MOUNTAINS: PYRENEES

This is a rider’s tour, taking in some of the region’s most challenging and rewarding mountain passes and cols. You’ll be treated to some long, twisty, swooping riding days that will be remembered for a very long time. The Pyrenees may be less famous than the Alps but the riding is just as good; plus that lack of fame means the roads are quieter. You will get to ride some of the best high roads in the region, including the Col du Tourmalet, Col du Pourtalet, Col du Aspin and Col du Peyresourde. Plus we will be taking some lesser known single track routes that wind their way across the mountains.

You’ll start with an overnight ferry from Plymouth to Santander. An early afternoon arrival means there’s still plenty of time to head east toward the mountains and Vitoria, capital city of the Basque Country. Next day we are heading into the Pyrenees and across the French border as we enjoy some great roads heading into the Aragon region of Spain. The next two nights are spent in the same remote mountain town, Tramacastilla de Tena at 1200 metres. A small typical mountain town that dominates the bottom of the valley in which it nestles. The free day means you can take the loop ride we have planned, unencumbered by luggage. The Col D’aubisque, Cold Du Tourmalet and Col du Aspin are all en route.

From here we are heading further west crossing the border with France once again but ending our day in a Parador back in Spain. The Col Du Peyresourde and Col Du Portilhon are just two of the passes on todays route.  Our Parador is another two night stop over with the chance to take the day to chill and relax or come out and ride more great roads. One of our Tour Directors favourite roads is en route today…  Sometimes narrow, always challenging, and blessed with great views, the route from Col de Nargo to Berga is a firm favourite.

You will get to ride the swooping “Eje Pirenaico” the Axis of the Pyrenees as you start heading back east towards Sabinango. After another day of Pyrenean pleasure, including the Col De la Pierre de St Martin, you are heading for Pamplona, the city is famous worldwide for the running of the bulls during the San Fermin festival. Tonight will be your final night before the ferry.

The Pyrenees, some say better than the Alps, some say just different, but definitely quieter with a lot less traffic!