Tossal de la Baltasana, the roof of the Muntanyes de Prades

What it is

The Tossal de la Baltasana is the highest summit of the Muntanyes de Prades and of two districts, the Baix Camp and the Conca de Barberà. It is about 2 km in a straight line from the village, between Prades and Vimbodí i Poblet, in the ridge that separates the Ebro basin, via the Montsant river, from that of the Francolí. At the top there is a trig point. On a clear day, the Town Council says you can see the Pyrenees.

The height changes according to the source: the Town Council gives 1,203 m on its routes and 1,201 m on the fountains one; the Viquipèdia gives 1,200.9 m. Count on about 1,200 m. It is one of the summits on the cent cims list of the Federació d’Entitats Excursionistes de Catalunya.

The Pyrenean oak

What makes the climb special is the forest. The Roure Reboll route passes through the only population of Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) in Catalonia, which grows mainly around the Coll de la Foguina, the Tossal de la Baltasana, the Coll del Bosc, the Coll de l’Arena and the Pla del Bosc. It is distinguished from other oaks by its large, velvety-feeling leaves. On the path you will also find chestnuts, holly, strawberry trees, hazels and mountain rock-rose, which gives off its characteristic scent.

How to climb it

The Town Council proposes two itineraries, published with their track on Wikiloc on the municipal website:

• Roure Reboll route with a detour to the summit. Halfway along, at the Coll del Bosc, the detour towards the Tossal de la Baltasana leaves. You climb, look around and return to the col to continue the route.
• Fountains route 3, Coronant pics. It shares part of the path with the Roure Reboll one, passes over the summit and continues along the Coves d’en Pere, from where you can get close to the ice wells and the Roca del Gríngol. Along the way there are springs, such as the one at the Obis mine or the one at Mas d’en Pagès, which always flow.

The long-distance footpath GR 171 passes near the summit. The municipal website does not publish distance or ascent for these itineraries: download the track before setting off and check the figures there, or ask at the tourist office, at Carrer Muralla, 3 (977 868 302).

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best times, with the oak and chestnut woods in leaf. In summer, climb early and check the fire risk on the Generalitat’s Pla Alfa, which can restrict access to the woods. In winter the summit may have ice or snow some days; check the forecast. To see the Pyrenees, choose a clear day.

Water and safety

Bring water from home. The springs along the path are natural and the Town Council warns that they have no health guarantee. In fog navigation gets harder: bring the track downloaded and don’t leave the paths. If the weather turns, go back the way you came.

Who it is for

For teenagers and adults who walk regularly. With small children, the walk to the Roca Foradada is better. Dogs can come; bring water for them too.

Round out the day

Return to Prades to eat at DPrades Gastroteca, on the Plaça Major, or at the Braseria La Taverna, on Carrer del Centre, and if you stay overnight, reserve a place for a night at the Parc Astronòmic.