Top 14 Mountain Passes around Les Llosses

It's a very beautiful and challenging mountain pass in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, in the Berguedà region. The road enters a very unspoiled area, reaching the villages of Malanyeu and La Nou del Berguedà. The road is narrow but in perfect condition; it's a pleasure to ride here. The Volta a Catalunya included it in its 2024 route, the edition won by Pogaçar, on the stage that finished at the Sanctuary of Queralt. It was on this mountain pass, on its northern slope, that Pogaçar launched a violent attack to go solo and ride the final 30 km and take the stage victory.

It is a great unknown in this area of the Pyrenees and is simply spectacular, its 2 slopes. It also has hardness on both sides. The longer eastern slope starts from Sant Joan de les Abedesses and crosses several villages and Romanesque churches. It is a port that goes in steps, with areas of very hard ramps and rests later. The asphalt in the final part is in very poor condition, although it can be circulated easily. The west slope starts from Ribes de Freser and has 2 very different parts. Until you reach the town of Brugera, with an irregular but sufficiently wide asphalt road and a sustained slope of 6 - 7%. From Bruguera, the asphalt turns into concrete and the slope rises to 9%, remaining constant until reaching the top. The views crowning this slope are precise.

The Collada de Sant isidre is located on the road that connects Malanyeu to Nou de Berguedà.

The Collada Sobirana is a classic of the Berguedà, whether from Guardiola de Berguedà or from the Pobla de Lillet, it is a pleasant and tough port at the same time. The first is longer and harder, with more exposure to wind and sun. The second is shorter and draws its curves in a very leafy forest that can protect you on very hot days.

It is a very steep and fun climb on both sides. The road is very winding, with continuous curves and countercurves, some of these counterbanks. The asphalt is rough and there is no shoulder, although it is true that traffic is very scarce. The eastern slope, which starts from Campdevánol and passes through Gombrèn, is approximately 14 km and in no case does the slope exceed 5%. It is a sunny climb, very favorable for the colder months. In summer it is usually very hot. The western slope, which starts from Guardiola de Berguedà, is a little longer and presents a first section to La Pobla de Lillet characterized by long straights. It has some sections at 6-7% and the last 3 km are the hardest.

The Coll de Merolla is the crossing point between the Pobla de Lillet and Campdevànol, that is to say between the upper Berguedà and the Ripollès. The two slopes are gentle, and halfway, near Gombrèn, there is the link with the Carretera de Montgrony, to continue climbing up to Castellar de N'Hug. At the top is the Merolla refuge, site of the legendary full moon brevet dinner.

The Coll de Merolla refuge is located at 1090 meters above sea level, next to the road that connects Pobla de Lillet and Gombrèn. It consists of a kitchen and dining room and four rooms with bunk beds and capacity for 23 people. There is also a community kitchen and bar and restaurant service.

Climb to Coll de Pradell from the C-16 turnoff near Guardiola de Berguedà. The first section runs along the B-400 highway and is very flat. It is by far the busiest section, especially on holidays, weekends, or vacation periods. The road has no shoulder and the asphalt is in perfect condition. The second section begins when you take the detour to the left onto the B-401 highway toward the village of Vallcebre. The road widens and the shoulder appears. This section has an initial uphill section and a subsequent descent to Vallcebre. The third section is very tough and begins in the village of Vallcebre itself. It consists of approximately 3 km of very steep and constant gradients above 12% until you reach a rest stop. The fourth section is literally a savagery. Take the road to the left and face the first winding section above 10%. After a brief rest, the famous concrete ramp at 23% appears. You have to hang on tight. From here to the top, it's 2 km where you only see the road. If you stop to take a break, you'll see the mining train and the beautiful views of the valley behind you.