The best cycling routes around La Vall D'En Bas

La Vall d'en Bas offers over 30 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 11 easy routes, 5 moderate routes, and 15 difficult routes to explore the diverse landscapes of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

The terrain in La Vall d'en Bas is quite varied. Many areas within the valley are known for their 'scarce unevenness,' making them accessible for cycle tourism through fertile plains and agricultural fields. However, routes can also lead into dense forests and towards mountain ranges like El Puigsacalm, offering more challenging climbs and descents. You'll encounter a mix of dedicated cycle paths, quiet country roads, and routes connecting charming villages.

Yes, La Vall d'en Bas has several easy routes suitable for families. The valley's gentle gradients in many areas make it ideal for leisurely rides. An example is the Sant Roc Springs – Hostalets and Parcelaria loop from la Vall d'en Bas, an easy 20.1 km trail that takes you through charming villages like Hostalets d'en Bas and cultivated fields.

Many touring cycling routes in La Vall d'en Bas are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For instance, the Cathedral Square of Girona – Santa Pau Medieval Village loop from la Vall d'en Bas is a challenging 111.5 km option, while the Col de Bas – Sant Feliu de Pallerols loop from Sant Esteve d'en Bas offers a moderate 22.0 km ride.

La Vall d'en Bas is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle past volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and fertile plains. Notable natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls like Salt de Sallent and Salt de la Olla, and natural pools such as La Plana Pool. You might also encounter highlights like the Santa Margarida Volcano, the Puigsacalm summit, or the Osca de Cabrera Rocky Ridge viewpoint.

Yes, a significant feature for cyclists in the region is the Carrilet cycle lane. This exclusive route for pedestrians and cyclists follows the path of an old narrow-gauge railway. You can experience this on routes like the Vía Verde Olot–Girona – Col de Bas loop from Sant Esteve d'en Bas, which utilizes this scenic path.

The region is home to charming historical villages that are perfect for a cycling stop. You can visit two areas classified as historical-artistic ensembles: Vila del Mallol and Hostalets d'en Bas, known for its traditional houses. Other quaint villages include Sant Privat d'en Bas, Joanetes, and Sant Esteve d'en Bas, all maintaining their unique identities and charm. The Sant Roc Springs – Hostalets and Parcelaria loop from la Vall d'en Bas is a great way to cycle through some of these.

The touring cycling routes in La Vall d'en Bas are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the accessibility of routes with scarce unevenness in many areas, and the opportunity to explore charming historical villages and natural attractions within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

La Vall d'en Bas offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. The fertile plain changes colors with the seasons, making spring and autumn particularly scenic with mild temperatures. Summer can be warm, but the numerous creeks, streams, and forested areas provide cooler sections. Winter offers crisp air and unique views, though some higher elevation routes might be colder.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, La Vall d'en Bas offers several difficult routes. For example, the Sant Roc Springs – Capsacosta Pass loop from les Preses is a demanding 89.5 km route with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Cathedral Square of Girona – Santa Pau Medieval Village loop from la Vall d'en Bas, covering 111.5 km and connecting to Girona.

Absolutely. Some routes in La Vall d'en Bas extend beyond the immediate valley, connecting to other towns and regions. The Cathedral Square of Girona – Santa Pau Medieval Village loop from la Vall d'en Bas, for instance, links to Girona and passes through the medieval village of Santa Pau, offering a longer, more expansive touring experience.