Carretera de les Aigües – Walk, Run & Accessible Trail in Collserola
Easy panoramic trail in Parc de Collserola with the best views of Barcelona. Perfect for walking, running, cycling and wheelchair‑friendly training, with multiple access points and water fountains along the route
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About Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route
What makes the Carretera de les Aigües special is how effortlessly it blends nature with the city. Within minutes of leaving the streets of Sarrià or Pedralbes, you step onto a wide, level track that feels suspended above Barcelona. The entire skyline opens up — from the beaches to the towers of Montjuïc — with the Mediterranean stretching out behind it. On clear days you can even see the Montseny peaks in the distance.
This is the trail locals return to again and again. Runners use it for long, uninterrupted kilometres. Cyclists come for the smooth gravel and gentle gradients. Families stroll between viewpoints. Wheelchair athletes and hand‑cyclists train here because the terrain is uniquely accessible. And photographers arrive at golden hour for some of the best sunset views in Barcelona.
Despite its popularity, the route never feels overwhelming. The path is wide, the atmosphere relaxed, and the scenery constantly shifting as you move along the hillside. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning workout, a peaceful evening walk, or a full 15 km traverse of the foothills, the Carretera de les Aigües delivers one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences in the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola.
The trail follows the contour of the old water pipeline that once supplied the city, creating a natural balcony above Barcelona. Today it stretches for 10–15 km depending on your chosen access point, linking viewpoints such as La Miranda, Coll de Finestrelles and the Mirador de Sarrià. Its flat profile and uninterrupted skyline make it one of the most iconic outdoor routes in the Collserola foothills.
Access Points for Carretera de les Aigües
The Carretera de les Aigües can be reached from several neighbourhoods along the Collserola foothills. Each access point offers a different starting experience, and some are fully viable for wheelchair users and hand‑cyclists thanks to their smoother gradients and direct public‑transport links.
Sant Joan Access – 3.4 km (on foot, bicycle or wheelchair)
Xiprer Access – 2.3 km (on foot only)
Xiprer to Pedralbes Section – 1.9 km (on foot or bicycle)
Pedralbes Access – 1.5 km (on foot, difficult by bicycle)
Pedralbes to FGC Funicular Section – 2.1 km (on foot or bicycle)
FGC Funicular de Vallvidrera Access – 0.8 km (on foot, bicycle or wheelchair)
Funicular to Tibidabo Section – 3.3 km (on foot or bicycle)
Tibidabo Access – 1.8 km (on foot or bicycle)
Penitents Access – 2.2 km (on foot, bicycle or wheelchair)
These access points allow you to build a route that matches your distance, fitness level and mobility needs — whether you want a short out‑and‑back, a scenic run, a family walk or the full 15 km traverse.
Carretera de les Aigües for Wheelchair Athletes & Adaptive Sports
The Carretera de les Aigües is one of the most accessible outdoor routes in the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, making it a favourite among wheelchair athletes, hand‑cyclists and anyone using mobility aids. The track is wide, level and surfaced with compacted gravel, providing reliable traction for sports wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.
Its gentle contour line and long, uninterrupted stretches make it ideal for endurance sessions, interval training or relaxed scenic outings. Many athletes choose the trail for sunrise workouts or sunset hand‑cycling, taking advantage of the panoramic views over Barcelona and the consistent terrain.
The most convenient wheelchair‑viable access points are Sant Joan, Penitents and the Funicular de Vallvidrera. Once on the main track, gradients remain mild and manageable for most users.
Early mornings and weekdays offer the quietest conditions, while weekends bring more runners and cyclists. Even then, the width of the trail allows comfortable passing in most sections.
For anyone seeking a wheelchair‑friendly outdoor route in Barcelona, this is one of the best options in the city — combining accessibility, safety and exceptional views.
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Visiting Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route
The Carretera de les Aigües is a route you can enjoy at your own pace. Walking the full length takes around 3–4 hours, but many visitors choose shorter out‑and‑back sections for a quick workout or a scenic stroll. The trail is wide, level and exposed, so it’s worth planning your visit around the light — sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful, with the entire Barcelona skyline glowing beneath you.
There are drinking water fountains at regular intervals along the route, meaning you rarely need to carry more than a litre of water. Benches and viewpoints are spaced throughout, making it easy to stop for photos or a rest. The path is shared by walkers, runners, cyclists and wheelchair athletes, but thanks to its width it rarely feels crowded outside of weekend peak hours.
Walking Carretera de les Aigües with a Dog
This is one of the best dog‑friendly walks in Barcelona, especially early in the morning when the trail is quiet and the views are at their best. On weekends the route becomes busier with cyclists and runners, so keeping your dog on a leash in narrower sections is recommended.
The vegetation along the trail is mixed, with pine trees in some areas. During spring and early summer you may encounter pine processionary caterpillars, although the city council places numerous traps along the route to reduce risk. As always in Collserola, keeping dogs close and avoiding contact with caterpillars is essential.
At the Sant Joan end of the trail you’ll find Restaurante Espai Mireia, a popular stop among runners, cyclists and locals finishing their workout on the Carretera de les Aigües. It has a large outdoor terrace, relaxed atmosphere and a menu of simple dishes, sandwiches and drinks — ideal for a post‑run breakfast, a mid‑walk coffee or a casual lunch. Its location right beside the access point makes it one of the most convenient places to eat near the trail.
There are no comparable food options directly on the trail at the Penitents end so Espai Mireia remains the most convenient place to eat without leaving the Carretera de les Aigües.
Accessibility for Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route
The Carretera de les Aigües is an easy, accessible route suitable for all levels, so you won’t need any specialised gear. A small daypack is usually enough for essentials, and the compacted gravel surface is comfortable for walking, running, cycling and wheelchair use.
- Water: 0.5–1 litre is usually sufficient thanks to the drinking fountains along the trail.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking or running shoes; cyclists may prefer hybrid or gravel tyres.
- Clothing: A light windproof layer is useful, as the trail is exposed in places.
- Sun protection: The route has limited shade, so sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended.
- Optional: A small backpack for snacks, a camera or extra layers depending on the season.
Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
Zone 1 T-casual
FREE
Child
€ 1.25
FREE
Notes
Walk is free, Use T-casual Zone 1 ticket.
Getting to Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route
Address: Carretera de les Aigües S/N, Barcelona, 08017
The trail can be reached from several Metro and FGC stations along the Collserola foothills. Your best starting point depends on which section you want to explore, but all of the options below are in Zone 1 and offer reliable public transport connections.
- FGC – Funicular de Vallvidrera Fully lift-accessible station with step‑free boarding
- FGC – Peu del Funicular Lift access available. From here you can take the Funicular de Vallvidrera (also lift‑equipped) to reach the trail with minimal gradients.
- Metro L3 – Penitents Lift access from street to platform. This is a viable wheelchair‑friendly approach to the western end of the Carretera de les Aigües.
- Metro L3 – Zona Universitària Fully lift‑equipped station.
- FGC – Sarrià Lift access available. Useful for reaching the Sant Joan access point, which is wheelchair‑viable and popular with runners and cyclists.
All of these stations accept the T‑Casual or the Hola‑Barcelona travel card for Metro and FGC services.
For a full overview of entry points and distances, see the Connections Map for Carretera de les Aigües in the documents tab.
Documents for Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route
Wikiloc Trail for Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle Route
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