From the Beca Cross to the Coll de les Espases

This route begins at the Beca Cross, in the area called Els Bruguerols, and heads westward along the forest track of the Les Torrades trail to the right, until we cross the ravine. At the fork in the road we will take the path on the right, along the path known as Camí de les Escaleres. The slope becomes considerably steeper until we reach the highest point, where we will find another cross. The path on the right leads to private property, so we will continue along the track to the left until we come to a small plain and another crossroads, with views of the Llobregat river and the municipality of Olesa. The path to the left runs downhill to the Puda de Montserrat spa.

To continue the route we take the path on the right, where, step by step and with views of the river and the dense vegetation around us, we will come to another fork in the road. We will take the one to the right, as indicated by a sign, because the path to the left leads to the Sant Valentí fountain, just over five minutes’ walk for those who wish to visit it. From this point we will head up a steep hill, the strain of the climb lightened by the spectacular view of Sant Salvador de les Espases and the north side of the upper points of the Agulles del Petintó, to the north-facing slope of El Mestre and a little later to the hill known as Coll de les Espases.

From History to Heritage:

The name of the path Camí de les Escaleres (or Caleres) is apparently a reference to the extraction of lime in the area close to Coll de les Espases.

Legend symbolically links the swords of the Sant Salvador hermitage to the jagged rock formations of the Agulles del Petintó.

The Sant Valentí fountain was built in the first half of the 20th century by Valentí Puig Busquets (Niquet) and various friends. Today, the cistern of the fountain collects rainwater.

On the lookout hill of Les Espases there is a monolith in memory of Josep Grañó and Albert Ibáñez, who disappeared on August 19, 1990 while trying to reach the top of Hidden Peak. The two mountain climbers were members of the Olesa-Hidden Peak ’90 Expedition, along with three others. The monument was laid on May 12, 1991.

(Route created by Joan Soler Gironès - Hiking Guide for Olesa de Montserrat and environs)