El Montmell, Baix Penedès

About the place:

Would you like to know how it feels to almost arrive on the top of a mountain? It’s possible to do it with your family. Although with the children you won’t arrive at the “roof” of the Baix Penedès at 861 meters, you will surly be just 80 meters under need the Talaia de Montmell, the highest point of the mountain if you climb to the Church of Sant Miquel. And this is already a whole adventure!  

Great panoramic views, a Romanesque church with a beautiful apse, straits paths and aromatic herbs.

An itinerary that demonstrates that the youngest are also able to climb a mountain! (See photos)

Direction tips:

The itinerary begins in the picnic area of La Juncosa de Montmell, to which you have access from the TV2401. The track towards this area is near km 7 of the TV2401. You must follow the way during aprox. 3,5 km until you arrive at the picnic zone. You park the car here. The route begins at the central path of the area (located between the barbecues and the information house). The path starts rising directly until you arrive at a larger track with on your left side the New church. Just in front of you, you’ll see a smaller track (closed with a chain) that rises into the saw.  

Follow this path always straight on in direction of the Church of Sant Miquel. At the second bifurcation, after the curve you must follow the principal path that turns towards the right up and ends in iron reinforcement. From this point you will have to continue one behind the other, since the path becomes narrower and it raises a lot. The last part before arriving to the church is very steep, but it is possible to do it with children from 5 years on (and if they are used to trek even children of 4 with a little help of the adults can climb up).

After aprox. 30 minutes of walking since the start point, you will arrive to Sant Miquel's church. From here you will be able to see the top of the Talaia de Montmell with the cross and you will enjoy a few panoramic sights on the village of Montmell and the picnic area. You must return through the same way, but once you arrive to the New church, turn to the left to take the wider track instead of going back through the forest.  Follow the main track up to the fork. On your right you will find the entry to the picnic area.

The best season:

winter, autumn, spring

Lunch tips:

Although there is an area of picnic with barbecues and a free camping zone (previous authorization of the town hall), in these moments due to the strong winds that have made fall many trees, it is closed. It should be re-opened in a few months (tel. town hall: 977 688 429). Only 12 km from the village, you will find the Castell de Rocamora in Montferri where you can enjoy a good calçotada or taste dishes prepared in a medieval style.

More info:

Difficulty: medium
Type: semi circular route
Duration: aprox. 1 hour (two ways without stops)
Distance: aprox. 1,6 km
Accessibility: the ways have many stones, therefore it is important to use very good footwear so you won’t slip. The first part is through a wider way. The last part obliges you to walk one behind the other. Although the paths are quite narrow, it is possible to give a hand to the youngest.
Recommendations: it is necessary use very good footwear to walk on rock and stones.  Take sufficient water for the whole route. It is not recommend to do the route in summer, since there is no shade. Avoid the hours of maximum heat, use solar protector and caps.

Photo: © ExploraTgn.cat (See more photos)