Collserola Walk #3

Vallvidrera to la Floresta

Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

This walk is part of the Camí Romeu to Montserrat GR 96 route and takes you on a south to north trail through Collserola Park, passing some of the park’s historic masíes. To get to the beginning of the trail, take the funicular to Vallvidrera-Superior station. From there go towards Pl. Vallvidrera, in the center of the town. Leave the market on your right and head along Carrer Alcalde Miralles. Pass the Nabí school and take a sharp right turn into a traffic-free path: here is where the GR 96 begins, clearly marked with red and white signs. After walking for about 15 minutes you’ll reach the Vallvidrera reservoir (pantà de Vallvidrera). If you have time, do the short walk around it or even stop for a coffee or cool drink at the little bar that overlooks the water. The path will take you out into a clearing. From here, keep walking through the woodlands, paying attention to keep to the GR 96 when you reach junctions. After an hour’s trek, you’ll reach Can Castellvi, an old masía, parts of which date back to 1571. Now a restaurant and farm, this is a great place to bring kids. There are animals to pet, pony rides, a kids’ play area and even a babysitting service.

From Can Castellvi, you’ll head toward the Alzinar peak, passing near to another masía, Can Balasc, which is now used for educational and research purposes. Follow the trail in the direction of Can Bosquets and keep going uphill until you reach this lovely white masía set in a clearing. A house has existed in this spot since the 11th century, though the present Can Bosquets building dates from 1880 and the attached chapel from 1650. Leave the house on your left and continue in the direction of La Floresta. You’ll come out onto the BV 1462 road. Cross the road, walk down the Tarruell stone staircase and you’ll eventually reach La Floresta train station.