This time, the goal was to climb to the summit of La Talaia de Montmell and set up a nativity scene, either at the summit or at the hermitage of Sant Miquel. The hike covered a distance of about 10 km with an accumulated elevation gain of approximately 60
The hike started in La Joncosa del Montmell, a small town of about 140 inhabitants, near La Bisbal del Penedès. The day was clear, and it wasn't very cold, but the mistral wind bothered us a bit.
We left the town via Main Street until reaching a roundabout. A few meters from the roundabout, we took a left turn to head towards the new Church of Sant Miquel, which has a recreational area where we made a stop to regroup. The little ones didn't waste time and took advantage of the break to play for a while. Here, we began the ascent to the hermitage of Sant Miquel de Montmell, where we placed the nativity scene.
The ascent became more challenging, with some sections requiring the use of hands, until reaching a cross at the top of one of the hills on the mountain ridge, very close to the ruins of Montmell Castle. From there, the ascent eased along a path following the ridge to the summit of La Talaia del Montmell (861 m), the highest point of the route and the regional peak of Baix Penedès.
Once at the summit and after taking the customary photos, we began the descent, with some sections having a noticeable slope and being quite rocky, necessitating holding the hands of the younger participants, until reaching Coll de l'Arca, where we stopped for lunch.
Despite the initial intention to descend along paths near Puig de la Cova, considering the lateness of the hour, we decided to descend directly to La Joncosa an asphalted track passing through Coll de l'Arca.
Approximately 40 people, including parents, mothers and kids, participated in the outing.
The next trip will take place on Sunday, February 4th.