Ancient chestnut trees in the Riells stream (Riells i Viabrea)

At the foot of the Montseny massif, in the municipality of Riells i Viabrea, in the Selva region, lies one of the most captivating spots for discovering centuries-old chestnut trees during autumn. The Riells stream valley, also known as the Torroella torrent, offers a landscape of lush forests, small waterfalls, and monumental trees that invite you to enjoy nature.

One of the best ways to explore this area is to begin your hike at the hermitage of Sant Martí de Riells, a small church surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. From here, several paths lead into the valley, following the course of the stream, through holm oaks, oaks, and spectacular, towering chestnut trees.

Along the route, you can admire centuries-old chestnut trees with thick trunks and striking shapes, remnants of Montseny's forested past. During October and November, the landscape transforms with the colors of autumn and the ground is covered in leaves and chestnut husks.

The excursion also allows you to discover places like Clot del Infierno and Gorg Negre, two natural spots that stand out for the presence of water and the shady environment.

The forests of Sant Martí de Riells are a good option to discover chestnut trees in the Girona region and combine an autumn walk with the discovery of Montseny.

It is necessary to respect private property and ask for permission before collecting chestnuts. It is also advisable to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections may be wet and slippery.