Walking through the woods, breathing in fresh air and listening to the silence of the mountains should be experiences accessible to all. That’s because nature is more than leisure: it’s a source of well-being, education and social cohesion that reconnects us with our environment and with ourselves.
That’s the idea behind Guies d’Arrel, a project that seeks to break down barriers and guarantee that anyone, whatever their circumstances, can enjoy nature.
Sharing nature
Guies d’Arrel is a company from the Berguedà region specialising in inclusive guided mountain outings. At its helm is Àngels Gascueña, a nature enthusiast who wants to share her passion by making it accessible for everyone.
The project offers activities adapted to people with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or other specific needs. But it goes beyond physical accessibility, creating spaces for community and connection between the participants.
Inclusion, equality, respect and sustainability are the cornerstones of this project and present in every experience it offers.
A new approach to guided outings
Guies d’Arrel’s methodology prioritises people and the local area. Having joined the Destination Barcelona Commitment to Tourism Sustainability, it offers guided outings where that incorporate environmental awareness and respect are paramount. This approach not only facilitates access to nature, but also enriches the experience. Through games and participatory activities, the groups discover the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area with their senses.
The catalogue is wide-ranging and flexible, designed to suit different interests, seasons and levels. One-day outings to destinations such as Prat de Cadí or Pedraforca, invite participants to enjoy nature through movement and contemplation. Those looking for a deeper immersion in nature can sign up to several-day trips – through Cavalls del Vent or the Camí dels Bons Homes, for example – that combine scenery, heritage and camaraderie in mountain refuges. In the winter, snowshoeing offers a new way of exploring the area, with unforgettable panoramic views at places such as Rasos de Peguera and Serra d’Ensija.
Activities include the 5 Senses Stay, an immersive three-day experience that incorporates materials and activities for discovering nature through sound, scent, touch, sight and taste.
The mountains are for all
Through sensitivity, adaptation and commitment, this project transforms nature outings into a shared, enriching experience and encourages us to rethink our relationship with the mountains in a context where, all too often, physical and sensory barriers seem insurmountable.
At a time when sustainable tourism seeks to have a positive impact on people and the local area, initiatives like this one are paving the way for a fairer, more accessible model. After all, mountains aren’t just places: they’re a shared experience. And thanks to initiatives like Guies d’Arrel, they can be an experience for everyone.
Find out more at www.guiesdarrel.com
