Winter's Embrace on Matagalls: A First Day of the Season with Wind and Hidden Views

The official first day of winter gifted us the perfect opportunity to embark on a challenging circular route to Matagalls, a jewel of the Montseny massif that never disappoints. Spanning almost 20 kilometers, this adventure began from the peaceful La Solana, just outside Viladrau, offering a crisp and promising morning to kick off the new season.

Our ascent followed one of the most popular and scenic paths, winding upwards along the ancient trail that leads to the charming hermitage of L'Erola. From there, the path guided us through silent forests to the historic buildings of Sant Segimon and the hermitage of Sant Miquel de Barretons, silent witnesses to centuries of travelers.

As we gained altitude, the landscape transformed, and the biting wind became a constant companion, reminding us that winter had truly arrived. The final kilometers to the summit of Matagalls were marked by a cold, insistent breeze that accompanied our ultimate push. Once at the top, low clouds unfortunately obscured the panoramic views typically enjoyed from this strategic point. However, the ethereal, mist-shrouded atmosphere of the summit held its own unique, almost mystical, charm.

The descent proved to be an experience in itself. We chose a much less-traveled path, delving deep into the heart of the beech forests. With the trees stripped bare of their leaves, their naked trunks and skeletal branches created an almost magical, silent labyrinth that only winter can unveil. This long descent eventually led us to one of the area's natural treasures: the monumental Nine-Branched Chestnut tree (Castanyer de les nou branques), an impressive specimen that testifies to nature's grandeur.

To round off the day perfectly, we extended our loop to Viladrau to enjoy a well-deserved refreshment before heading back to our starting point. A circular route that, despite the obscured summit views, offered a profound immersion into the winter beauty of Montseny, full of contrasts and discovery.