Backpacking in Barcelona, Spain?

[Jay Wilkerson]

Any suggestions backpacking near Barcelona? The Pyrenees Mountains maybe Andorra?
I am looking for a quick (24 hour)trip-Thanks

[Brian Camprini]

I never did any hiking up around Barcelona, but I lived down in Valencia a long time ago. I had friends that did quick weekend ski trips in Andorra. I know they went by train, no car rental. I would think that there have to be hiking trails in ski country. Maybe you could research some ski resorts up there and see what they say. Or contact a big hotel in Barcelona with an English speaking concierge. They might be able to help.

Edit–I just did some net searching and it looks like a bus will take you right to the resorts in the area with the GR and other trails. You just need a good map to figure out where you want to go, but these folks can get you there:
http://www.hola-andorra.com/arinsal/english/novatelgb.html#public
And this page has some specific trail info with basic maps:
http://www.hola-andorra.com/arinsal/english/randogb.html

[Jay Wilkerson]

Thanks Brian, That really helps much appreciated.

[Michael Schwartz]

Check out this guidebook for ideas and the sample route on-line.

http://www.cicerone.co.uk/product/detail.cfm/book/582/title/mountain-walking-in-southern-catalunya

I hear there is very good climbing nearby Barcelona too.

Maybe some BPL memebers in Spain will chime in too.

Mike

[John Frederick Anderson]

Hi Jay,

I live in Barcelona and hike from here all the time. It is a great place to base oneself and there are many great areas from the Pyrenees to the mountains to the south.

It depends on what time of year you are here, as in the winter, the high mountains are still covered in snow, and this can last until May, if you are thinking of making some longer routes.

Here are some links to walks in Catalunya, in the pre Pyrenees:

http://www20.gencat.cat/portal/site/parcsnaturals/menuitem.a4431e27a43f10b0f22c5b10b0c0e1a0/?vgnextoid=ae34dd0caa640210VgnVCM1000000b0c1e0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ae34dd0caa640210VgnVCM1000000b0c1e0aRCRD&newLang=es_ES

Here you can see the national parks, and each one has a variety of trails and rules. My favourite is the Parc de L'Albera (10), on the border with France near the coast, with many fine day walks and places to camp overnight too. This you can do all year.

Here are some more:

http://www.gronze.com/senderismo/carros-de-foc.htm
http://www.carrosdefoc.com/eng/index.html

This is a walk I haven't done, but takes a few days, or you can do sections, and stay in huts along the way with the locals.

More:

http://reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/en/parques/index.htm

Anyway, I know many little half day hikes where you can go from a coastal view to hiking over the mountain range to see the Pyrenees in the distance that are less than an hours drive from Barcelona too.

When you are in town, give me a call, or PM, and I'd be happy to meet up and show you some routes on maps etc over a cerveza, if I'm free.

cheers,
fred

[Jay Wilkerson]

John, I sent you a PM–It would be great to do a hike with you if you had any time. Thanks for responding…

[Jay Wilkerson]

I get to meet John Frederick Anderson tomorrow in Barcelona:Long time BPL member. He is going to set me straight on where to hike in Spain. Looking forward to meeting a over-seas member. It will probally be the coastal range of the Pyreness between France and Spain on the Mediterranean. It is very cold here in the high 30's.

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