- 2 h
- 5,5 km
- Moderate
Start this path from the same car park as the caves of Salnitre (saltpetre). Go up the steps that take you to the foot of the cave and, just before the last section of steps, turn right along a path indicated with a wooden sign (GR-172 and GR-5) in the direction of the Monastery via the Santa Cova.
There's quite a long section that runs along the hills of Les Garrigoses, following the folds of the mountain. Parallel to your right you can enjoy the views of the Rubió hills.
If you look carefully, you'll be able to see several species of birds, such as the crag martin and kestrel and, if you're quite lucky, even an eagle.
You'll see a small gorge on the left, which is the Fondo river course. Further on you'll find a path going up to your right, the GR-6, which comes from Ca n'Astruc and the town of Olesa.
Continue straight on along the path that climbs up progressively, until you come across the Bellasona river course where, from this point, the path starts to zigzag up the hill. This is the steepest part of the route, known as Les Girades (the 'turns').
Go through the pass, entering the Llobregat valley and with views of the Ordal hills. At this point there is a Catalan flag attached to an old electricity pole on the rock known as La Fita.
After around fifty metres you'll reach a crossroads. The path on the left would take you to Sant Miquel and the one on the right, which is the one you should take, goes to the Santa Cova.
After a gentle descent, you pass just below the chapel of the Santa Cova and then, further on, will reach a fork. If you want to visit the place where the image of the Virgin was found (in the year 880) turn left, then go back along the path to continue in the direction of the Monastery.
Then take the path known as the "camino del Rosario", where you can see the fifteen mysteries that form part of the most important open air sculptural piece of Catalan modernisme. These images were designed by leading architects such as Antoni Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch and sculptors such as Josep Llimona.
This wide, paved path reaches the lower station of the Santa Cova funicular. From here, you continue along the same path to the right, up to the next signposted intersection. On your right you'll see the path that comes from Monistrol, the GR-96/5, also called the path of Les Canals or Les Aigües.
At this point turn left, following the stepped path in the direction of Montserrat Monastery. Pass in front of the top cable car station and then continue in parallel to the railway track until you reach the Monastery via the Plaça de la Creu.
Route Map
Map of services on Montserrat
Park Rules and Regulations
- Respect private property. Do not walk across cultivated meadows or crop fields.
- Respect cultural and historical heritage. It must be preserved for future generations.
- The capture and/or collection of animals, rocks, minerals or plants is forbidden throughout the Nature Park.
- It is forbidden to discard any kind of rubbish throughout the Nature Park. Always use the bins or take away any rubbish you may have.
No fires must be lit anywhere in the Nature Park.- Free camping is forbidden throughout the Nature Park. For more information on where you can stay, contact the Nature Park's Tourist Information Office.
- Do not make any unnecessary noise. Respect the quiet, especially where birds are nesting.
- All wheeled vehicles are forbidden throughout the Nature Park except on paths and routes open to the public.
- Dogs must be on a lead to ensure they can't disturb any wildlife.
- Walking is the best way to get to know the heritage of our natural places. Follow the signposted routes and paths as it's easy to get lost among the irregular terrain.
Warning! Risk of rock falls.
Basic Tips When on the Trail
- » Before leaving, check the weather conditions and how these might change. Do not undertake the walk if the forecast is not good.
- » Particular care must be taken on cold winter days, in the rain or mist and on hot summer days.
- » Plan your walk and its duration, consulting the guides and the map of the route.
- » Equip yourself adequately for the walk as the weather can change very quickly.
- » Never go alone or at least inform someone of your intended walk. When in a group, always remain in contact with the rest of the party.
- » Keep within your possibilities and remember you have to make the return journey. Carry water in your backpack, drink frequently and eat energy-giving foods.
- » Do not leave the signposted routes or take any shortcut as this results in land erosion.
- » Don't leave any rubbish in the park. Take it with you and place it in the containers or bins provided for the purpose.
- » Hunting is controlled on the mountain in order to maintain a balanced population of game. When planning your walk, consult the dates planned for boar hunts each season.
- » Should an accident occur, call the emergency services on 112. Keep calm and provide the following information:
- →Number of people involved and their age
- →Location of the accident
- →Status of the people involved: Are they injured? Conscious? Bleeding? Breathing?
- →Weather conditions at the location of the accident
Further information
Contact the office of the Montserrat Mountain Nature Park:
Plaça Abat Oliba, s/n, Tel. 938350644Visit our website:
