Sescorts

Sescorts is a row of rock shelters tucked into the slopes of the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif, in the municipality of Matadepera. It's a spot that blends a geological curiosity with a slice of local history — worth a stop for anyone hiking this Catalan range.

What will you see at Sescorts?

Sescorts (also known as Ses Corts) isn't a single cave but a sequence of seven rock hollows carved into a limestone wall. Together they form a facade roughly 250 metres wide, an impressive sight even from a distance — a stone face broken up by deep recesses, set against the green slope of La Mola.

The site sits on the north-eastern flank of that peak, right at the heart of the Sant Llorenç del Munt i Serra de l'Obac Natural Park. This is terrain known for its dense network of caves, shelters and rock niches, and Sescorts is one of the more recognisable stops along the way.

The hollows have long served practical purposes. Local shepherds used them to shelter livestock grazing on the surrounding slopes, a use still visible in the shallower, more open chambers among the seven, well protected from rain and wind.

How do you get to Sescorts?

The most common approach is via the Canal de la Coma de l'Abella, a narrow rocky gully that descends toward Morral de Drac. It's in this stretch, just below the distinctive Roca Petanta rock, that you reach the entrance to the Sescorts shelters.

The route isn't technically demanding, but it does call for proper hiking boots — the ground is often rocky and steep in places. It's best planned as part of a longer loop through the massif, combining Sescorts with nearby features like Morral del Drac, Balma Blava or Balma Fosca. Several marked trails in the park pass through this exact section, starting right from the town of Matadepera.

What's worth knowing before you visit?

Right next to it, on the Morral del Drac esplanade, there are spots set up for resting and picnicking — a good place to pause mid-route. The area also carries a local legend: the nearby Morral del Drac rock, split by a distinctive crack down its middle, is tied to the story of the Sant Llorenç dragon, a tale well known in this region's folklore.

When should you go?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in the Vallès Occidental are mild enough for longer hikes and the rock faces don't heat up too much under direct sun. In summer, an early start is worth it given the heat and the lack of shade along the exposed stretches of the trail. Winter tends to be quieter, but check the weather first — after rain, the rocky approaches can get slippery.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Sescorts? It's a group of seven rock shelters in the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif, with a combined facade about 250 metres wide, historically used for grazing and sheltering livestock.

How do you reach Sescorts from Matadepera? Most hikers descend via the Canal de la Coma de l'Abella, near Morral de Drac and below Roca Petanta — part of the marked trail network in the Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — Morral del Drac, Balma Blava and Balma Fosca all sit close by, and the surrounding area is criss-crossed with trails linking these rock formations.

Is the route suitable for beginners? No climbing gear is needed, but the rocky, occasionally steep terrain calls for good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.