Cycling And Hiking Activity Holidays In CataluñA Following The Vias Verdes
The 12 kilometre track, begins at Ripoll and finishing at Sant Joan de les Abadesses, passing farmhouses both occupied and abandoned, ancient bridges, mountain streams and forgotten railway stations.
Such scenery makes cycling activity holidays in Cataluña a definite pleasure with a variety of routes to suit all ages and abilities.
The Vias Verdes follow an extensive system of former railway tracks in Spain, which were closed to trains years ago. The government has made the old railway lines into green routes, available for biking and hiking through the Spanish countryside. There are now 1,800 kilometres of Vias Verdes in Spain set aside for bikers and hikers. Cataluña has four such routes, three of which are in the province of in Girona.
Via Verde: La Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó
Ripoll's Via Verde, called La Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó (Iron and Coal), is the least taxing track in Cataluña, with the beginning of the path conveniently situated near the RENFE train station in the heart of Ripoll.
No doubt because of its ease and paved, well-maintained trails, the Ferro i del Carbó way is greatly enjoyed by active families. Parents and kids bring picnics and make a day of exploring Ripoll's old railway. At the end of the track, at the former Sant Joan de les Abadesses station, there's a cafe, a kids' playground and picnic tables, all helping to make this route a stress-free family outing during an activity holiday in Cataluña.
Cataluña's Vias Verdes cut though some beautiful wide-open spaces, and their existence certainly helps to insure the pristine natural zones which surround them. These green routes put people in touch with the outdoors, and increase their understanding of the need to safeguard it. Families come to bike or hike along the Vias Verdes to take part in a fun, healthy activity together, and to appreciate the Catalan countryside.
Via Verde: Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols
The Green Routes are not all suitable for children. Between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guíxols at 39 kilometres is more demanding . Unlike the Ripoll track, which is paved, Carrilet II is a compact dirt trail that cuts through the woods of the Catalan countryside and ends at the Mediterranean in Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Via Verde: Olot to Girona
The most challenging track in the Girona Via Verde system is the Carrilet I trail going between Olot and Girona. This is a 54 kilometre stretch, which demands strength and an early start. In its former life, the route was the railway linking La Selva to Girona, but it became obsolete in 1970. Today, it is a magnificent ride beside Olot's volcanoes and riverbeds. Almost all of the Via Verdes offer cultural points of interest in addition to the appeal of nature. Carrilet I is no exception, and its trail passes monasteries and the Hostoles Castle, adding a bit of cultural heritage to the journey as part of an active break in Cataluña.