Molí de la Barata

Molí de la Barata is the ruin of an old water mill on the banks of the Ripoll river, in the municipality of Castellar del Vallès in Catalonia. The site is no longer an active building — today it's a waypoint on the hiking trails that wind through the river valley, and it's precisely that combination of history and setting that makes walkers pause here for a few minutes along the way.

Where does the mill's name come from?

The mill was already in operation at the start of the 18th century, grinding flour for local farms. In 1710, farmer Bonaventura Umbert and his son sold their flour mill to Josep Barata, a farmer from nearby Matadepera. The new owner's name stuck, and the building has carried it ever since. Under Barata's ownership the mill grew in importance, drawing grain not just from Matadepera but from farms as far afield as the Bages and Llobregat areas, all brought here to be milled.

What will you see there?

The building today stands in ruins. The structure is unstable, and warning signs around the site flag the danger of getting too close to the walls. It's worth approaching to take in what remains of the old stonework, but from a safe distance, without stepping inside. The setting itself, tucked into the slopes of the Ripoll valley, has its own quiet appeal — a stretch of landscape where nature is slowly reclaiming what was once industrial infrastructure.

The mill sits on a well-used hiking route that links several points along the valley: Gorg del Fitó, Font del Pi, Font de la Riera, and further on to Cal Manyosa, Sant Feliu del Racó and Can Juliana. Because of this, Molí de la Barata is rarely visited as a destination in its own right — it's usually one stop on a longer walk following the river.

How do you get to Molí de la Barata?

The easiest approach is on foot from the centre of Castellar del Vallès, following the trail that runs along the Ripoll riverbed. The path forms part of a wider network connecting the town with surrounding villages and viewpoints in the valley. The terrain is uneven and runs close to riverside slopes, so sturdy walking shoes are a good idea.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when temperatures across the Vallès Occidental region are mild and the vegetation along the river is at its greenest. In summer the trail can get hot and exposed in places, so setting off early in the morning is worth considering.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the mill ruins? No — the building is marked as unsafe due to its unstable structure. It's best viewed from a safe distance.

Where does the name Molí de la Barata come from? It comes from Josep Barata, a farmer from Matadepera who took over the mill from the Umbert family in 1710.

What other attractions are nearby? The same stretch of the Ripoll valley is home to the Gorgs del Turell, natural rock pools popular with visitors, along with points like Font del Pi and Sant Feliu del Racó that can be combined into a single hiking route.

Is the route suitable for families with children? The riverside stretch is moderately easy, but the uneven ground and the proximity of the ruins call for extra care with younger children.