Section Tourdera Arbúcies – Sant Marçal

Descripció del tram

The Arbúcies – Sant Marçal section is a very demanding section, which is 12km if you do it on the exclusive variants for hikers, or 15km if you do it on the paths suitable for bicycles. To this distance, we must add the fact that the positive accumulated elevation changes are significant, around 1000m. However, the effort is worth it because the ascent takes place in an environment of great beauty, including within the Montseny Natural Park. Above all, keep in mind that there are exclusive variants for hikers where access by bicycle is prohibited.

At the beginning of the section, in the center of Arbúcies, you will have different parking spaces and a good range of services such as restaurants, shops, etc. The route begins in the small square at the intersection between Carrer del Vern and Carrer de Sant Jaume, where you will find the information panel for the route and the first directions to follow. Remember that you can take the route and enjoy a nice walk through a natural and protected environment, always without deviating from the signposted path and respecting the flora and fauna of the area at all times.

Bicycle Variant

The section for cyclists is 15 km long, with a cumulative ascent of 891 m and a cumulative descent of 90 m, so it should be considered a very demanding section. As with the hiking variant, the route begins in Arbúcies, between the streets of Vern and Sant Jaume, in a small square. In Arbúcies you can take the opportunity to stock up, as a long journey to Sant Marçal awaits you.

In general, you will first do a short section of urban route and then head straight towards the Arbúcies stream, where you will find a promenade next to the stream that, despite having some sections of stairs, has small ramps next to it where you can pass your bicycles. During these shared sections, which are of restricted width, you must always respect users on foot, so we recommend that you get off your bike at the ramps next to the stairs and carry it alongside. Following the path, you will soon find yourself at Molí de les Pipes, where there is a fountain, a restaurant and an interesting bridge that you cannot miss. From this point, the route climbs up a forest track that will take you to Sant Marçal, in a variety of very interesting landscapes, from Mediterranean environments such as cork forests at the beginning, to beech forests at the highest points, typical of more humid and Central European environments.

Once you arrive in Sant Marçal, you will find the hermitage of Sant Marçal, with a small restaurant next to it, and you can also head, just 150 m away, to Font Bona, the birth of the Tordera route.

Hiking option

The hike from Arbúcies to Sant Marçal is a very demanding route, 12.2 km long, with a total ascent of 936 m and a descent of 128 m. The route starts at the sign in Arbúcies, between Carrer del Vern and Carrer de Sant Jaume, in a small square. Following the signs, you will pass through Plaça de la Vila, where you will find the town hall and a monumental tree, and you will immediately head towards the Arbúcies stream, where you will immediately climb a very pleasant and cool walk along the stream during the summer. This walk will take you to Molí de les Pipes, where you will find an old bridge of great value, a fountain and a restaurant where you can gain strength to start the climb.

At Molí de les Pipes you will find that the Tordera route coincides with local trail 84, also called the “Camí Marçaler”, which will accompany you until the end of the section, in Sant Marçal. During the ascent you will first come across forests of a more Mediterranean nature, mainly with cork oak forests, which as you gain altitude will become chestnut forests and, above all, with impressive beech forests that will leave you speechless in autumn. The hiking route that you will follow will allow you to leave the forest tracks on numerous occasions to go along paths in the middle of the forest through places as interesting as the Sot de la Ginesta, among others. During the walk you must respect nature at all times and never deviate from the signposted paths, since on numerous occasions you will pass through private estates. In the recommendations section you can consult safety tips and respect for nature.

At the end of the route you will pass very close to the hermitage of Sant Marçal, which is worth a visit and, at the same time, you can go to the restaurant next door and help you regain your strength. Finally, once you reach the Sant Marçal pass, where the route ends, you can take a detour of 150 m to reach the Font Bona, the source of the Tordera River, where you can refresh yourself and enjoy the surroundings.