La Vall de Lord

The Vall de Lord (Lord Valley), which is located in the Pre-Pyrenees, and lies in the northern part of the comarca (local district) of El Solsonès, includes the municipal areas of Sant Llorenç de Morunys, La Coma and La Pedra i Guixers.The characteristics of its geography and landscapes are those of a truly natural valley surrounded by a beautiful mosaic of mountain scenery. To the north, and joined to the majestic Serra del Verd (Green Ridge) by the Coll de Port, we find the open expanse of the Serra de Port del Comte which includes the region’s highest peak; el Pedró dels Quatre Batlles (2,283 m), as well as the Forat de la Bòfia (the cops’ hole), a former ice-well that was commercially exploited in tines past. To the west, we find the Serres (ridges) de Mitges and Pratformiu, while to the south lie the Serres de Busa, Els Bastets (the saddles), Les Roques (rocks) and La Mola (mass) de Lord with their high, vertical walls of conglomerate rocks The valley is dominated by two major rivers: the Cardener, which rises at La Coma, and the Aigua de Valls, which runs through the territory of Guixers.

All of the valley’s services are concentrated in Sant Llorenç de Morunys which is its largest population centre and still conserves its walled enclosure. La Coma and La Pedra are two population centres that form a single municipality surrounded by springs and hundreds-of-year-old oak groves. Guixers is the valley’s largest municipality in terms of physical size, but its population is widely distributed in farmhouses across the territory.

The different altitudes of the mountains in this area have produced an extensive and highly varied range of flora and fauna in its woods and rivers. It is possible to find Scotch pines and fir trees in the highest part of the area; examples of Quercus humilis at lower altitudes, and holm-oak, beech, hawthorn, dog rose and a great variety of aromatic and medicinal herbs at the foot of cliffs and particularly on conglomerate rocks. The woods are rich in mushrooms and also contain that most treasured of gastronomic delights; truffles.As far as fauna are concerned, it is important to highlight the presence of the eagle owl, chamois, genet, wild boar, golden eagle, griffon vulture and robin redbreast, amongst many other species.

Another characteristic feature of this valley is its large number of natural springs which can be found along any walking route. The waters of some of these springs have medicinal properties and others are very much appreciated by the inhabitants of the comarca and are consumed by them on a daily basis. Some of the best panoramic views can be enjoyed from El Codó, the plain at the Shrine of Lord, the vantage point in the La Serra wood at Port del Comte, and the Busa and Pratformiu plain.

The Vall de Lord offers a wide range of possibilities for leisure and sports activities. The modern Alpine ski resort of Port del Comte, ain the municipality of La Coma and La Pedra, is one of the main attractions for those who love snow sports. The resort offers a wide range of services including: equipment for hire; ski school; kindergarten; accommodation; and catering services, which all help to make for a pleasant stay. Just a few kilometres away it is also possible to enjoy some Nordic skiing at the pistes of Tuixent-la Vansa.

Those who enjoy mountain biking will find a MTB Centre at nearby Sant Llorenç de Morunys, Centre BTT offering a full set of services and well-marked routes that will take visitors to some truly unforgettable places. For those who prefer a little more relaxed approach, another good way to discover the local area and its hidden charm is to go for a stroll along one of the walking routes, such as GR 7, GR 1 or perhaps the Camí dels Bons Homes (Good Men’s Route), which starts in the south of France and retraces the route once followed by the Cathar monks. Furthermore, thanks to its mountainous nature, the valley also offers the possibility to enjoy a series of other sports including climbing, canyoning, paragliding, hunting, and fishing. The Llosa del Cavall reservoir also offers a series of new possibilities.

The documented history of the Vall de Lord goes back as far as the 9th century and the times of Guifré el Pelós (Guifré the Hairy). The area also conserves a great variety of cultural remains and monuments dating from different periods of its history. One example of this rich heritage is the parish church of Sant Llorenç de Morunys, which is well-worth a visit. The Santuari (shrine) de Lord is another important point of reference and has a history that is closely entwined with that of the valley to which it gives its name.

There are also a large number of Romanesque churches throughout the territories of La Coma, La Pedra and Guixers, many of which have their own special relevance. Sant Serni de la Pedra, Sant Lleïr de Casavella, Sant Serni del Grau, Santa Creu d’Ollers and Sant Martí de Guixers are just a few of the churches that merit a visit. The Romanesque-style bridge of Vall-llonga, which dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, is another important part of the area’s architectonic heritage.