Route
The loop of Sant Martí Sacalm may be a contender for one of the best routes in Girona. Overshadowed by the Rocacorba, the climb also is a dead end, has a monastery, is covered in trees for most of the way, and provides the ideal training ground for pros. However, it is a much nicer climb than the Rocacorba, and is probably my favorite climb in the province.
This being Girona, you can start anywhere and make any kind of alternative version of your route. This route takes a beeline for the mountain and heads west via Anglès.
Once off the road at the tiny village of Amer, you go up, and around the corner of the fire station, tucked away, lies the start of the climb. 8.5 glorious kilometers and 815 meters of elevation separate you and the iconic view of the tabletop mountain and the Sanctuary of Far.
If you like consistency, this climb is it. Gradients never seem to change, and if they do, it never drops dramatically.
On the way back, we take the smaller, more pleasant inland road of the GI-531 through settlements like Sant Esteve de Llémena. It’s a little more climbing, but the way up is very gentle and you can cruise along nicely and comfortably.
Fueling up
At the top of the climb is a bar/restaurant, but it’s been shut every time I went there. Back on the C-63, there are sufficient places to stop. On the way back on the GI-531, you might find your luck in Llorà. However, by then you’re so close to Girona that you may just want to proceed straight back home.