13 suggestions for hiking in Montserrat
Situated in the Catalan pre-coastal mountain range, we find the Montserrat massif. Without a doubt, the best way to discover its canals, rocky spires, hermitages and natural heritage is on foot. Here we propose thirteen routes of hiking distributed throughout the mountain and with different degrees of difficulty, which will allow you to get to know the most interesting places.
So that you can prepare your tours with first-hand information, we have prepared this article: Montserrat: hiking, spirituality, nature and much more... . Here you will find information about this natural space, the monastery and the hermitages, the best time of the year to go, how to get to the access points and the different routes, where to eat and where to sleep.
1- Circular through "les Agulles", from Can Maçana, passing by the Vicenç Barbé refuge.
In the west of Montserrat we find the area of ".les Agulles". This route will allow us to skirt around these rock formations and contemplate two of the most emblematic ones, the ".Foradada Rock" y "the Cadireta". We will have the fun option of climbing the first one and passing under the second one. Our steps will lead us to two fountains and the safe haven Vicenç BarbéThe route is always accompanied by different visual perspectives of the mountain.
Summary and fact sheet
From the "Coll de Can Maçana" we will border the area of "les Agulles", accompanied on our first stretch by the GR 172. We will have the option of climbing the hole in the mountain known as the "Roca Foradada" and we will pass under the imposing "Cadireta". Our steps will lead us to the source of the "Coll de Porc o de Port" and then to the pass of the same name. Later we will visit the Esllavissada spring and gradually descend to the Vicenç Barbé refuge. From here, on familiar terrain, we will return to the starting point of the Coll de Can Maçana.
Distance: 9.4 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: +/- 430 metres
Timetable: 4 h 30 min. Running time without stops: 3 h 30 min.
Difficulty: The route follows well-defined and signposted paths. The gradient is moderate and allows for a relaxed walk. The only difficulty in the ascent to the "Roca Foradada" is a rocky stretch accompanied by a rope. We will also have to be careful on the descent, as the terrain is very eroded.
You can see the complete route here: Circular through "les Agulles", from Can Maçana, passing by the Vicenç Barbé refuge.
2 –Ascent to the surprising Roca Foradada from "el coll de Can Maçana"
In the area of "les Agulles"It is a hole in the mountain, visible from many points of view. It is necessary to enter it to appreciate its grandeur and the spectacular views. On this route we suggest that you climb up to this curious rock formation, the "hole in the mountain".Foradada Rock".
Summary and fact sheet
We start our route at the "coll de Can Maçana". We will follow the steps of the GR 172 that will take us past the "collet de Guirló". A little later we will take an ascending path that will lead us to this spectacular geological formation, the "Roca Foradada".
Distance: 3.2 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: + 215 metres
Timetable: 1 h 30 minutes (one way). Running time without stops:55 minutes
Difficulty: The approach section is on a well-defined and well-marked track and path. The last stretch is on a moderately steep path. In a rocky section there is a rope installed to facilitate the progression. Be careful on the descent, as the terrain is very eroded.
You can see the complete route here: Ascent to the surprising Roca Foradada from "el coll de Can Maçana"
3- Circular from the Monastery of Montserrat to Sant Jeroni and the Albarda Castellana
If you want to get to know the mountain of Montserrat and start with an impressive route, this would be the recommended one. From the famous monastery we will go up to Sant JeroniThe 1236-metre high peak is the summit of this imposing massif. We will pass by five hermitages, including the photogenic Sant Onofre and underneath the emblematic needle of the "Cavall Bernat". For the more adventurous, there will be the option to climb the Albarda CastellanaThe route is a small rocky pass, with its two sections equipped with ropes and its fabulous views.
Summary and fact sheet
From the monastery and along a track marked with the PR marks, we will pass by the hermitages of Sant Miquel, Sant Joan and Sant Onofre. Once on the "vell de Sant Jeroni" path, you have the option of going to the Albarda Castellana and back. Shortly after we will crown Sant Jeroni, the roof of Montserrat. Now we will have to undo a part of the path and turn off along the Santa Marta stream to descend to the monastery along a stepped section.
Distance:
Cumulative difference in altitude:
Timetable: about 5 and a half hours. Walking time without stops: 4h00min.
Difficulty: marked and well signposted paths. The slope can be an extra effort in some sections. The ascent to the Albarda Castellana consists of a steep section with a support rope, a rocky section that is climbed with the help of another rope of about two metres and a rocky slope that has to be negotiated from the side. The ascent is neither aerial nor exposed.
You can see the complete route here: Circular from the Monastery of Montserrat to Sant Jeroni and the Albarda Castellana
4- Circular from the monastery of Montserrat to the Miranda de Santa Magdalena, passing through Sant Joan and Sant Onofre.
On this simple route we will see rocky spires, hermitages and we will have time to enjoy the enclosure of the Montserrat Monastery. We will discover the traces of the eremitic past of the massif and we will climb to an exceptional viewpoint, the Miranda de Santa Magdalena.
Summary and fact sheet
The first part of the route first follows a paved and then asphalted track, which will gradually lead us to a higher altitude. We can enjoy the surroundings and visit the two hermitages along the route, Sant Joan and Sant Onofre, the latter of which is built into the mountain and we will walk around the inside of it. We will then climb up to the Miranda de Santa Magdalena and descend following the PR marks and the steep descent of the Pas dels Francesos, which will take us back to the monastery.
Distance:
Cumulative difference in altitude:
Timetable: about 3.5 hours. Walking time without stops: 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: Almost all of the paths are signposted and marked with signs. The climb up to Miranda de Santa Magdalena has a steep gradient.
You can see the complete route here: Circular from the monastery of Montserrat to the Miranda de Santa Magdalena, passing through Sant Joan and Sant Onofre.
5- The "Creu de Sant Miquel" from the Monastery of Montserrat
On this route we will walk along a part of the historical pilgrimage route to the monastery of Montserrat, while contemplating spectacular views, without even realising it, we will arrive at the Creu de Sant Miquel. Here we can contemplate another perspective of the sacred precinct and 360º views of the surroundings.
Summary and fact sheet
From the monastery grounds, the paved path of "Sant Miquel" starts out. Gradually, it will lead us upwards between religious monuments and areas dedicated to rest or spiritual contemplation. A pleasant stroll will take you to the Creu de Sant Miquel viewpoint and its incredible views.
Distance: 1.4 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: 80 m
Duration: 25 to 35 minutes (one way)
Difficulty: a short walk with hardly any gradient that runs entirely along a track.
You can see the complete route here: The "Creu de Sant Miquel" from the Monastery of Montserrat
6- The Santa Cova from the monastery of Montserrat
The legend places the "Santa Cova"the discovery of the "Moreneta"The sculpture known as the Virgin of Montserrat. Along a cobbled path and accompanied by sculptures of the religious mysteries, you can access it. Its interior will not leave you indifferent.
Summary and fact sheet
Next to the Montserrat rack railway, there is a paved path marked with the GR 96, the "camí del Rosari". Just follow it and it will lead you to the Santa Cova.
Distance: 1.7 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: -120 m
Timetable: 45 minutes (one way). Walking time without stops: 25 minutes
Difficulty: The outward journey, being downhill, does not present any difficulty. We have to bear in mind that we will have to return uphill.
You can see the complete route here: The Santa Cova from the Monastery of Montserrat
7- From the monastery of Montserrat to Collbató (through the "cova del Salnitre")
On this journey, through the foothills of Montserrat, we will have the opportunity to visit the "Santa Cova". Our descent will take us through "les Feixades" with its breathtaking views and down the "La ".Salnitre Cave"to the town of Collbató.
Summary and fact sheet
From the monastery of Montserrat we will take the paved path or "camí del Rosari" that will take us to visit the emblematic "Santa Cova". From here a path will lead us along the slopes of Montserrat, in a vertiginous descent. We will pass several caves or "baumas" until we reach the well-known and touristy "cova del Salnitre". A little later we will arrive at the first houses of Collbató.
Distance: 7.8 km (ONE STREET OF ASPHALT MUST BE ADDED)
Cumulative difference in altitude: +143 m/-479 m
Timetable: about 3 and a half hours. Walking time without stops: 2 h 30 min.
Difficulty: Most of the route is downhill. Be aware of some steep and very eroded sections.
You can see the complete route here: From the monastery of Montserrat to Collbató (via the "cova del Salnitre")
8- Circular from Santa Cecilia along the "camí de l'Arrel" and down the "camí de l'Arrel".he monastery of Montserrat
A very interesting way to reach the monastery of Montserrat is through the wooded ".camí de l'Arrel". On this circular route we will pass through the TebaidaWe will then go down again through the "Cave of the Monastery", an area of rocky spires above the monastery.camí dels Degotalls"A path with a lot of history that will link us with the return path at the base of the mountain.
Summary and fact sheet
The "camí de l'Arrel" starts on the road next to the monastery of Santa Cecília. It will gradually lead us to gain altitude until we reach the Tebaida area. Here you will pass very close to several hermitages and you will be able to contemplate several rocky spires. We then descend to the monastery via the stairs and the "Pas dels Francesos". Now we only have to look for the "camí dels Degotalls" that will lead us following the marks of the PR to our starting point.
Distance: 9.6 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: +313 m/-313 m
Timetable: about 4 h 30 min. Running time without stops: 3 h 40 min.
Difficulty: Medium. Defined and signposted paths.
You can see the complete route here: Circular from Santa Cecilia along the "camí de l'Arrel" and down through the monastery of Montserrat.
9- The "Camí dels Degotalls". from the monastery of Montserrat
A route in which we will follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims on the Way of St. James, starting from the monastery of Montserrat. In a shady environment dominated by the holm oak forest, we will walk along the "camí dels Degotalls". In Catalan, "degotalls" refers to the dripping or seepage of water through the rock, which abound along the path. We will enjoy the views until we get to the "bauma dels Degotalls"from where we will return.
Summary and fact sheet
A short, flat round trip that allows us to contemplate artistic monuments with Marian dedications, ornamental trees, forest fauna... All in a shady environment with interesting views.
Distance: 1.3 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: inappreciable.
Duration: 20 to 35 minutes.
Difficulty: None.
You can see the complete route here: The "camí dels Degotalls" from the monastery of Montserrat
10- The ravine of the "Joc de l'Oca".
The passage of time has formed many ravines, channels and caves in Montserrat. Some of these capricious crevices can be traversed without the aid of any technical equipment, but there are others for which you will need to equip yourself with canyoning equipment. One of these "technical" gaps in this mountain is known as the ravine of the Goose game.
Canyoning is an activity that is not risk-free and requires a good knowledge of the environment in which it takes place and, of course, the physical and technical limitations of the group. When you are not trained, hiring the services of a guide is the smart option. But if the guide is also our friend Noelia Novoathe person behind Barrancs lo Pallarsthen the experience will be complete. 100% recommended.
You can see the complete route here: The ravine of the "Joc de l'Oca".
11- Crossing from El Bruc to Monistrolby the torrent del Migdia
On this route we will cross the massif, from west to east, along a cleft that splits it in two, "the torrent o Migdia canal". Accompanied by relict vegetation such as holly, yew and maple trees, we will arrive at the "Portell del Migdia"from where we will have an exciting descent down the "Font de la Llum canal"We will walk to the base of the massif. If we are strong enough, on the way we have the option to visit the Montgròsrocky vantage point with incredible views.
Summary and fact sheet
From El Bruc we walk along a stretch of farmland, while we can see the silhouette of the massif in front of us. We go up the "Bassal dels Gats" stream until we join the "canal del Migdia". Here we will enter this closed forest, to visit, first, the spring of "la Cadireta" and climb to the Montgròs watchtower, through the Salamandra channel. We continue up the stream until we reach the "Portell del Migdia". Now we are left with the most complicated part, the descent along the "Font de la Llum" channel with its fountain, which will allow us to reach the base of the massif and the monastery of Santa Cecília. Then the marks of the PR will lead us to the monastery of Sant Benet and along the Angel path to the village of Monistrol.
Distance: 15 km ?
Cumulative difference in altitude: +745 m/ -1007 m
Duration: about 7 hours. Walking time without stops: 5 h 30 min.
Difficulty: High. The slope is very steep in the first part of the route. The very eroded terrain between the "Portell del Migdia" and part of the "camí de la Font de la Llum" make the descent very technical.
You can see the complete route here: Crossing from El Bruc to Monistrol, along the torrent del Migdia
12- Climbing Montgròsfrom El Bruc
The Montgròs is one of the most emblematic peaks of Montserrat. Accompanied by the "Plecs del Llibre", the "Salamandra" or the "Roca Plana dels Llamps", this peak stands out for its morphology and its access through eroded "channels". In this route we propose an ascent from the base of the massif and a route through the gap that splits Montserrat in two, on Migdia torrent.
Summary and fact sheet
Between the olive trees and crops at the base, we can already see Montgròs. First we climb steeply up to the "coll de l'Ajaguda". Now we go up the mysterious Migdia torrent with its shady atmosphere, until we take the turn-off to the summit. Here we start to climb, passing by the "Cadireta" spring and through rocks and the eroded channel of the Salamandra, we reach Montgròs.
Distance: 6.1 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: +728 m
Duration: about 3 h (one way). Walking time without stops: 2 h 30 min.
Difficulty: High. The climb is very steep almost all the way up.
You can see the complete route here: Climbing Montgròs, from El Bruc
13- Circular from Monistrolthrough the monastery of Montserrat, passing by canals and hermitages.
A very complete route that will allow us to get to know two very interesting canals: "the Canal del Pou del Gat" y "the Flat ChannelThe "red spires" will take us to see the area of rocky spires above the Montserrat Monastery. ELEFANT ? We will have a taste of the spirituality of the mountain, with two hermitages and the sacred enclosure of the monastery. The descent will be much faster following the marks on the mountainside.
Summary and fact sheet
In this circular route from the village of Monistrol, we will first climb the "camí de l'Àngel" to the base of the mountain, passing by the monastery of Sant Benet. After a section of the PR along the side of the road, we will go up the "Canal del Pou del Gat", which will test our hand and foot coordination to overcome some rocky passages. We will reach the "camí de l'Arrel" and ascend the second "canal" of the route, "la Canal Plana", which will take us to a pass with splendid views of the roofs of the massif. We continue our walk through the base of "l'Elefant" and approach the troglodyte hermitage of Sant Salvador and then Sant Benet. We go down the stairs to the monastery where we can refresh ourselves. Now we only have to descend, first along the path of the "Santa Cova" and then along paths that will take us back to the starting point of our route. SHALL WE ADD THE COMPLETE CLIMB TO THE ELEPHANT?
Distance: 16.1 km
Cumulative difference in altitude: +977 m/-985 m
Duration: about 7 h. Walking time without stops: 5 h 30 min.
Difficulty: On this route there is a great difference in altitude, and if we add to this the unstable and eroded terrain, the difficulty would be high. The progression along the "Canal del Pou del Gat" sometimes requires the help of the hands in some technical sections, but it does not present any difficulty. ELEFANT?
You can see the complete route here: Circular from Monistrol, through the monastery of Montserrat, passing through canals and hermitages
