Five reasons why the Ripollès should be on your map for cycling

With Vallter 2000, Collet de les Barraques and Coll d’Ares, Ripollès has some of the most prestigious and challenging climbs in the area, while the whole county has positioned itself as one of the best destinations for cycling in Catalonia.

Nafent lists five reasons why Ripollès is a cycling destination and why it should be on your bucket list this summer.

Greenways and cycling routes in Ripollès

Through Ripollès, there are 42.5 km of greenways. The Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó (Ripoll – Ogassa / Sant Pau de Segúries), initially of 12 km, has recently been extended by 6 km, giving continuity to the route towards Sant Pau de Segúries. The Alt Ter thematic route (Sant Joan de les Abadesses – Vilallonga de Ter) is a 21 km route that follows the course of the Ter River, combining sections of greenway with shared roads. The Camí Ramader de Campdevànol (Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol – Ripoll) is a 9.5 km itinerary along the old royal roads that once linked the towns of Campdevànol and Ripoll. All three are jewels of Ripollès.

In the Ripollès region there are hundreds of kilometres of routes, including the Pirinexus (340 kilometres through Catalonia and France). It is a 340km round cross-border route that links the Girona region, Vallespir and Rosselló. These mostly unpaved but well-maintained roads are ideal for gravel riding or a multi-day bikepacking trip, as well as for family outings through some of the best nature Catalonia has to offer.

In addition to the roads that form part of the Pirinexus, Ripollès is also home to the start of the 220-kilometre Ruta del Ter, which follows the Ter River from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. Stronger riders often start in the Empordà, where the river ends, and climb up to Ulldeter in Ripollès, while others ride it in the opposite direction.

Centre BTT del Ripollès

For mountain bike enthusiasts, Ripollès has plenty to offer. As it lies on the edge of the Pyrenees, most routes are demanding or very demanding, with steep gradients and long distances. The trails lead deep into places of natural and cultural significance, opening onto sweeping landscapes and striking viewpoints. The Ripollès MTB Centre features 24 certified routes, covering a total of 477 km across the entire region.

The routes range from ten to over forty kilometres in length, with some routes reaching more than 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Away from paved roads, these trails are ideal for discovering the region in a sustainable and natural way, fully immersed in nature, while still offering a physical challenge.

On the website, the routes are clearly listed with all the necessary information to choose the one that suits each cyclist best, including distance, elevation, start and finish points, and of course the GPX file, guiding you to places that are difficult or impossible to reach by car.

Road cycling in the Ripollès

Riding through the Ripollès means riding in the heart of the pre-Pyrenees, with demanding climbs but that are still manageable, and some of the best views in Catalonia. With ascents like Coll d’Ares, often featured in races such as the Volta a Catalunya, and Vallter 2000, a classic in Catalan cycling, place the region among the territory’s climbing destinations.

There is much more to explore, including authentic Catalan villages such as Toses, Bruguera, Planoles and Beget, as well as climbs like Coll de la Creueta, Coll de Merolla, Collada de Toses, Coll de Canes, Coll de Santiagosa and Coll de Jou – the latter often considered one of the most beautiful in Catalonia. All of them connected by well-maintained roads leading back to Ripoll.

In Ripollès, you experience the quality of Catalan cycling without the large crowds found in places like Girona or Barcelona. Here the rhythm is different. There is tranquillity and a strong local cycling culture.

Crono Tour Planoles

Ripollès also caters to more competitive cyclists. Several events take place throughout the year, but the Cronoescalada to Collet de les Barraques stands out, not only for its strong identity but also because participants can win a Trek Domane AL 2.

The Crono Tour Planoles will be held on Sunday, July 5th at 10:00, the day before the Tour de France passes through Ripollès. It is a nine-kilometre race, mostly uphill, with a total elevation gain of 700 metres.

The Cronoescalada might not use the same climb as the peloton in the Tour de France, but it is still an ideal way to test yourself in a similar environment to world-class riders. Ultimately, you might even win the Trek bike.

Tour de France

This year, after passing through Tarragona and Barcelona, the Tour de France enters Ripollès from Granollers. The biggest crowds are expected on the climbs leading into the Catalan Pyrenees, such as the Col de Toses (9.5 km at 6.5%), before the race continues towards La Cerdanya and finishes in Les Angles (France).

The race will showcase the beauty of Ripollès to cycling fans around the world, with aerial images tracing its route before it heads back into France.

On 6th July, 2026, stage 3 of the Tour de France passes through Ripollès.