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Family cycling in the Sierra de Guara. Cycling with friends is brilliant; exploring the wildest trails of the Sierra de Guara is unforgettable, but at BGuara we believe cycling is an excellent option for family leisure – it’s not all about racing neck and neck with your group mates. That’s why today I’m bringing you a few suggestions so you can come to Guara and the surrounding area with the family and enjoy a ride with the little ones. And who knows, if they get a taste for it, perhaps you can come and give yourselves a proper workout as a family once the youngest members of the household have grown up. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; today we’re here for a family ride.
ROUTES FOR ALL ABILITY LEVELS
The BGuara region is renowned for its spectacular scenery, enduro routes suited to the most daring riders, dizzying descents, and endless tracks and trails, but there are also places where you can enjoy cycling and the surroundings whatever your level. So here are a few ideas for you to try out on your next visit – do let us know how you get on.
Today I’m suggesting three routes, which I’ll list in order of increasing duration, although as you know, that’s always relative and depends on the cyclists’ ability and the intensity of the ride.
LORETO, FIRST STOP
We head to the city of Huesca, which is surrounded by an extensive network of cycle paths that are wide and well-surfaced, making them ideal for family rides. Autumn, winter and spring are the best times of year to enjoy the Loreto Nature Trail.
This is a 15.9-kilometre route that is almost entirely flat; in fact, there is only a 40-metre elevation gain. It is one of the flattest mountain bike routes you can find. At a very leisurely pace, with the whole family in mind, it would take us around an hour and a half, although the duration may vary if we stop for a sandwich or to enjoy the birds that live or stop off at the Loreto reservoir, a beautiful wetland near Huesca.
We’ll set off from the San Jorge sports facilities, where there’s a car park where we can leave our car. We’ll begin the route with a 4-kilometre stretch along the old Canfranero railway line, which is now a track without sleepers, perfect for cycling, running or walking. As for the villages we’ll pass through, Alerre and Huerrios are particularly worth mentioning. From the latter, via a narrow road, we’ll reach the Sanctuary of Loreto, where it is said that Saint Lawrence, patron saint of Huesca, and his brother Saint Orencio were raised. As well as the Sanctuary, nature lovers mustn’t miss the Loreto reservoir, a wetland teeming with birds and a popular spot for birdwatchers.
If you’d like to find out more about the route, you can find further information LINK: Loreto Nature Trail
CYCLING ALONG THE BANKS OF THE CINCA
The second route for cycling families takes us to Molino de Chuaquín and Artasona, on the banks of the Cinca. Like the previous one, this can be completed in two hours or less, bearing in mind that it covers 14 kilometres and has a total elevation gain of around 157 metres. This route, perfect for any time of year, will take us along the banks of the Cinca; we’ll visit Artasona and reach the imposing El Grado dam, which is particularly impressive for younger cyclists. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy the fruit trees, the almond trees in bloom, or the flora and fauna of the Cinca riverbank.
If you’d like to find out more about this second option, you can read more here: Riberas del Cinca
BY THE ABBEY OF MONTEARAGÓN
It is not strictly Guara, but from here you can see some of the mountain range’s most recognizable landscapes. Tozal de Guara, Salto de Roldán, and Gratal are clearly visible at a glance, offering spectacular panoramic views that you can enjoy from your bike with very little effort.
The Abadiado de Montearagón is a virtually flat area, with paths winding through agricultural farmland. Starting from the Ermita del Viñedo, which celebrates its pilgrimage on the first Sunday of May, there is a circular route of just under 16 km with an accumulated elevation gain of around 150 m, on a trail suitable for everyone.
You’ll pass through the villages of Castilsabás, Ayera, Loporzano and Barluenga, and you can top up your water supplies in any of them if you need to. This means it’s a route you can tackle at any time of year. If you’re into history, the ancient Montearagón Castle is just a stone’s throw away, as is the legendary Piedra Mora de Ayera, and you can imagine how Roland leapt from his horse’s back between the crags of Sen and Amán as he fled from the enemy.
Did you know about these routes? Can you recommend any others? We’d love to hear about your adventures in the BGuara region.
