Walking in Catalunya - Barcelona: Montserrat, Montseny and Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Nature Parks

Within an hour of Barcelona lie rocky mountain summits, forested ridges, ancient monasteries, the dramatic Sau reservoir and the vineyard-covered hills of the Penedès wine country. From the serrated rock towers of Montserrat to the sweeping views from Turó de l'Home in Montseny and the gentle vineyard trails of the Penedès, the countryside around Barcelona rewards those willing to leave the city behind.This comprehensive guidebook covers 32 walks in the countryside around Barcelona, ranging from 7 to 28km and taking between two and eight hours. Written by authors with deep personal knowledge of the region, it combines local insight with detailed practical information for walkers visiting from abroad or based in the city.The 32 walks are organised across five areas: Montseny Natural Park, Vic and Guilleries-Savassona, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, Montserrat Natural Park and Penedès and Garraf, all accessible by public transport from BarcelonaHighlights include the iconic Montserrat Monastery and summit of Sant Jeroni, the sweeping views from Turó de l'Home and Les Agudes in Montseny, the dramatic Sau reservoir, the rocky summit of La Mola and the vineyard trails of the PenedèsRoutes range from short, easy walks of around 7km to more challenging full-day outings of up to 28km, with the graded route summary table making it straightforward to choose a walk that suits your fitness and available timeEach walk is supported by 1:40,000 mapping, with detailed information on accommodation, facilities and public transport for every route, making it straightforward to plan a day out from Barcelona without a carAn introduction covers the geography, geology, plants, flowers and wildlife of the region, alongside practical advice on getting there, getting around, accommodation, language and waymarkingA richly varied guide to walking on Barcelona's doorstep, from rocky mountain summits to gentle wine country trails. Step beyond the city and discover Catalunya on foot. Read more