Monestir de Montserrat – Igualada, 28 km

Elevation gain 340 m

Elevation loss 744 m

Total distance 28 km

On leaving the Albergue at 07:00 we found our way to the first camino sign (well, the first one we noticed!) It was a blue sky morning, showing off the rock formations at their most intense.

There was a narrow dirt track that led around the monastery – very pretty, and after a while it diverted onto an even narrower rocky track leading steeply downwards.

Sadly we reach a road at approx 2 km and stay on it for more than 7 km. For some of the way there is a small path inside the safety barrier. We receive our first ‘Buen Camino’ from a passing motorist – always a special moment.

The countryside is very green and lush, not at all as though the area has been suffering from a severe drought.

I would prefer not to be walking such a long distance on the side of a road, but when you have scenery as beautiful as this, it takes the edge away. There is actually very little traffic on the road. We are walking on the wrong (right) side because there is absolutely nothing coming down from Montserrat, although there are plenty of coaches taking tourists up to the Monastery. It would have felt a lot less comfortable a couple of hours later when the coaches are on their return trips.

It is the first time I have used my hiking poles in two years, yet they instantly feel like old friends. Pacer Poles are different to standard poles in that they have ergonomic handles and are extremely comfortable to use.

At 9.8 km we finally get back onto a track. And it is a bit of a challenge for a while with big rocks to climb up. I can definitely feel my age on this short stretch – but at the same time it is such a treat to be off the road that it is all very welcome.

At almost 12 km we arrive at the first village on this stage – Saint Pau de la Guàrdia and stop at the first bar which is a large and charming establishment where we treat ourselves to a hot drink and tostadas con tomate. That felt good! The beautiful Celler de la Guàrdia is open every day 8-5. Highly recommended.

After passing through the village we emerge into wide countryside with crops growing knee-high and lots of wild flowers.

We are directed away from this beautiful track onto a road in order to pass over and under a motorway, and then back onto a minor agricultural road which leads us to the pleasant town of Castelloli where we stop for refreshment.

It was then a bit of a drudge for the rest of the way, particularly when walking through an endless stretch of industrial buildings alongside a busy road, which eventually merged with the outskirts of Igualada, a large town where we are staying tonight. There is albergue accommodation within the tourist information office building. It is rather expensive at €19.95 per person but it is all very new and impressive with extensive facilities and in the heart of the old town. We’re not complaining! It is advised to reserve in advance, although we seem to be the only residents here today. Telephone +34 935 164 016, Placa de la Creu, 18.

Today has felt rather special. It’s so good to be walking with the old gang, and the good parts of this first stage more than compensated for the bad.

We are all feeling a little weary this evening after our first 28 km day and bought some healthy food in the supermarket to replenish our used calories (the health app in my iphone tells me I have used 1,300 calories today so I reckon I must be in deficit – not at all a bad thing!!

There has been really excellent direction marking throughout the stage with no possibility of getting lost.