The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Preses

There are 28 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Les Preses, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 6 easy routes, 11 moderate routes, and 11 challenging routes to explore.

The routes around Les Preses traverse the unique volcanic landscape of the Garrotxa region. You can expect a mix of gentle gradients, especially on routes like the Garrotxa Volcanic Park and Vall d'en Bas Loop, and more challenging climbs with significant elevation gain on routes heading towards mountain passes such as Coll de Bracons.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. The region is known for its gentle paths, including sections of the Greenway from Olot-Girona (Ruta del Carrilet), which is a recovered train track offering a mild gradient. An example of an easy route is the Garrotxa Volcanic Park and Vall d'en Bas Loop, which covers about 38.5 km with moderate elevation gain.

The routes often pass through the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, offering views of ancient volcanoes. You can encounter landmarks like the Santa Margarida Volcano, known for its hermitage within the crater, and the unique Croscat Volcano Scoria Slopes. Many routes also offer panoramic vistas from viewpoints such as Puig Rodó and Rocalladre.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Coll de Bracons – Coll de Condreu loop from Olot or the Bellmunt Sanctuary – Coll de Bracons loop from la Vall d'en Bas offer significant distances and considerable elevation gains, testing your endurance and climbing skills.

The Garrotxa region, including Les Preses, is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. Spring brings lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, while autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in areas like La Fageda d'en Jordà. Summers can be warm, but routes through shaded areas or with natural ponds offer refreshing breaks. Winter cycling is possible, but check local conditions as some higher passes might be colder.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location while enjoying diverse scenery. The Garrotxa Volcanic Park and Vall d'en Bas Loop is a great example, taking you through picturesque valleys and volcanic landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 104 ratings. Reviewers often praise the region's unique volcanic scenery, the quiet and well-maintained roads, and the diverse range of routes that cater to all skill levels, from gentle valley rides to challenging mountain passes.

Les Preses is integrated into regional transport networks. The Greenway from Olot-Girona (Ruta del Carrilet) is particularly accessible, originating in Olot, which has public transport connections. This allows for car-free access to many cycling opportunities within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

Many routes provide expansive views of the Garrotxa region. For example, the Castellfollit de la Roca – View of Alta Garrotxa loop from Reserva natural parcial del volcà Montolivet offers stunning vistas of the Alta Garrotxa area, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the region.

The region is well-equipped to support cyclists. Many villages and towns along the routes, particularly those integrated into the Ruta del Carrilet or Pirinexus networks, offer cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for refreshment stops.

Among the more challenging options, the Coll de Bracons – Coll de Condreu loop from Olot is one of the longest, covering approximately 92.3 km with significant elevation gain, making it a substantial ride for experienced cyclists.