More than 3,000 participants from 89 municipalities across the Barcelona province gathered in Santa Maria de Palautordera for the closing of the Senior Walking Cycle. The Barcelona Provincial Council organised the three-day event, which concluded its 2025-2026 edition with activities centred at the Parc del Reguissol in the Vallès municipality.

Jesús Naharro, Deputy for Sports, explained on Wednesday that these events show the "improvement that sports practice gives, not only to physical health but also to mental health." He also noted that the closing event is "a space to share the desire to meet more people, to socialise."

Promoting Health and Social Connection

The Senior Walking Cycle started in 2001. Its goal is to encourage exchange between different municipalities. It offers older people the chance to see various geographical areas and experience nature in a way that suits their abilities. The routes are gentle and accessible, typically 8 to 10 kilometres long, using forest tracks or mountain paths.

The main aim is to promote physical activity and exercise among older people. This helps improve health and encourages interpersonal relationships. It also allows participants to discover the province's territory.

Three Days of Activities

The 2025-2026 edition of the cycle ended with three days of activities in Santa Maria de Palautordera. Each day saw around thirty different municipalities participate. Besides the walk, participants took part in various outdoor physical activities. Mayors and councillors from the different municipalities presented diplomas.

On Tuesday, 5 May, municipalities included Balsareny, Barberà del Vallès, Bigues i Riells del Fai, Calaf, Caldes de Montbui, Castellbisbal, Copons, Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Franqueses del Vallès, Gelida, Gurb, Masies de Voltregà, Molins de Rei, Roda de Ter, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Sant Joan de Vilatorrada, Sant Pere de Ribes, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Santa Maria de Palautordera, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Sitges, Torrelles de Llobregat, Vacarisses, Vallromanes, Vilanova del Camí, Vilanova del Vallès, and Vilanova i la Geltrú.

Wednesday's closing event included participants from l'Ametlla del Vallès, Arenys de Munt, Berga, Calella, Canyelles, Esparreguera, Hostalets de Pierola, Igualada, la Roca del Vallès, Lliçà de Vall, Manresa, Martorell, Mediona, Mollet del Vallès, Olesa de Bonesvalls, Pineda de Mar, Prats de Lluçanès, Sallent, Sant Celoni, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Sant Pere de Riudebitlles, Sant Pol de Mar, Sant Quirze de Besora, Sant Salvador de Guardiola, Sant Vicenç de Castellet, Santa Margarida i els Monjos, Santpedor, Tona, Ullastrell, and Vilobí del Penedès.

For the final day of the closing, Thursday, 7 November, municipalities expected to participate are Alella, Artés, Avinyó, Badia del Vallès, Begues, Cabrera de Mar, Castellbell i el Vilar, Castelldefels, Centelles, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Collbató, Corbera de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, la Llagosta, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Lliçà d'Amunt, Montcada i Reixac, Montgat, Navarcles, Olèrdola, Palau-solità i Plegamans, Puig-reig, Ripollet, Sabadell, Sant Climent de Llobregat, Teià, Viladecavalls, and Vilafranca del Penedès.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The Barcelona Provincial Council's Senior Walking Cycle aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 3 "Good Health and Well-being," SDG 5 "Gender Equality," and SDG 10 "Reduced Inequalities." The UN General Assembly proclaimed the 17 SDGs on 25 September 2015, as part of the global agenda for 2030. The Barcelona Provincial Council works to meet these goals and supports local governments in the province accordingly.