4.5
(2)
70
riders
12
rides
Touring cycling routes around Villalpardo traverse a landscape characterized by the dramatic gorges of the Cabriel River, protected within the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park. The region features varied terrain, including well-maintained gravel roads, forest tracks, and more rugged slopes, offering diverse cycling experiences. Notable natural features include panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Cabriel River and sections of the Turia-Cabriel Nature Trail.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
38
riders
74.3km
07:19
960m
960m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
7
riders
43.6km
04:23
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
33.5km
03:09
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
62.7km
04:06
880m
880m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
It is worth it, especially if you love nature, spectacular landscapes and outdoor activities. The best thing about the Contreras Reservoir is: * Impressive landscape: the reservoir is surrounded by the Cabriel river gorges, with rocky walls, pine forests and waters of an intense blue-green color. It is one of the most beautiful corners between the provinces of Valencia and Cuenca. * Hiking: the Ruta de los Cuchillos de Contreras is the best known. It is a relatively simple route with viewpoints and spectacular views of the reservoir.
10
0
Beautiful viewpoint of the dam, the river and the factory.
11
0
The Contreras dam (Embalse de Contreras) is a 129-meter-high arch dam built in 1972. Located on the border of the provinces of Cuenca (Castilla-La Mancha) and Valencia, the dam spans the Cabriel and Guadazaón rivers. The reservoir serves mainly for water supply, flood protection, and irrigation.
11
1
Some houses are still inhabited!!
0
0
Villargordo del Cabriel is a municipality in the Requena-Utiel region, in the province of Valencia. The town is located on the banks of the Cabriel River and is on the border between Castilla-La Mancha and the Valencia region. One of the biggest tourist attractions is the beautiful nature, which is remarkably well preserved.
14
0
Viewpoint next to the old N-III highway After passing the engineer's house, a turnoff leads to the viewpoint located above the old N-III highway. Sweeping views of the reservoir from a high, accessible point.
4
0
Hiking: Popular routes, such as the "Engineer's House" trail, offer viewpoints overlooking the reservoir and the Cabriel River gorges. Guided tours: Occasionally, the Hydrographic Confederation and the Villargordo Town Council organize tours and talks in the village of Contreras. Historic roads: The abandoned section of the old N-III highway and the Contreras Hills attract engineering enthusiasts, with their original 20th-century asphalt and signage.
9
0
Contreras Dam (Contreras Reservoir), located on the border between Cuenca and Valencia provinces. It lies between Villargordo del Cabriel (Valencia) and the Cuenca municipalities of La Pesquera, Mira, Enguídanos, and Minglanilla, spanning the Cabriel and Guadazaón rivers. Below the dam is the historic Contreras Bridge, built between 1845 and 1851 by Lucio del Valle, part of the old zigzag mountain pass.
10
0
There are over 10 touring cycling routes around Villalpardo, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has highly rated these routes, with an average score of 4.75 stars.
The terrain around Villalpardo is quite varied, ranging from well-maintained gravel roads and forest tracks to more rugged slopes. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, including dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, especially within the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park.
While many routes are rated moderate to difficult, sections of the Turia-Cabriel Nature Trail offer a well-maintained gravel road with gentle slopes, which can be suitable for families looking for a less challenging ride. This trail is enveloped by rich vegetation and offers scenic beauty.
Cyclists can explore several significant points of interest. The historic Vadocañas Bridge, a 16th-century structure, is a key attraction. You'll also find stunning natural features like the Cabriel River itself, and various viewpoints such as Hoz del Rabo de la Sartén Viewpoint and La Fonseca Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the gorges.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Contreras Dam – Cabriel Valley Viewpoint loop from Aparcamiento de emergencia Vialidad Invernal Minglanilla is a popular 27.7-mile (44.6 km) option that provides views of the Cabriel Valley. Another is the Contreras Viewpoint – Contreras Inn loop from Minglanilla, a 20.9-mile (33.6 km) path with varied terrain.
The region of Castilla-La Mancha generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder. Summer can be quite hot, while winter might bring cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. Checking local weather forecasts before your ride is always recommended.
Yes, the natural parks in the region, such as Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park and Turia Natural Park, are rich in biodiversity. Cyclists have the opportunity to spot wildlife like mountain goats, deer, and wild boars, especially in quieter sections of the trails.
Absolutely. The region is known for its dramatic gorges and river landscapes. Routes often pass by viewpoints such as Hoz del Rabo de la Sartén Viewpoint, La Fonseca Viewpoint, and Hoz de Vicente Viewpoint, which provide expansive vistas of the Cabriel River's gorges and cliffs.
The touring cycling routes around Villalpardo are generally rated as moderate to difficult. For instance, the Cabriel Valley Viewpoint – Contreras Viewpoint loop from Aparcamiento de emergencia Vialidad Invernal Minglanilla is a challenging 46.9-mile (75.4 km) trail with significant elevation changes, often completed in about 5 hours.
Yes, many routes start from locations with designated parking. For example, the Contreras Dam – Cabriel Valley Viewpoint loop begins from Aparcamiento de emergencia Vialidad Invernal Minglanilla, indicating parking facilities are available at common starting points.
Routes vary in length and elevation. You can find rides like the Contreras Dam – Cabriel Valley Viewpoint loop from Villarta, which covers approximately 38.9 miles (62.6 km) with an elevation gain of around 877 meters. Other routes can be shorter or longer, with corresponding changes in elevation.
A significant section of the Turia-Cabriel Nature Trail, particularly the part that connects to the Vadocañas Bridge, is described as a well-maintained gravel road with gentle slopes. This makes it highly suitable for touring, MTB, or gravel cycling, offering a pleasant ride through preserved natural environments.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.