Montserrat Mountains Trail Weekend 2026

Join Running Adventures for an unforgettable weekend of trail running in Montserrat, just 30 minutes north of Barcelona in Spain.

​Montserrat is a magnet for trail runners, hikers, and climbers alike, all drawn by its iconic jagged peaks, winding mountain trails, and breathtaking views across Catalonia.

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We will stay at the foot of the Montserrat Mountain, in the small village of Monistrol de Montserrat, the perfect base for our weekend of adventure. Our accommodation in the Hotel Guilleumes offers comfortable accommodation with stunning views and good food.

This trail running weekend will combine epic mountain trail running with time spent enjoying the company of like minded people and relaxing in beautiful surroundings. 

After checking into our hotel on Thursday, we'll start with a short run to shake the travelling out of our legs and get to know each other. It will also give us a chance to familiaise ourselves with this fascinating place we will be calling home for the next few days. We will end this run with some time to enjoy a beer or cocktail in a local bar.

We’ll kick off Friday with an early start, catching the scenic Montserrat Rack Railway for a stunning 5 km journey up the mountain. Known locally as the Cremallera de Montserrat, this historic railway connects Monistrol de Montserrat with the famous monastery, climbing steadily while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below.

Perched dramatically on the mountainside, the Montserrat Monastery is a Benedictine abbey steeped in history and spiritual significance. Its unique architecture and cliffside setting make it one of Catalonia’s most iconic landmarks.

After soaking in our first of many incredible views, we’ll begin our 8 mile run (with approximately 3,200ft of elevation gain) to the summit of Sant Jeroni — the highest point in the Montserrat range. This spectacular route winds through jagged limestone formations, peaceful pine forests, and exposed ridgelines, culminating in 360-degree views that stretch from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. Expect a rewarding mix of runnable trails, rocky stair sections, and awe-inspiring scenery from start to finish.

Once we return to the monastery, there’ll be time to explore, relax, and grab a bite to eat before we take the railway back down — or run it if you’re still feeling fresh!

Saturday brings another big mountain day, with a 12.5 mile adventure (with approximately 4,800ft of elevation gain). We’ll start by running (and hiking) our way up the mountain from Monistrol, following the scenic Camí dels Degotalls trail. This path climbs steadily while offering beautiful views across the valley and gives us a different perspective on the mountain.

Reaching the Monastery once more, we’ll continue our journey across Montserrat’s dramatic landscape, traversing via the forested Camí de l’Arrel path. We hit our high point early in the day, meaning much of the route trends downhill from here — though with plenty of ups and downs along ridgelines and rocky outcrops to keep things interesting. The route showcases a quieter, wilder side of the national park, with sweeping views in every direction and moments of true mountain solitude.

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IMPORTANT: This is a challenging weekend with lots of elevation. You will need a good level of fitness to enjoy this weekend. If you are unsure, please contact me to discuss. You should be able to cover the distances (on UK trails) at a pace of at least 10-11 min/miles to enjoy this event.

The terrain will vary hugely, from dirt tracks, narrow trails, steps, and some very technical, rocky, trails. We will hike some sections and run some sections. 

Travelling alone? Don't worry, many people attend our trail weekends on their own, it's a great way to meet new people and I can guarantee that you will have a bunch of new best friends within an hour of meeting everyone. ​