1. Castellar de N'Hug: The Springs of the Llobregat River

A birth is always a special moment, unique in every sense. In the north of the Berguedà region, collecting waters flowing down from the municipality of Toses, lie the truly spectacular Springs of the Llobregat River, the starting point of the river and the start (or end) of this route. You'll find this natural marvel in the picture postcard perfect village of Castellar de N'Hug. Getting there is easy: it’s a lovely, gentle walk in a unique setting, and a great activity to enjoy with the kids, who’ll be amazed to see the rock literally spewing out the water that flows downstream.

If you’re left wanting more, you can start following the course of the river downstream or take the reverse route, starting further down and ending up at the springs. For example, the 21-kilometre stretch between Castellar de N'Hug and Guardiola de Berguedà (passing through La Pobla de Lillet) is characterised by a lush green landscape where the still-young river flows swiftly, gushing over the rocks.

  2. El Pont del Pedret (Pedret Bridge) and Cal Rosal

Whether on foot or by bike, this is a stretch of the Llobregat you don’t want to miss. The long-established Greenway runs peacefully along the riverbank, following a wide and well-trodden path where the shade of the trees and the coolness of the water provide perfect walking conditions. Apart from the route, which you can extend depending on how much energy you’ve got, the Monastery of Sant Quirze de Pedret is a must-see attraction.

If you’re visiting in the autumn, be sure to explore Cal Rosal too. This former textile model village, which was the first in Catalonia to harness the waters of the Llobregat to run its machinery, is now home to the Wild Mushroom Market, where you can find not only the famous delicious milk caps of Berguedà but also cured sausages, bread, honey, cheeses and many other mouthwatering local products!

3. Montserrat Mountain and the Monastery of Sant Benet del Bages

In the heart of the industrial stretch of what some have called “the working river”, there’s a route that’s just a stone’s throw from the city of Manresa. Here, the waterfalls combine with views of the magical Montserrat Mountain to offer you an amazing natural spectacle that’s all the more surprising for being in this industrial area. The 28-kilometre route from Navarcles to Castellbell i el Vilar has some real treats in store for you, the first of which is the Pont Vell (Old Bridge) in Navarcles, from which you head onto the La Mina Canal path.

Another gem along this stretch of the Llobregat River is the Sèquia of Manresa, an irrigation channel built in the 14^th century that continues to supply water to the capital city of the Bages region and nearby municipalities. The Sèquia Park, which is the body responsible for taking care of the natural setting of this marvel of mediaeval engineering, offers various routes, educational activities, museums and other engaging experiences to highlight the crucial role of water in human development.

Further down the path, you’ll come to the jewel in the crown of this stretch: the Monastery of Sant Benet de Bages, a 12^th-century Benedictine abbey listed as a cultural site of national interest. Featuring Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and Catalan Modernist elements, its façade and interior are testament to the evolution of architecture in Catalonia. The Món Sant Benet space created around this historic site offers myriad experiences, including guided tours, family activities, three restaurants and a four-star hotel for a memorable stay in this wonderful setting.

4. The Llobregat Delta

Just 10 kilometres from Barcelona, the Llobregat River reaches the end of its journey and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, forming the second most important delta in Catalonia. In this protected natural area, you'll find the final stretch of the path that started in the Pyrenees, winding its way among reeds, canals and plenty of birds.

If you fancy a nice long walk or bike ride, you can start from Sant Boi de Llobregat, following a 16-kilometre route to the sea. The most magical stretch begins after you pass through El Prat de Llobregat, when you enter the delta area proper. You’ll find a landscape of farmland and all sorts of flora and fauna, especially in the marshes and lagoons along the way. This area is a twitcher’s paradise: the mallard duck, the curious black-winged stilt and the tiny Kentish plover are just a few standout examples of its well-known residents. And if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of the squacco heron or the striking purple heron with its long, colourful beak.

Finally, when you reach the beach, you can explore the natural dunes where maritime pine groves have taken root, and the Semàfor Roig (Red Semaphore) Lookout Point, housed within a late 19th-century building, which was used to monitor maritime traffic. Nowadays, aside from its distinctive and photogenic look, it marks the end of the Llobregat Path.

While many sections of the Llobregat Path can already be explored on foot or by bike, you'll soon be able to enjoy many more kilometres of paths thanks to the Vies Blaves (Blue Ways) project. This project aims to connect around sixty municipalities in the regions of Barcelona, following the courses of the Llobregat, Anoia, and Cardener rivers.