The best MTB trails around Alt Urgell

Small mountain village with quiet streets, stone houses and wide views over the Cadí. It maintains the charm of the old towns of the Pyrenees, with the sound of bells and the smell of firewood in winter. Perfect spot to take a break or load up on water before heading up to the high-altitude slopes. By mountain bike, the access from Arsèguel or Toloriu combines sections of fast track with some short but intense downhill sections. Tip: save some energy, because the exits from the village always go uphill and the views deserve to arrive with air to look at them without rushing.

A small Romanesque gem located on a hill with open views over the Segre valley. The surroundings are quiet and peaceful, surrounded by meadows and forests that change color with the seasons. The hermitage preserves the simplicity of the mountain and invites you to take a brief contemplative break. By mountain bike, you can reach it by track with some rocky but cycleable sections; ideal for resting, eating something and enjoying the silence before continuing the route. Tip: bring a camera, the afternoon light makes the stone shine as if it were old gold.

A jewel of Catalan Romanesque architecture and one of the most impressive in the Pyrenees. Its austere façade, stone cloister and the silence of the interior convey history and serenity in equal parts. Located in the heart of La Seu, surrounded by lively streets, terraces and shops. By mountain bike, it is a perfect cultural stop before or after a route through the Cadí or Segre: there are bike parking spaces nearby and fountains to fill your tank. Tip: avoid peak hours and get there early or at dusk, when the light caresses the stone and the atmosphere is pure charm.

The Art viewpoint is in the area of the Port del Comte massif, on the border between Solsonès and AltUrgell, with an altitude of about 1,830m according to the documented route. The path to the point can be done with a prepared bicycle, but it has demanding sections: forest tracks, limestone rock, power and traction. It is an unbeatable place to stop, enjoy immense views and regain strength before continuing the route. 360º views

The Coma Cervera holm oak is located in the municipality of Montan de Tost, in Alt Urgell, and has been protected as a monumental tree since 1988. It is an imposing specimen of holm oak, more than 11 meters high and with a crown that exceeds 17 meters, located at an altitude of 1,275 meters. The environment is solitary and natural, surrounded by forest and silence, and retains a wild charm that invites you to pause. It is accessed by a forest track that may have sections of dirt and loose stone, but is cycleable if you go with a prepared bike. The holm oak marks a good point to stop, observe the surroundings and recover energy before continuing your route through this little-traveled area of the Pre-Pyrenees.

Prat de Bacies is a grassy plateau located in the Port del Comte massif, between the municipalities of Odèn and La Coma i la Pedra, in Solsonès. With altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters, it is an open space, surrounded by black pine forests and reliefs of glacial origin such as sinkholes and depressions. The landscape is open, silent and with a feeling of spaciousness that is unusual in the Pre-Pyrenees. Access is via forest tracks that may have stony or eroded sections, especially during the rainy season. It is a good point to stop, observe and rest in an authentic mountain environment, away from crowded routes. If you do it with an e-bike, it is advisable to bring a full battery, as there are no services or assistance points in the area.

On the border between Alt Urgell and Solsonès, the Serra-seca viewpoint is located near kilometer 25 of the road between Hostal de Cirera and Cambrils. Access is via a signposted track and a small path that leads to a high point from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the Ribera Salada, the Oliana reservoir and a good part of the central Pre-Pyrenees. It is an ideal stop to breathe and enjoy the landscape in silence. The approach terrain can have irregular sections, with loose stones and slopes, so you need to be careful if you go by bike. The environment is exposed and windy on changeable days, so it is advisable to wear suitable clothing and check the bike before continuing.

Santa Eulàlia de les Anoves is a 12th-century Romanesque hermitage located in the municipality of Oliana, in Alt Urgell. Built with stone and simple lines, it represents the rural architecture of Catalan Romanesque very well. Although the original apse was modified, it still retains details such as the front door and the steeple bell tower. The environment is silent, surrounded by nature, and offers a very authentic feeling of isolation. It is accessed by little-traveled paths with sections of track and some areas of loose stone. Ideal for stopping, taking a deep breath and continuing the route calmly. If you are going by e-bike, check the battery before continuing to more distant areas.