Kayak and paddle surf on the Baells reservoir

What it involves

You hire a kayak, a stand-up paddle board or a pedalo and paddle on your own on the Baells reservoir, the Llobregat reservoir a few minutes north of Berga. The water is calm, with no current, and the shores are forest and rock, with small coves you can only reach from the water. It is not a guided trip: before setting off they give you some basic navigation instructions and the life jacket, and the time is yours.

One of the outings that makes the most sense is paddling to the monastery of Sant Salvador de la Vedella, which can be reached by kayak from the base.

Who hires it out

The hire is run by Relleus Gent de Muntanya, an activities company in the Berguedà based at the La Vitarella estate, next to the dam, in the municipality of Cercs. The website gives no postal address: they ask you to message them on WhatsApp to get the exact location. There is free parking and a marked-off swimming area.

Prices

Times are rounded up.

• Single kayak: €20 for one hour, €35 for two hours, €50 for a half day (3–4 h) and €65 for the whole day.
• Double kayak: €25, €45, €65 and €80.
• Family kayak, for 3 or 4 people: €30, €50, €70 and €85.
• Paddle surf: same as the single kayak, from €20 an hour.
• Pedalo with slide, up to four people: €40 an hour.

It includes the craft, paddle, a life jacket per occupant (children’s too, at no charge), a life jacket for the dog, a dry bag, the preliminary instructions and public liability insurance. For groups they give a quote.

Season and hours

The hire runs mainly from June to September; it does not open in the low season. The website does not publish specific days or hours, so confirm by WhatsApp before going, especially outside July and August.

Who it is for

There is no strict minimum age for the family kayak, but minors always go with an adult. Paddle surf is recommended from age 8 to 10. The pedalo is suitable from one year old, with an adult beside them, and the slide is what children like most. Dogs can come too: they are given a life jacket.

Rules and safety

• Keep your life jacket on at all times.
• Don’t go out in a storm, strong wind or lightning; in summer afternoon storms arrive quickly in the Pre-Pyrenees.
• Keep well away from the dam and restricted areas.
• Don’t throw anything in the water and keep your distance from birds.
• If the reservoir is low, some coves cannot be reached: check the level with the Agència Catalana de l’Aigua before going.

What to bring

Swimwear and water shoes, a cap, sun cream, sunglasses with a cord, a towel and a change of clothes, and your ID card, driving licence or passport, which they ask for when you hire. On cool days, a thermal T-shirt. Bring plenty of water if you go during the hot hours.

Getting there

From Berga, follow the C-16 north; the reservoir is a few minutes away, near Cercs. Ask for the La Vitarella location by WhatsApp when you book. On the same road is the Cercs Mining Museum, which runs visits to the dam with advance booking.

Round out the day

In the morning the water is usually stiller and it is less hot. In the afternoon you can go up to the Queralt viewpoints to see the valley from above, or eat in Berga at La Cabana.