A Day at La Reserva Natural Park

The park centres around an enchanting 3.7km walk through lush and varied woodland, with helpful information boards explaining what you are seeing. During the walk you will have the chance to spot an array of creatures, from the brown bears of the Pyrenees in Northern Spain, to birds, turtles, pot belly pigs, goats and sheep.

I have visited the park many times but the most recent time in October this year was my favourite, as it was my friends birthday and we had organised a large group of friends to come along and enjoy the fun. The trail takes you past lots of waterfalls and natural pools, so some of our braver companions took their swimming costumes for an impromptu (and refreshing to say the least) dip. We all brought some food for the BBQ which is available for all visitors at the picnic area in the middle of the walk. There is also a restaurant if you prefer in the same area - it's a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery.

All the food and equipment is taken to the picnic spot by the park staff, which is very handy as it is about a 40 minute hike. So you only really have to carry the map! It's well worth buying a packet of bird seed at the entrance gate because it provides lots of entertainment along the journey - and it's only 50 cents. We stopped to feed all manner of animals, including an ostrich, who pecked the seeds from my hand, much to the kiddies delight.

At 3pm, the falconers bring out their magnificent birds of prey to put them through their paces, and explain all about the various breeds, lifestyle, hunting techniques and training. The falconers allow some interaction with the birds, and I was lucky enough to have a bird rest on my head making for a wonderful photo opportunity, had any of my friends been paying attention.

The more daring among us chose to try out the 'Aventur' - an adventure park with suspension bridges, climbing walls and a series of amazing zip lines, located just above the picnic area. Lines are rigged up through the trees, and you wear harnesses with all the safety ropes and clips. We found the instructors to be really cool and helpful. They gave us a little pep talk and safety chat before we started, so I felt comfortable and reassured - until I found myself standing in position ready to slide down a sheer drop. It took a few voices of encouragement from my fellow 'flying fox' buddies but in the end I threw myself forward as I couldn't bear the thought of backing down and loosing face! It was all very exhilarating and I thoroughly recommend it. There is a gentler course for the children, which proved just as exciting for them.

Our day came to an end around 4pm, when the organisers packed up our cool boxes and heavy gear and drove it back down to base for us. The walk back to our cars took about 25 minutes, which was thankfully a much gentler stroll compared with the first half. An action packed, vigorous day was had by all and such was the fun that we will be going back to visit very soon!

La Reserva is on the slopes of Puig de Galatzo near the village of Puigpunyent. Entrance to the park costs 11,90€ for adults and 5,95€ for children. The adventure trail 'Aventur', with zip wires, abseiling, rock climbing and Tibetan bridges to cross costs 38.40€ and is for those aged 8yrs and above. They can arrange special tours and birthday parties if asked in advanced.