Section Tourdera Sant Marçal – Arbúcies

Descripció del tram

The Sant Marçal – Arbúcies section is a moderate stage, ranging from 12 km if you take the variants exclusively for hikers, or 15 km if you follow the paths suitable for bicycles. Despite being a relatively significant distance, the difficulty is only moderate, as it is a downhill route with very little cumulative ascent. The descent takes place in an area of great natural beauty within the Parc Natural del Montseny. As mentioned, there are variants exclusively for hikers where access by bicycle is prohibited.

At the beginning of the stage, at Coll de Sant Marçal, there is a parking area and accommodation located right next to the Hermitage of Sant Marçal (not open all year round). The route starts at the small parking area at the pass, a starting point for several routes, including the ascent to Matagalls. By following the signs that you will find throughout the itinerary, whether signposts or waymarks, you will be able to complete the route and enjoy a pleasant walk through a natural and protected environment, always staying on the marked path and respecting the local flora and fauna at all times.

Cycling Variant

The section for cyclists is 14.9 km long, with only 85 m of cumulative ascent and 891 m of cumulative descent, so it should be considered of moderate difficulty. In this case, the descent begins with approximately 1,200 m along the road indicated by the first signposts you will find at the pass. Take the opportunity, however, to visit Font Bona (the source of the Tordera River) and the Hermitage of Sant Marçal, where you will find a restaurant. Once you have tasted the waters of Montseny, follow the signposts and waymarks that you will find throughout the route.

As soon as you leave the road, you will begin a descent along forest tracks through incredible beech woods at first, followed by chestnut and cork oak forests, until you reach Molí de les Pipes. We recommend stopping here to rest and recover at the restaurant, and above all, not missing the opportunity to visit the old bridge over the Arbúcies stream. From Molí de les Pipes onwards, you will no longer find the markings of the local Camí Marçaler trail that have accompanied you so far, but you will continue to find the Tourdera route markers, which will lead you to Arbúcies. From this point on, you will share the route with the hikers who are also following the trail.

Along this final part of the route, you will walk beside the Arbúcies stream the entire way, enjoying a very pleasant walk that is especially cool during the summer, where you will also find additional springs, such as Font de la Corbadora.

Hiking Variant

The descent from Sant Marçal to the town of Arbúcies, when done on foot, can be considered of moderate difficulty despite being 12.2 km long, as it involves only 114 m of cumulative ascent, while the cumulative descent amounts to 918 m.

At the starting point of the route, in the parking area at Coll de Sant Marçal, you will find the Tourdera information panel. From this point, next to the road, you will see a route signpost indicating the directions towards Montseny and Arbúcies. Follow the signs towards Arbúcies on foot, and you will find waymarks throughout the entire route. Before starting the walk, we recommend taking a short detour to Font Bona, just 150 metres away, as it is considered the source of the Tordera River. When you resume the route towards Arbúcies, you will also pass very close to the Hermitage of Sant Marçal, which gives its name to the pass and is well worth a brief visit. Next to it, you will even find a restaurant where you can have a drink or breakfast before beginning the descent to Arbúcies (be sure to check opening times beforehand).

Once you are well hydrated with the waters of Montseny from Font Bona, the route descends along forest tracks and footpaths through beech, chestnut and cork oak forests, always sharing the route with Local Trail 84, also known as the “Camí Marçaler”. During the descent, you will notice that the hiking and cycling routes often cross each other, as many of the hiking variants follow narrow trails that lead through the heart of the forest, allowing you to discover areas of great beauty and interest, such as Sot de la Ginesta and others. Throughout the walk, you should respect nature at all times and never leave the marked paths, as in many places the route passes through private property. In the recommendations section, you can find safety advice and guidelines on respecting the natural environment.

One of the highlights of the descent is Molí de les Pipes, where you will find another restaurant, a spring, and, above all, a spectacular old bridge over the Arbúcies stream that you should not miss. From Molí de les Pipes onwards, you will no longer find the markings of the local Camí Marçaler trail that have accompanied you so far, but you will continue to find the Tourdera route markers that will lead you all the way to Arbúcies. Along this final section of the route, you will walk beside the Arbúcies stream the entire way, enjoying a very pleasant stroll that is especially refreshing during the summer.