Grand Tour of Catalonia Gravel - Stage 42

From rural Vallès to Caldes de Montbui

We leave L’Ametlla del Vallès heading toward Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana and ride along wide trails that wind through fields and forests of white pines and holm oaks. The landscape is open, and the silhouette of the Serra de Collserola is already visible on the horizon. The closer we get to Caldes de Montbui, the more undulating the terrain becomes. The town is known for its Roman baths and thermal springs—a living tradition that makes it one of the oldest spa towns in Catalonia. After passing through the old town, we enter the western Vallès and continue along rural roads through fields, forests, and small village centers.

The transition into the Serra de Collserola Natural Park

The terrain remains undulating, with constant ascents and descents, until the route gradually slopes southward. We follow the Santiga Stream, winding through farmland and small woods, and further south along the Ripoll River on a signposted bike path. We pass through Ripollet and Cerdanyola del Vallès, where the transition from the plains to the mountains is already clearly visible. From here, the route enters the Serra de Collserola Natural Park—a green barrier between the city and the industrial belt of the metropolitan area. The path is wide and pleasant, though it includes a few challenging inclines that take us up to Collserola.

End of the route: Arrival in Barcelona

Once at the top, we reach the Passeig de les Aigües—one of the most iconic spots for cyclists and walkers in Barcelona. This former maintenance path, now a scenic route, winds along the Collserola hillside and offers unique views of the entire city. As we make our way along, Barcelona spreads out below us: the Sagrada Família, the sea, and behind it, the harbor and Montjuïc with its castle. The final descent takes us down a gentle, winding road to Plaça Karl Marx, where we enter the city and follow bike paths to Plaça Catalunya—the endpoint of this stage and the conclusion of the Grand Tour de Catalunya Gravel.