Collserola Park Hike: Valldoreix to Sant Vicenç dels Horts Station Adventure
Walking time: 5 hours at a moderate pace Route length: 14 km
Difficulty: Suitable for beginners, travellers with children over 8 years old
It is a very scenic route, passing through La Floresta and La Rierada (this is the area of Sant Cugat del Valles) and the river la Riera de Vallvidrera / Valvidrera. We travelled there early in the morning, leaving Barcelona behind.
Just a 40-minute train ride from Plaça Catalunya, you'll be surrounded by vast meadows, elegant ponds in the arms of reeds and centuries-old trees that even the three of us couldn't hug.
Although the area is covered in paths, its rich flora and fauna resemble an ancient forest. Such a forest is described in almost every old tale, legend or fictional saga. A traveller's dream!
We carefully cross mountain streams over rocks and stumps and admire moss-covered boulders. After many conversations and challenges along the way, we find ourselves in a sloping, shady forest. It is noticeably colder here, so make sure you bring a jacket or jumper.
After 20 minutes we come to a wall of lush greenery, with sparkling drops of water slowly trickling down, as if enjoying the beauty they have created. We found ourselves in front of a miniature waterfall called Salt d'aigüa i gorg. It was created artificially by the construction of an old dam filled with sand. Depending on the time of year, the waterfall is more or less active. In any case, it looks fabulous!
Continue along the path, always following the stream, until you come to a new path near the large farmhouse of Can Planes / Masia Can Planes. You can recognise it by the giant cactus on the side of the façade.
We see an ancient aqueduct and take a break to catch our breath and warm up after the forest. The sunshine and the forest air pleasantly lull us to sleep and bring us back to ourselves. This is often the case in the woods. They always seem familiar, long forgotten, and bring back memories of childhood, scenes with those closest to me and their dear, bright faces. Pure meditation.
Discover yourself through nature and new routes! Follow us on Instagram to explore Barcelona and its vastness with us.
