Rice Paddies to Poplar Groves: Walking the Ter River Plain
Looking for serene, scenic walks right from your door at Camping Les Medes? Walking the Ter River Plain delivers exactly that: gentle terrain, open skies, and a living mosaic of rice paddies, fruit trees, pastures, and poplar groves. In this guide to walking the Ter River Plain, you’ll learn what to expect, how to plan your outings, and simple ways to turn a leisurely stroll into a memorable day in the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park.
Why the Ter River Plain is perfect for walkers
The Ter is the most important river in the Girona counties. It rises in Ulldeter, in the Pyrenees, and after flowing for more than 200 km it discharges into the Mediterranean just 2 km from Camping Les Medes. As it travels from mountain to sea, it forms a fantastic ecological corridor that links the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava, painting the landscape green along its course.
- The alluvial plain, once lagoons and marshlands, is now a patchwork of cultivated fields, fruit trees, pastures, rice paddies and poplar groves — a real pleasure for walkers and cyclists to pass through.
- Camping Les Medes sits in the heart of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, with the Medes Islands Nature Reserve just offshore and the beach only 800 m away. L’Estartit is 2 km from the campsite, and the site itself is surrounded by fields — ideal for stepping straight into countryside rambles.
- Flat profiles and open views make the plain welcoming for relaxed morning walks, family-friendly ambles, or longer exploratory days.
For a quick primer on the area’s highlights, explore our Surroundings page.
Start at Camping Les Medes
Your base in the Baix Ter
From Camping Les Medes, you’re perfectly placed to begin walking the Ter River Plain:
- 800 m to the beach and sea
- 2 km to the centre of L’Estartit
- In front of the Medes Islands Nature Reserve
- Surrounded by fields within the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park
Use the campsite as your trailhead for a short stretch-your-legs loop, a half-day meander across the plain, or a full day connecting coast and countryside.
From rice paddies to poplar groves: what you’ll encounter
Expect changing textures and tones underfoot and overhead as you cross the plain. Here’s what to notice:
| Landscape feature | What to notice on foot |
|---|---|
| Rice paddies | Water channels, mirror-like surfaces on breezy days, soft sounds of flowing irrigation; keep to permitted paths and respect crops. |
| Fruit orchards | Neat rows, seasonal blossoms or shade; occasional farm activity — give machinery space and follow countryside etiquette. |
| Pastures | Open fields, wide horizons, gentle breezes; close gates where provided and avoid disturbing livestock. |
| Poplar groves | Dappled light, rustling leaves, cool microclimates that make pleasant midday breaks. |
Tip: The plain’s openness means sun exposure. Plan starts early or later in the day during warmer periods.
Suggested outing styles (choose your pace)
While the plain invites spontaneous wandering, these outing styles help you shape a satisfying walk starting and finishing at Camping Les Medes:
Micro-walk (30–60 min)
- Stretch the legs among nearby fields and poplar groves.
- Ideal after arrival or before dinner.
Half-day meander
- Combine countryside tracks with a coastal section to enjoy sea breezes and inland vistas in a single loop.
- Pack a simple picnic and plenty of water.
Full-day plain explorer
- String together longer sections of farmland and riverside access points where permitted, taking breaks in shaded groves.
- Return via a different alignment for new views of the mosaic landscape.
Need concrete route ideas? Once you’re here, our team will help you find our best routes in the surrounding area and tailor them to your time and fitness. See also our Activities.
Walk + Ride: turn a stroll into a Ter River journey
In recent years it has become possible to follow the entire course of the Ter by bicycle in one or several stages. You can leave your caravan or motorhome at Camping Les Medes and let us transport you and your bicycle to the start of the route and take your luggage on to the hotels you plan to stay in along the way. If you’re eyeing a walk–ride holiday, this service makes logistics smooth.
On-site bicycle options:
- The campsite has 20 bicycles, two of which are electric.
- We do NOT make reservations for bikes.
- Once in place, we’ll help you find our best routes in the surrounding area.
Prefer to spend a day in the water instead of on wheels? Since 2017, Aquàtica — located within our campsite — offers diving outings in L’Estartit and within the Natural Park, plus diving courses, with small-group comfort and their own boat, Maria Mir.
Practical tips for walking the Ter River Plain
- Hydration and sun: Carry water, sun protection, and a hat. The plain is open and can feel warmer in midday sun.
- Footwear: Choose comfortable walking shoes suitable for compacted farm tracks and occasional damp edges near paddies.
- Etiquette: Respect crops and livestock. Keep to permitted paths and public ways; avoid entering fields.
- Weather: Breezes can pick up; layers help. After rain, low-lying sections near irrigation may be damp.
- Family-friendly: The flat profile suits mixed-ability groups. Set clear turnaround times for young walkers.
- Combine with a beach break: With the sea 800 m away, you can cap your walk with a coastal pause.
- Recover and recharge on-site:
- Heated swimming pool: open from 15/09 to 15/06 (subject to weather), free for campsite clients.
- Outdoor pools: open from 01/05 to 15/09.
- Sauna and massages: available as paid services.
- Indoor pool note: wearing a swimming hat is compulsory in line with regional regulations.
Quick answers about walking the Ter River Plain
What is the Ter River Plain?
- The Ter River Plain is the alluvial landscape near the river’s mouth — today a unique mosaic of cultivated fields, orchards, pastures, rice paddies and poplar groves.
How close is the river mouth to the campsite?
- The River Ter discharges into the sea just 2 km from Camping Les Medes.
How far is the campsite from the beach and town?
- 800 m from the beach and sea; 2 km from the centre of L’Estartit.
Can I rent a bike on-site?
- Yes. The campsite has 20 bicycles, two electric. No reservations are taken; we’ll help you choose local routes when you arrive.
Can you help with a multi-stage Ter cycling trip?
- Yes. Leave your caravan or motorhome at the campsite; we can transport you and your bicycle to the start and take your luggage to your planned hotels.
When is the best time to walk?
- Generally, spring and autumn offer mild conditions. In summer, start early or go later in the day for cooler temperatures.
Extend your stay in the Natural Park
The Medes Islands — one mile off L’Estartit — form a striking archipelago of seven islands covering 23 hectares, one of the Costa Brava’s main attractions for their natural wealth and beauty. Combine your plain walks with a day discovering the islands, then return to the comforts of the campsite.
- Discover more about the area’s habitats and highlights: Surroundings
- Add water-based adventures with on-site Aquàtica
- Explore more ways to spend your time: Activities
Plan your walking getaway
- Getting here: Transport connections in the area allow our guests to arrive rapidly from across Europe and the Iberian Peninsula.
- On-demand transfer for bungalow stays: For stays of more than one week, we offer an on-demand transfer from the high-speed train station in Figueres–Vilafant or from Girona Airport (book in advance; night-time collections to suit).
- Stays for every style:
We are open all year, so you can enjoy the Ter River Plain in every season.
Conclusion
Walking the Ter River Plain is about simple pleasures: easy-going paths, ever-changing farmland, and the calming nearness of sea and river — all starting just outside your door at Camping Les Medes. From rice paddies to poplar groves, every step reveals another facet of the Baix Ter’s living landscape.
Ready to lace up and step out? Book your stay, ask our team for tailored route suggestions when you arrive, and make the most of our on-site bike options to extend your adventures along the Ter. Contact us at +34 972 75 18 05 or info@campinglesmedes.com — and we’ll help you plan your perfect walking getaway.