Leaving the main road, we enter the network of paths that criss-cross the park. The wide, compacted dirt tracks wind through forests of pine and holm oak trees, passing through small rural villages such as Sant Bartomeu de la Quadra. The centuries-old farmhouses that appear in the landscape are silent witnesses to the rural history of these mountains. The route alternates between open stretches with wide views and more leafy areas where the light filters through the leaves, creating a play of shadows. The descent to Rubí follows well-maintained forest tracks, with some narrower sections but no notable technical difficulties.

In the last few kilometres, the terrain becomes gentler with slight undulations that anticipate the arrival in Terrassa, a city with character and a rich modernist and industrial heritage. The wide, tree-lined paths allow you to enjoy the effort you have made. The views open up to reveal the first buildings of the city, framed by the mountains that we will encounter in the next stages. The entrance to the city is through Vallparadís Park, a green corridor that gently leads us to the end of this first day, in the heart of the city of Vallès Occidental, where we find all kinds of services and accommodation. You can also visit the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia (mNACTEC).

Once at the top, the reward is the descent to Navarcles via Talamanca, with its castle rebuilt in the 18th century. The first section is a fun road full of bends and with spectacular views of the reddish walls of the massif of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. Further on, the road opens up, offering panoramic views of much of el Bages. Upon reaching Navarcles, the landscape changes radically: we leave the natural park behind and enter the region through rural and agricultural roads between fields.

After passing through Artés, we cross under the C-25 via an underpass that marks the start of the Camí de Sant Martí de Serraïma. This sloping gravel section takes us up to an elevated track that offers panoramic views of the region. After reaching the top of el Pic Garrofí, we descend towards Navàs along a track that connects with Gaià road. The last few kilometres, with the sun setting over golden fields and mountain silhouettes in the background, bring to a close a stage that shows the two sides of this region: the mountains to be overcome and the central plain that awaits.

The track leads us to the access road to Serrateix, a secondary stretch with hardly any traffic. The route heads towards Montmajor, with the Serra de Sallent mountain range always visible in the background as a constant reference point. In Montmajor, the road winds down a gentle descent that takes us to Navès. From here, the profile flattens out and soon the deep blue of the Pantà de Sant Ponç reservoir appears before us, nestled between forests, inviting us to slow down and enjoy the colours of the water.

We circle the reservoir on a dirt track that follows the contour of the water, alternating between small slopes and flatter, more open sections. The reflection of the sky on the surface and the tranquillity of the surroundings make this one of the most memorable moments of the day. Leaving the track, there are only 6 kilometres of tarmac left to Solsona, in a fast and comfortable final stretch. The entrance to the city is through quiet streets, with the cathedral peeking out from among the rooftops, marking the end of a stage that combines nature, calm and heritage.

In Cardona, we pass by its imposing castle, which towers over the town and dominates the view from afar. At its feet, the Salt Mountain, which can be visited, recalls the historical importance of mining, which has shaped the character of the area. A short but intense climb leads us to a track that begins a gentle descent towards Valls de Torroella. The path becomes more shaded as it enters a forest that cools the atmosphere and provides a feeling of isolation. The tracks are comfortable and, in general, the route descends towards Súria.

We arrive at Súria, where it is worth stopping to visit its charming medieval old town, and continue along a track parallel to the Cardener river that takes us to Callús. From here, the route changes to a secondary road that winds through fields and farmhouses, with the landscape gradually transforming: the forests give way to more open and urbanised areas. We pass through Sant Joan de Vilatorrada and finally enter Manresa via the Camí de la Joncadella, where the first buildings herald our arrival in the capital of Bages and the end of a peaceful but contrasting stage.

The route continues along a narrow road which, as it approaches the mountain, increases the feeling of being inside the massif. We climb gently until we join the main road at the foot of Montserrat and begin a descent that skirts much of the mountain to enter the small natural area of Roques Blanques. The path alternates between compact earth and stony sections, in a rugged landscape that contrasts with the vineyards that await us below.

The wide downhill tracks lead us to the Vía Blava de l’Anoia, a flat path that descends to the river. Here the landscape changes completely: the first vineyards of the Penedès appear, stretching as far as the eye can see. The route reaches its end in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, along gravel tracks between rows of perfectly aligned vines.

After Olèrdola, the landscape changes suddenly. We leave the vineyards behind and
enter the Garraf Natural Park, a dry, rugged terrain dominated by limestone rock and Mediterranean forest. The path alternates between gravel sections and narrow roads, surrounded by rosemary and thyme, with the sea getting closer and closer. We pass close to Sant Pere de Ribes before beginning the descent along the Camí de les Casetes, a scenic track that winds down to the coast with the Mediterranean in the background.

The final descent takes us to Sitges, one of the most emblematic towns on the Catalan coast. We enter the town centre via the seafront promenade, following the cycle path along the beach to the historic centre. The salty air, palm trees and white houses herald our arrival at the sea. A short but intense stage, linking the silence of the vineyards with the Mediterranean.

Inside the park, we face a climb of less than a kilometre and a half but very intense, with curves that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean. At the top, we begin a rapid descent on gravel that takes us to the Pantà de Foix, a peaceful setting surrounded by Mediterranean forest and vineyards. The reservoir, built in the 19th century, is now a key biodiversity site, presided over by Castellet castle, which dominates the valley from a hill. We circle the reservoir on a small road before tackling the last 15 km of the stage.

We leave the reservoir behind and enter a flatter area. The route passes through fields of vines and olive trees, farmhouses and small villages such as La Gornal, always in a rural and open environment. The last few kilometres are easy and pleasant, ideal for a leisurely ride to El Vendrell, the end of the stage, the meeting point between the interior and the Costa Daurada, and the birthplace of the musician Pau Casals, where you can visit his museum.

After crossing the Pla de Manlleu, we leave the asphalt and take the Camí de la Coma, a track that winds through woods and fields to Coll de l’Arboçar. We return to the road and begin the descent towards the Gaià river, where the landscape becomes cooler and shadier. Here one of the day’s main attractions awaits us: the Monastery of Santes Creus, a jewel of the Cistercian route and a historical symbol of the region. The route continues towards Aiguamúrcia, Vila-rodona and Bràfim, on a gradual descent that alternates between villages and farmland.

The last few kilometres cross Vilabella and take us, along secondary roads and open tracks, to the outskirts of the capital of Tarragona. We pass through the Jardins Imperi before entering Tarragona, a city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The arrival in the centre transports us directly to the grandeur of Tarraco, with its walls and Roman remains, such as the imposing amphitheatre with the sea in the background, the perfect end to a varied, cultural stage full of memorable moments.