The best cycling routes around Embalse de Ordunte

Embalse de Ordunte offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes, from easy, low-difficulty loops around the reservoir to more challenging rides through mountainous terrain and deep valleys in the broader Bilbao Bizkaia region. You'll find paths alternating between wooded areas of pine and oak and open sections with continuous views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Yes, there are easy options. The Embalse de Ordunte features a popular circular route, approximately 10 km long, that is 100% cyclable and considered to be of low difficulty, making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists, including families. You can start this loop from the dam's parking area or the nearby town of Ribota de Ordunte. Overall, there are 3 easy touring cycling routes available in the area.

While cycling around Embalse de Ordunte, you'll experience continuous panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding Ordunte and Rozuelas mountains. The routes often pass through diverse vegetation, including holm oaks, oak trees, and strawberry trees. You might also spot various species of aquatic birds such as mallards and common coots. The wider region also features dense forests and open valleys.

Yes, circular routes are a prominent feature. A popular 10 km circular route directly around the Embalse de Ordunte is ideal for touring cyclists. For a more challenging option, consider the difficult Ordunte Reservoir – Ordunte Reservoir loop from Mercadillo-Villasana, which covers 46.7 km with significant elevation gain.

You can typically find parking at the dam's parking area, which is a convenient starting point for the popular circular route around the reservoir. The nearby town of Ribota de Ordunte also offers access points for cyclists.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Villasana de Mena – Source of the Cadagua loop from Valle de Mena offer significant elevation gain over 40.1 km. Another difficult option is the Siones de Mena – Source of the Cadagua loop from Prado, covering 34.3 km with substantial climbs. There are 9 difficult routes in total.

The touring cycling routes around Embalse de Ordunte are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the continuous reservoir views, the surrounding mountains, and the diverse natural environment, including dense forests and open valleys.

Yes, there are several moderate options for touring cyclists. For example, the Ordunte Reservoir – Villasana de Mena loop from Barrasa is a moderate 26.2 km path offering continuous views of the reservoir and wooded sections. Another popular moderate route is the Ordunte Reservoir – Villasana de Mena loop from Mercadillo-Villasana, which covers 24.9 km through varied terrain. There are 6 moderate routes in total.

Absolutely. The Basque Country, where Embalse de Ordunte is located, offers a wealth of natural attractions. You can explore natural parks like Armañón, Urkiola, and Gorbeia, known for their biodiversity and rugged mountains. The Gorbeia Natural Park features impressive waterfalls, including Goiuri or Gujuli. Additionally, the nearby Monte Santiago Natural Monument is home to the Salto del Nervión, Spain's highest waterfall, which is particularly spectacular after rain or during spring thaws.

While specific weather data isn't provided, the region's diverse landscapes, including forests and open sections, suggest that spring and autumn would offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. During rainy seasons or spring thaws, nearby waterfalls like Salto del Nervión are particularly impressive, which might influence your timing if you plan to visit those attractions as well.

Yes, the area around Embalse de Ordunte is known for its diverse flora and fauna. While cycling, you may observe various species of aquatic birds such as mallards, common coots, northern shovelers, and great crested grebes, especially near the reservoir itself. The wooded areas also provide habitats for other wildlife.