11 Route MTB

11

Vielha | Pista Salient | Bòrda de Rei | Vilac | Beusa |Vielha

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Diffficulty: Difficult

Distance: 14 km

Time: 2h

Elevation: +450

Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 37%, Earth 34%, Path 29%

Description

This is probably one of the most recommended routes out of Vielha, and requires a certain level of fitness.

Leave Vielha along the Santa Gemma trail, which climbs with the odd strenuous slope up to the Salient track. Take a right onto the dirt track. At km 4.8, turn off from the main track, which up to here coincides with Route 12, and take the track to the left that leads towards the River Salient. Just before reaching the river, turn 180 degrees and continue downhill until a wooden bridge that takes you across the Salient. Climbing about 300 m, turn back onto the track that levels out until Mont, where you’ll again find the signposts for Route 12. The descent to Vilac and the bridge over the River Garonne is fast and you have to go on-road for the last stretch. At the roundabout, take the towpath along the river towards France until crossing the River Garonne. Just after the bridge is the trail that gently rises up to Gausac and ultimately Vielha.

Take care crossing the N-230 road, as it is quite busy.

A new path was recently marked out for cyclists to cross the Salient over a new bridge, which adds a further 70 m or so of height difference to the itinerary.

5 May, 2016 0

10 Route MTB

10

Vielha | Vilac | Vila | Varradòs | Bagergue | GR | Vielha

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Very Difficult

Distance: 46.5 km

Time: 6h 30′

Elevation: +1200

Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 31%, Earth 42%, Path 27%

Description

Very physically demanding route as it is the longest signposted one at the Mountain Bike Centre. Leaving Vielha, it heads along tracks to Vilac, Aubèrt and Arròs. From here, take the footpath towards the Varradòs valley and climb
all the way up to Varradòs mountain pass, at 2000 m above sea level. The descent is through the Unhola valley to the village of Bagergue. From here to the end of the itinerary, the villages of Nuevo Arán are linked by trails with some fairly technical stretches. Pay close attention at the start and end of the route, as the tracks change continuously. Although it is well signposted, it’s not a bad idea to take your GPS to avoid getting lost along the way.

Enjoy the mountain scenery offered by the Varradòs pass and leave sightseeing in the many villages along the route for another day. You can stop for refreshments at any of the villages, such as Bagergue, Unha, Gessa, Arties or Garòs.

5 May, 2016 0

9 Route MTB

9

Aubèrt | Pònt d’Arròs | Aubèrt

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Technical data

Dificultad: Fàcil

Distance: 6.7 km

Time: 1h

Elevation: +140

All year

Asphalt: 53%, Earth 31%, Path 16%

Description

Straightforward route that starts off from the play area in Aubèrt, follows the Garonne along the Camin Reiau and then weaves through the lower part of the Varradòs valley.

Access to Arròs is along a footpath. The return to Aubèrt is along the Camino Viejo, a wide lane without any difficulty and flanked by tall dry stone walls.
Caution should be exercised before entering Aubèrt, as you have to cross the N-230 road and follow it for about 200 metres.

It is highly recommended for family outings, as the ride along the Garonne and Varradòs rivers is in the midst of nature.

Arròs is home to the Casa deth Senhor, an elegant nineteenth-century building which now houses the General Archive of Aran.

5 May, 2016 0

8 Route MTB

8

Es Bòrdes | Pònt d’Arròs | Sant Joan | Vilamòs | Benós | Es Bòrdes

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Distance: 16.3 km

Time: 3h

Elevation: +450

Spring, Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 25%, Earth 56%, Path 19%

Description

Variety and intense experiences, this is what you’ll find on this thrilling route, which calls for a good level of fitness and familiarity with technical downhills.

Leaving from the Es Bòrdes church, take the Camin Reiau towards Vielha up to Pont d’Arròs. Here, take the track to the left, which is paved along the 4 km or so until the climb through the valley of Varradòs. At km 7.3, turn left onto the dirt track that will take you to Vilamòs. Head down historic paths lined with stone walls to Benós and then take the local road that will take you to Begós. Another technical stretch will take you back to Pònt d’Arròs, where you’ll turn back onto the Camin Reiau until Es Bòrdes.

Highly recommended for enduro lovers. The descent from Vilamòs to Pònt d’Arròs follows the ancient road network between villages. Bear in mind that this is a very popular itinerary with walkers and remember that they always have the right of way. The mountain must always be respected.

Vilamòs is the perfect stop for a break. Take advantage to visit the Joanchiquet museum, the church and the lime kiln.

5 May, 2016 0

7 Ruta BTT

7

Es Bòrdes | Pònt deth Còc | Montanha de Vilamòs | Es Bòrdes

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Distance: 15.8 km

Time: 4h

Elevation: +650

Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 4%, Eath 87%, Path 2%

Description

Somewhat challenging itinerary due to the technical descent halfway through. It coincides with Route 6 up to km 4. Set off from the Es Bòrdes church in the direction of Artiga de Lin. After some 600 metres, cross the Còc bridge and head up the dirt track towards the leafy spruce forest called Sapertega. Just before km 4, take the track on the left and keep going until past km 8.

Signposts mark out where to take the steep downhill footpath, which gradually levels out after a while, arriving at an almost abandoned track that joins up again with Route 6 at km 11.3. Continue downhill to Pont d’Arròs and then climb up to the right onto the Camin Reiau until Es Bordes.

This unspoilt and seldom visited trail makes you feel completely in the midst of nature. Careful at the highest point, where you’ll have to look out for the start of the downhill footpath. If in doubt, you may have to check your GPS.

The descent is very appealing if you like fast and technical stretches.

5 May, 2016 0

6 Route MTB

6

Es Bòrdes | Pònt deth Còc | Montanhetes | Camin Vielh | Es Bòrdes

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Moderate

Distance: 10.5 km

Time: 2h 30′

Elevation: +300

Spring, Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 9%, Earth 91%, Path 0%

Description

An easy ride without technical difficulties. Set off from the Es Bòrdes church in the direction of Artiga de Lin. After some 600 metres, cross the Còc bridge and head up the dirt track towards the leafy spruce forest called Sapertega. The climb is very pleasant. Just before km 4, take the track on the right and begin the descent to Pont d’Arros. From here, head back to the right along the Camin Reiau to Es Bòrdes.

This is a refreshing ride with little variation in height, where you’re sure to come across other cyclists. Very good views of the villages of Vilamòs and Arres, on the other side of the Garonne valley. The section of Camin Reiau between Pont d’Arròs and Es Bòrdes is one of the best preserved stretches, with highlights including the bridge over the river Joeu, the stone walkway and the ancient culvert.

A good stretch coincides with the more challenging Route 7.

5 May, 2016 0

5 Route MTB

5

Bossòst | Margalida | Bassa d’Arres | Mina Victoria | Bossòst

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Distance: 20 km

Time: 4h 30′

Elevation: +950

Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 18%, Earth 60%, Path 21%

Description

Physically difficult route with a single technical section in the area of Mina Victoria along which you may need to walk a few metres on foot. Until just past the Bassa d’Arres it joins up with route 22.

The route’s starting point is beside the Bossòst tourist information office, right next to the River Garonne. Cross the River Garonne and take the footpath towards Arres. After 1.5 km, take the dirt track to Margalida and go up the valley until you reach the mines of the same name. Continue along the track and on your descent you will arrive at Bassa d’Arres. From here follow the tour signs around Mina Victòria down to the engine room. After the mine, take the path that goes past the large ruined houses and start a technical sloping descent of about 100 m. You’ll then end up on a track that after some 300 m reaches the footpath, where you turn right and go quickly downhill back to the starting point in Bossòst.

We highly recommend visiting the Victoria mine in the summer and learning about the important mining heritage of the Val d’Aran.

5 May, 2016 0

4 Route MTB

4

Bossòst | Bordes Sapòda | Portilhon | Camin Vielh | Bossòst

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Diffficulty: Very Difficult

Distance: 18.5 km

Time: 4h

Elevation: +700

Spring, Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 28%, Earth 50%, Path 22%

Description

Challenging trail both technically and physically.

Start out at the tourist information office and climb up the Portilhon road for 4.7 km. Then take a track to the right that continues to ascend, commanding superb views of this part of the Lower Aran. A flat section will then lead to Coll del Portilhon at km 14.5. This is the start of a spectacular descent combining forest roads and then historical stone paths that pass by Aran Park and the Sant Antoni chapel, and after crossing the N-141 road three times (the initial ascent) you’ll reach the village of Bossòst.

Very steep downhill for descent lovers, combining fast sections with more technical cobbled stretches. Careful at the junctions with the road.

Bossòst, on the banks of the Garonne, is a very interesting village to visit, both for its shopping and its cultural wealth. The parish church of Mair de Diu dera Purificacion is one of the finest examples of Lombard Romanesque in the Aran region. The signposted ‘route of the 6 pilgrimage chapels’ surrounding the village is a very pleasant way of seeing the centre. Along the route you will go past Aran Park, where you can stop off and visit one of the best fauna centres in the Pyrenees.

5 May, 2016 0

3 Route MTB

3

Les | Portet | Bordius | Porcingles | Canejan | Les

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Very difficult

Distance: 24 km

Time: 4h

Elevation: +850

Spring, Summer and Winter

Asphalt: 60%, Eath 17%, Path 23%

Description

Very challenging both technically and physically.

Like Route 2, with which it coincides at the start and end, it heads into the Toran valley, and in this case crosses the abandoned hamlet of Bordius, joining up with Route 2 again at Porcingles.

The starting point of the route is at the Camin Reiau, found on leaving the village of Les towards Bossòst, just next to the football pitch. Follow the same indications for Route 2 up to km 9.2, then leave the main forest road behind and take the track on the left that begins to descend into the uninhabited hamlet of Bordius. Once there, you’ll start the fabulous ride down the Bordius track to Canejan, a sharp descent that should only be done when dry to avoid slipping on the cobblestones at the bottom if they are wet. Once on the road to Canejan, head back through the valley of Toran to km 14.8, and then go up the steep paved slope until the hamlet of Porcingles. At this point, you’ll join up with Route 2 again and then continue until the end.

Two major descents, the Bordius and Canejan ones, make this route ideal for experienced cyclists and lovers of steep downhills.

Take care after Pontaut, because you’ll be on the N-230 main road for just over a kilometre and there is usually quite a bit of traffic. At the Bausen junction, turn left onto the Carretera de la Lana, which is then a flat ride back to Les. Cycle through the village and you’ll be back at the starting point of the route.

Besides the village of Les, you can enjoy good food in different places along the trail: Refugio de la Honeria, Sant Joan de Toran or Canejan.

5 May, 2016 0

2 Route MTB

2

Les | Pista Portet | Honeria | Canejan | Les

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Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Distance: 34 km

Time: 4h 30′

Elevation: +820

Spring, Summer and Autumn

Asphalt: 33%, Earth 53%, Path 14%

Description

Challenging trail through the practically unspoilt valley of Toran, where tourism has barely left a mark and the small hamlets still retain their centuries-old charisma. The magnificent fir and beech forest on the south-facing side of Toran is quite spectacular. The views over the villages of Les and Bossòst from Canejan, with the Maladeta massif in the background, are magnificent.
Besides the village of Les, you can enjoy good food in different places along the trail: Refugio de la Honeria, Sant Joan de Toran or Canejan.
The starting point of the route is at the Camin Reiau, found on leaving the village of Les towards Bossòst, just next to the football pitch. Technically it is not difficult, but its difference in height over 30-plus kilometres means that cyclists should have a good level of fitness.
Take the Portet trail that skirts the foot of the Via Ferrata of Les and head up to the country lane. At 1.5 km from the starting point is a spectacular viewing point overlooking the village of Les and its surroundings. At km 7, the lane turns into a forest road that continues to the Refugio de la Honeria, at km 21.5. After a short stretch of road to the hamlet of Porcingles, take the Cau track and cycle on the flat until the village of Canejan. Both this track and the Còsta track between Canejan and Pontaut are two stunning examples of well-preserved historical Aranese thoroughfares, with cobblestones and dry stone walls, the perfect backdrop for enjoying the ancient culture and spectacular scenery found in this area.
Take care after Pontaut, because you’ll be on the N-230 main road for just over a kilometre and there is usually quite a bit of traffic. At the Bausen junction, turn left onto the Carretera de la Lana, which is then a flat ride back to Les. Cycle through the village and you’ll be back at the starting point of the route.
This coincides with much of Route 3 (Bordius).

5 May, 2016 0