Route contrabandistes path. Route 4 Setcases

This route allows us to discover a part of Setcases’ recent history, following the paths that for decades connected both sides of the border and became a route for communication, work and exchange between mountain communities.

Between the 1950s and 1960s, as in other mountain areas, the lack of economic resources and precarious working conditions forced part of the population of Setcases to seek work on the other side of the border, mainly in the village of Prats de Molló. The tasks they carried out were mainly related to agricultural and livestock work, such as mowing grass or tending cattle, although some also worked in construction.

From Setcases, the most direct way to reach the French border was by crossing the mountains. To reach Prats de Molló it was necessary to overcome more than 600 metres of elevation gain, which meant this route was mainly used in summer, as snow and low temperatures in winter made it difficult or impossible to pass.

Over time, these constant movements encouraged not only labour relations but also another common activity of the time: smuggling or “estraperlo”. Taking advantage of trips to France, people transported alcoholic drinks, mainly aniseed liqueur and spirits, which were sold in Prats de Molló. With the money earned, coffee was purchased, especially the La Tour brand, which was later sold on the Catalan side of the border. Other traded goods included pig hair, used for making brushes, and live animals such as piglets and calves.

This route follows the first section of the path used by smugglers. It initially coincides with the camí de Setcases a la cabana de la Rodonella via the Vall-llobre stream, also known as the camí de la Rodonella.

We start the route at the Itinerànnia junction R104 Pont d'en Jepet. Following the signposts, we turn right onto a cemented track where we find junction R217 Camí de la Creueta. We continue straight ahead and, a few metres later, reach junction R106 Pont de Vall-llobre.

Shortly after, we pass the Can Boixat spring. Further on we reach the cabana de la Solana, where we leave the track and follow a well-marked path to a metal footbridge crossing the stream. From here the path becomes a narrow but well-defined trail. After crossing the stream, we continue gently uphill until we find, on the left, the cabana de la Rodonella, currently in ruins.

At this point we cross the stream and follow the path along its left bank. Soon after we cross it again and continue with a gentle gradient. After another crossing we enter a wooded area where the Camí dels Contrabandistes section truly begins.

We initially climb gradually until crossing the torrent d'en Malet and reaching an open area. We then enter the forest on zigzags, always following the yellow paint marks. Further up we reach another open space where the slope becomes steeper. We follow this section until the path turns sharply to the left.

From here we traverse the mountainside until reaching the torrent del Solà de Bones. After crossing it, the path climbs more steeply. After a section of broom vegetation, it turns right and continues more gently through alpine meadows.

We keep ascending while traversing the slope until we reach the forest track at junction R226 Collada Fonda, the end point of the route.

The return can be made in different ways. 

The easiest option is to retrace the same path back to Setcases.

 It is also possible to continue along a section of the GR 11.6 variant until joining the GR 11 and returning to the village along this long-distance trail.

Another option is to continue towards the Costabona refuge and link the interpretation routes no. 11 and 10 of the Natural Park of the Pyrenean headwaters of the Ter and Freser. This option allows visitors to discover other points of interest in the area before returning to Setcases via the baga dels Carboners and the Cossi d'en Batlló.