Cycling And Hiking Active Holidays In CataluñA Travelling The Green Routes

The 12 kilometre former railway line, begins at Ripoll and finishing at Sant Joan de les Abadesses, passing farmhouses both occupied and abandoned, crumbling bridges crossing crystal brooks and forgotten train stations.
Such settings makes cycling activity holidays in Cataluña a definite pleasure with a choice of routes geared for all ages and abilities.

The Vias Verdes follow an lengthy system of former railway tracks in Spain, which were closed to trains years ago. The government has since turned these outdated tracks into 'green routes', available for biking and hiking through the Spanish countryside. There are currently 1,800 kilometres of Vias Verdes in Spain especially for cyclists and ramblers. 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 simplest track in Cataluña, with the beginning of the trail conveniently located near the RENFE train station in the heart of Ripoll.
Probably because of its convenience and paved, well-maintained trails, the Ferro i del Carbó track is popular with families. Parents and children bring picnics and enjoy 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 open country, and their existence certainly helps to protect the pristine natural zones which surround them. These green routes put people in touch with the contryside, and increase their understanding of the need to safeguard it. Families come to ride along the Vias Verdes to experience a fun, healthy activity together, and to appreciate the great outdoors.

Via Verde: Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Not all the Via Verde routes are for families. Stretching between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guíxols at 39 kilometres is more of a challenge . Unlike the Ripoll track, which is paved, Carrilet II is a compact dirt trail that goes through the woods of the Catalan countryside and spits cyclists out in front of the Mediterranean in Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

Via Verde: Olot to Girona
The most challenging route in the Girona Via Verde cluster is the Carrilet I trail which runs between Olot and Girona. This is a 54 kilometre route, which requires strength and an early start. In its former life, the route was the railway connecting La Selva to Girona, but it became disused in 1970. Nowadays, it is a wonderful ride beside Olot's volcanoes and riverbeds. Almost all of the Via Verdes offer a cultural element of interest as well as the attraction of the countryside. Carrilet I is no exception, and its trail skirts monasteries and the Hostoles Castle, adding a bit of historical flare to the journey as part of an active break in Cataluña.

Cycling And Hiking Active Holidays In CataluñA Travelling The Green Routes
Pedalling along Ripoll's Via Verde, cyclists pass oaks and wild snapdragons. Located in northern Cataluña, the countryside around Ripoll is lush and leafy.

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