In the Parc de Collserola near Barcelona lies the tallest peak (502m) near the city. And that is where I headed early this morning. Public bus from our place and then a short hike (google maps actually suggested a steep dirt/rock trail) to the trailhead. The real hike started 6.45. Only a few bikers, runners and walkers out at this time, but I could already tell it would be crowded later in the day. First I followed a dirt road and trail, quick stop at the Fabra Observatory (closed), then a bit of road walking, then a steep section of dirt/rock trail, that once looked to have been paved but had fallen into disrepair. Then a bit of road again and already I was at the top where the amusement park lies. It was preparing to open for the day with employees checking in. It started to rain! Did not expect that :-) How novel... So, I hung around a while and looked through the window to the machine room to the funicular pulley. Brought back memories of my days at the engineering study. When the rain lessened, I started down the road on the other side of the park. It started to rain again and I stood under a bus stop overhang for a bit. Finally it almost stopped and I continued down. After a good bit of road walking, the trail finally turned onto a dirt road leading down through a very nice forested area and back to the trailhead. As I had foreseen, the parking lot was now full. On a clear day (which wasn't today), you're supposed to be able to see Montserrat from the top. It was still a pleasant hike with a good amount of greenery. The early start and rain kept the temperature down. Very nice.

Hiking/Backpacking

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

time : Jul 13, 2024 6:47 AM

duration : 2h 19m 12s

distance : 6.8 km

total_ascent : 312 m

highest_point : 506 m

avg_speed : 3.0 km/h

user_id : steenjunus

user_firstname : Steen

user_lastname : Pedersen

In the Parc de Collserola near Barcelona lies the tallest peak (502m) near the city. And that is where I headed early this morning. Public bus from our place and then a short hike (google maps actually suggested a steep dirt/rock trail) to the trailhead. The real hike started 6.45. Only a few bikers, runners and walkers out at this time, but I could already tell it would be crowded later in the day. First I followed a dirt road and trail, quick stop at the Fabra Observatory (closed), then a bit of road walking, then a steep section of dirt/rock trail, that once looked to have been paved but had fallen into disrepair. Then a bit of road again and already I was at the top where the amusement park lies. It was preparing to open for the day with employees checking in. It started to rain! Did not expect that :-) How novel... So, I hung around a while and looked through the window to the machine room to the funicular pulley. Brought back memories of my days at the engineering study. When the rain lessened, I started down the road on the other side of the park. It started to rain again and I stood under a bus stop overhang for a bit. Finally it almost stopped and I continued down. After a good bit of road walking, the trail finally turned onto a dirt road leading down through a very nice forested area and back to the trailhead. As I had foreseen, the parking lot was now full. On a clear day (which wasn't today), you're supposed to be able to see Montserrat from the top. It was still a pleasant hike with a good amount of greenery. The early start and rain kept the temperature down. Very nice.