La Garriga

Lineal routes through Montseny:

From Aiguafreda to El Brull 
A trail through the Serra de l’Arca, an isolated offshoot surrounded by escarpments. The route heads through pine and holm oak trees along well-travelled tracks, except between Aiguafreda de Dalt (3.41 km) and 5.92 km. The descent from El Brull to the valley of the El Pujol creek is slippery. Water can be found along the way, as well as fine views from La Calma of the escarpments of the Serra de l’Arca. Make sure you visit the cave-crypt of Aiguafreda de Dalt and the parish church of El Brull.

Factsheet:
Distance: 23.52 km
Approximate time: 1h 45m
Overall climb: 530 m
Difficulty: moderate

From Aiguafreda to La Calma 
A route of incredible beauty crossing La Calma from end to end, along wide and well-travelled tracks. Despite the climb the ascent to the high plain of La Calma is fairly straightforward, thanks to the absence of sudden, steep inclines. The woods are mainly holm oaks. The path cuts through a small beach glade as it reaches Collformic. The region of La Calma, which stands out for its open, undulating contours, is surprising in its lack of a layer of tree cover, and the presence of large areas of heathland. You should take on water at the En Vinyes spring. The descent back to Aiguafreda includes a number of difficult sections, and others which can easily be missed. Take care.

Factsheet
Distance: 38.14
Approximate time: 3h 30m
Overall climb: 1030 m
Difficulty: high

Between La Garriga and Corró d’Amunt
A level and simple route, with only short and gentle climbs through what is the the driest region of Montseny. Typical plateau landscapes which are best avoided during the hottest months. The limited shade and few trees do at least offer an open outlook over the farmlands of olive trees and cereal crops which typify this more low-lying area of Montseny.
Take water with you: none is to be found except at La Garriga and Samalús. A perfect route for novice mountain bikers.

Factsheet
Distance: 16.66 km
Approximate time: 1h 30m
Overall climb: 255 m
Difficulty: easy

From Cànoves to Vallforners
The Vallforners Ravine is one of the longest, deepest and wildest in Montseny. The presence of just a few farmhouses, except for El Vilar, all of them clinging to the south-facing slopes, gives it a particularly solitary air, accentuated these days by the dark, peaceful waters of the reservoir. Meanwhile, in the furthest depths of the valley is the magnificent manor house of Vallforners, isolated amid an almost oppressive ring of mountains.

The first section of the route runs high along the southern side of the valley, with views of the houses of Muntanya, Can Cuc, and above all a national record breaker: the Great Chestnut Tree of Cuc. Beyond the stonewalled house of Vallforners, the route heads back towards Cànoves, on the shaded, inhospitable and monotonous side of the valley, which nonetheless offers attractive glimpses of the reservoir and the neighbouring mountains. This route does not, therefore, describe the valley track, alongside the Vallforners reservoir, despite its undeniable attractions. This alternative (indicated elsewhere) is however open to those wishing to shorten the route (the track is quite easy to find), and wishing to take in the sight of Montseny’s largest body of water.

Factsheet
Distance: 21.95 km
Approximate time: 2 h
Overall climb: 685 m
Difficulty: extreme

From Sant Pere de Vilamajor to Sant Elies
The Sant Elies hermitage, with its hilltop setting, is one of the most attractive sights in this region of Montseny. The ascent is tough, but the panoramic views are worth the effort. The return to Sant Pere runs along the shaded foothills of the Serra de Palestrins, providing a complete view of the long and deep valley of the El Cortès Creek.

Factsheet
Distance: 24.73 km
Approximate time: 2h 30m
Overall climb: 900 m
Difficulty: high

From Sant Esteve to El Samon
It does not lead to any particular destination, but instead links a number of charming landscapes, such as Santa Susana, El Samon, la Cova and Sant Elies. A varied route offering fine views of the Tordera valley and the Turó de l’Home massif.

Factsheet
Distance: 29.72 km
Approximate time: 2h 45m
Overall climb: 935 m
Difficulty: extreme

From Montseny to La Calma
A route which runs along well-travelled main tracks for the most part. The 12 km-long climb up the wide, sunny track of El Molar make this a distinctive and unforgettable route. Bring plenty of water.

La Calma marks two changes in the route. To begin with, the more gentle contours allow for easier, effort-free progress. Meanwhile, the dense woodlands of holm oaks end at this point, giving way to open landscapes of wide meadows and heathland of heather, broom and ferns.

La Calma is a narrow, winding high plain, some 7 km long and 3 km wide on average. Meadows and heathland carpet the gently undulating terrain, making for a breathtaking landscape. Broad horizons from all heights. The old Cafè dels Carlins is to be found here, built on the edge of a grassy meadow of unrivalled beauty. It offers a natural outlook dominated by El Matagalls, Les Agudes and El Turó de l’Home One of the outhouses is still used by the shepherd.

Factsheet
Distance: 35.11 km
Approximate time: 3h 15m
Overall climb: 1045 m
Difficulty: high

Sortides amb BTT al voltant d’Arbúcies
BTT 22 – Castell de Montsoriu
BTT 10 – Sant Marçal
BTT 5 – Sant Pere Desplà