbers.
The Reeds with Cattails
The Sant Llorenç de Montgai dam maintains a high and constant water level throughout the year, allowing for the development of an extensive strip of reeds with cattails. This environment provides an ideal habitat for numerous species of aquatic birds. For this reason, the reservoir is a Wildlife Nature Reserve.
Walk Around
We cross Sant Llorenç de Montgai by skirting the lake.
Sant Llorenç de Montgai is a fantastic leisure space where you can stroll, kayak, cycle, and rock climb; it's a place where we can recharge with positive energy.
Getting lost in Sant Llorenç de Montgai
We've deliberately taken the narrow secondary road LV-9047, full of twists and turns, between vertical rocks where climbing is practiced. As the Segre River widens due to the reservoir, Sant Llorenç de Montgai stands out in the distance, blending with the riverbank.
Sant Llorenç de Montgai is a peaceful spot, off the tourist routes, where we can enjoy numerous activities related to its small reservoir, such as kayaking, sport fishing, and bird watching.
Houses bordering the reservoir
The lake
The dam, built in 1929, gave rise to this fantastic natural space. In 1990, it was declared a Natural Reserve due to the abundance of waterfowl and its scenic interest.
Gates of the Sant Llorenç dam
The school
Part of the old school has been transformed into the bar-restaurant "El Mirador del Llac", which features an idyllic terrace overlooking the reservoir. It serves as a meeting point for both the locals and the groups who are climbing in the area.
Old school of Sant Llorenç
The Lake Train
Sant Llorenç de Montgai is one of the stops on El Tren del Llacs (Lakes Train) that runs from Lleida to La Pobla. The journey, marked by the Segre and Noguera Pallaresa rivers, is filled with tunnels and bridges, and features exceptionally beautiful landscapes.
Lake Train Stop
La Roca dels Bous
The Roca dels Bous is an archaeological site that seeks traces of the stays made by groups of Neanderthals in this rocky shelter thousands of years ago. It can be visited with the guidance of Espai Origens.
The rocks on the sides of the Roca dels Bous, such as the Cilindro and the Pared del Oso, are usually filled with climbers. It could be said that Sant Llorenç is the climbing capital of this area of Lleida.
La Roca dels Bous - Cilindro - Pared del Oso
The Camping La Noguera
The La Noguera campground has become a major catalyst for the area, featuring a restaurant, indoor pool open year-round, paddle tennis court, and rental services for bicycles and kayaks.
Discover the wonders of La Noguera: activities for families and history
buffs, prehistoric heritage and medieval, exuberant nature, local gastronomy
and exciting adventures outdoor. Explore the Mont-rebei Gorge, caves and
medieval monuments. Enjoy climbing in the Cova Gran de Santa Linya and
sports nautical in the calm waters of the reservoirs from Camarasa,
Canelles, Santa Anna, Sant Llorenç de Montgai and Rialp. A unique
destination in Catalonia for all tastes.
In Balaguer, the capital of Noguera, we can search
for gold in the Segre River with the
Center for Gold Interpretation, which
is part of the Noguera Museum.
In Camarasa, with
Origins Space, we can learn about the
Neanderthals and participate in other activities related to prehistoric,
historical, and natural heritage in the surroundings of the Mont-roig
mountain.
At the
Montsec Astronomical Park
in Àger, in addition to observing space, various
activities related to astronomy and science are organized.
At the
Monastery of Las Avellanas, many interesting activities are organized, such as medieval dinners,
historical events, and nighttime concerts.
Castell del Remei
has established a
Foundation with the aim of
preserving its valuable heritage. Through this initiative, various activities
are organized, including yoga, jazz, exhibitions, wine tastings, concerts, and
races.
Small but Unique Villages
Sant Llorenç de Montgai, a natural reserve for waterbirds, is my favorite place in Noguera. When I
visit, I can feel my heart rate slowing down.
Alòs de Balaguer, more remote,
is the realm of hunters and fishermen.
Penelles has become
the capital of Street Art in Lleida.
Tiurana with
its starlight certification is the ideal place to spend summer nights.
Penelles - Street Art
Gastronomy
Barley, wheat, almond trees, olive trees, vineyards, honey, milk, and the
orchard all contribute to the rich
gastronomy of Noguera. Additionally, there are
small workshops that transform these elements into wine, beer, cheeses, jams,
samfaina cakes, and many other culinary delights. These products end up
nourishing our restaurants that are gaining
culinary excellence day by day.
Blossoming almond trees
Heritage
Prehistory chronological axis made by the Museu de la Noguera
From prehistory, we have the rock paintings of the Vilars cave in Os de
Balaguer, the archaeological site of the
Parco cave
in Alòs de Balaguer, the Neanderthal shelters of the
Cova Gran
in Santa Linya, and the Roca dels Bous in Sant Llorenç de Montgai. We also
have fossil sites like
la Pedrera
in Vilanova de Meià.
Map made by the Museu de la Noguera
In the medieval period, Noguera was a borderland and part of the County of
Urgell, where castles, monasteries, and Romanesque hermitages were built, such
as the
Monastery of Santa María de las Avellanas, the
Montsonís Castle,
and the collegiate church of Sant Pere d'Àger.
There are also Spaces of Memory from the Spanish Civil War, such as the
Merengue hill in Camarasa and the wartime remnants around the Cap de Pont in
Balaguer.
We must not forget the extensive heritage of Balaguer, the capital of Noguera,
and its
walls
within which the three monotheistic cultures, Christians, Muslims, and Jews,
coexisted.
The Montsec, Mont-Roig,
Sant Mamet, and the Montclús mountain range offer countless possibilities, such as
hiking to the
Pedrera de Meià
from the Santa Maria de Meià side or from the Doll Road near to Terradets.
Exploring the plain with its fields that change color with the seasons,
collecting thyme, rosemary, asparagus... Open spaces that are a delight to the
senses.
Barley and wheat fields in February
Motorized Excursions
Our preferred motorized route, whether on a motorcycle or in a car, is the
circuit around Montsec de Rúbies, passing through the Doll Road, Terradets, Barcedana Valley, El Pas Nou, and
Vilanova de Meià Valley.
The
Cova Gran de Santa Linya
is world-renowned in the rock climbing community. Chris Sharma lived in
Sant Llorenç de Montgai
for many years. Accommodations in Camarasa are
always filled with climbers from all over the world.
The Cova Gran de Santa Linya
Active Tourism - Land, Air, Water
In Àger, the capital of
Montsec de Ares, the spirit of adventure sports
permeates the environment. It's an area renowned for free-flying, with a
special emphasis on paragliding and hang gliding. You can also enjoy hot air
ballooning, ultralight flying, as well as gliding and paramotoring. Several
specialized companies and schools offer courses, introductory flights, g uided
outings, and equipment rentals.
The reservoirs of Camarasa, Canelles, Santa Anna,
Sant Llorenç de Montgai, and Rialp,
the largest area of calm waters in Catalonia, are ideal places for water
sports, including kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and sailing.
Mountain bikes crossing the Sant Llorenç de Montgai dam
This restaurant is located within a camping site, but don't let that discourage you as it maintains a high level of quality. The service is provided by a very friendly and youthful staff.
Its terrace, situated next to a car-free recreational area, makes it an ideal place to go with children.
Evolution of its rating in Google
Month/Year
Rating
Reviews Number
March 2023
4.5
456
The camping
Camping services - prices August 2022
Kayak rental
Kayaks that can be used in the Sant Llorenç de Montgai reservoir, except for restricted areas as it is a natural reserve for waterfowl.
