Pedaling along old railway tracks
Several railway lines in Catalonia have been abandoned, but they are ideal for walking and, especially, cycling. These are known as greenways.
Zafán Valley Greenway
It's the old railway line that connected Puebla de Híjar, in Aragon, with Tortosa, in the Baix Ebre region. The total distance is about 180 kilometers. But we can shorten it by starting in Arnes, on the section that enters the Terra Alta region. Els Ports serves as the starting point for a route that, up to the border of the region, is no more than 30 kilometers long, passing through the stations of Horta de Sant Joan, Bot, Prat de Comte, and El Pinell de Brai. The gentle slope—if you go downhill—makes it suitable for cyclists of all levels. The greenway enters the Baix Ebre region through Benifallet and continues through landscapes of orchards along the banks of the Ebro River, passing through Xerta, Aldover, and Jesús before arriving in Tortosa. Don't forget your headlamps, as you'll be going through almost 20 tunnels along the way!
Carrilet Route
Olot is the starting point of this route, which follows the path of the old narrow-gauge railway that connected the capital of La Garrotxa with the city of Girona until 1969, covering more than fifty kilometers. It's the perfect excuse to explore by bike landscapes such as the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa, the Ter River valley, and the meadows of Salt and Girona, passing by Hostoles Castle, Sant Feliu de Pallerols, Amer, Inglés, and Bescanó, among others. There's a second section for those who want to cover more distance and see the sea. From Girona, the route alternates between forests and farmland as it continues to Sant Feliu de Guíxols in the Baix Empordà region.
Iron and Coal Route
This route follows the path of the old railway that, until 1980, connected Ripoll with Sant Joan de les Abadesses and this town with Toralles. The train stopped running in 1967 with the closure of the Ogassa coal mines. Hence the name, which also recalls the forge tradition that existed in the Baix Ripollès region. It is an accessible route for everyone, covering just over fifteen kilometers that wind peacefully through mountain landscapes. In fact, since 2022, the route from Sant Joan de les Abadesses also includes another destination: Sant Pau de Segúries, which has become the main route for walkers and cyclists. Young children will enjoy it, as it has minimal elevation gain and the surface is paved.
Llobregat Route
The settlements that grew up around the old textile factories that operated in Berguedà during the 19th century, important testaments to our country's industrial past, are the focus of this greenway that follows the course of the Llobregat River between the Cal Rosal settlement, one of the most important in the region, and the Baells Reservoir. Cyclists who travel this route will enjoy the privilege of passing through undeniably beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Pont de Pedret bridge, which the route passes very close to and where it's well worth stopping. The route is less than seven kilometers long and very easy. Most likely, when you reach the Baells Reservoir, the end point of the route, you'll still have enough energy left to enjoy the water sports on offer, especially in summer.
Little Train Route
This is a simple, short, and delightful route through the landscapes between Palamós and Palafrugell, passing through Mont-ras. The railway line that once connected the Costa Brava with Girona lends its name to this greenway, which, if you pedal briskly, can be completed in just half an hour, as its six kilometers are a short distance for those who enjoy excursions on two wheels (without a motor). If you're a beginner, this can be good training for longer journeys because it's also very flat. The Gavarres and Begur mountains will guide you on your journey, which also crosses the Aubí plain, and the sea air will surely accompany you throughout, especially if you take one of the branches of this route that lead to the beaches of Castell and La Fosca in Palamós.
Dark Valley Route
This greenway is somewhat more demanding, but it offers unparalleled views of high mountain landscapes, and the route is around ten kilometers long. The itinerary follows the old railway line that transported workers and goods to the Cabdella hydroelectric power station. Therefore, the route begins (or ends, depending on which direction you choose) at the Cabdella power station. It's worth noting that part of the power station's facilities houses the Cabdella Hydroelectric Museum, which belongs to the Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia. The end is a real treat, as the route finishes at an altitude of 2,200 meters, next to Lake Gento, an impressive glacial lake.
Royal and Livestock Trail Route
In this case, the route follows an old transhumance path that once crossed part of the Ripollès region and is now frequented by cycling, hiking, and nature tourism enthusiasts. It's only four kilometers between Campdevànol and Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol, but can be extended to Gombrèn. The church of Sant Cristòfol de Campdevànol, the Sant Eudald fountain, the Querol fountain, and the Romanesque church of Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol are some of the points of interest that will encourage you to dismount and visit them, as is necessary if you choose to cycle this route.
