Biking And Hiking Active Holidays In CataluñA Travelling The Green Ways
The 12 kilometer former railway line, begins at Ripoll and ends at Sant Joan de les Abadesses, passing farmhouses both occupied and abandoned, ancient bridges crossing crystal brooks and abandoned railway stations.
Such countryside makes rambling and cycling activity holidays in Cataluña a definite pleasure with a variety of routes to suit all ages and abilities.
The Vias Verdes follow an far-reaching system of former railway tracks in Spain, disused for many years The government has made the old railway lines into green routes, available for biking and hiking through the countryside of Spain. There are now 1,800 kilometres of Vias Verdes in Spain specifically for bicycle riders. Cataluña has four Green Routes, three of which are in the province of in Girona.
Via Verde: The Iron and Coal Route
Ripoll's Via Verde, called La Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó (Iron and Coal), is the easiest track in Cataluña, with the mouth of the track conveniently positioned near the RENFE train station in the town center of Ripoll.
Most likely because of its manageability and paved, well-maintained trails, the Ferro i del Carbó way is a great attraction to active families. Parents and youngsters 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 children's play area 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 safeguard the pristine natural zones which surround them. These green tracks put people in touch with the outdoors, and increase their understanding of the need to safeguard it. Families come to ride 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. Stretching 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 track that travels through the woods of the Catalan countryside and ends beside the Mediterranean in Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Via Verde: Olot to Girona
The most challenging way in the Girona Green Route cluster is the Carrilet I trail running between Olot and Girona. This is a 54 kilometre route, which needs stamina and an early start. Previously, the route was the railway linking La Selva to Girona, but it became obsolete in 1970. Today, it is a outstanding ride beside Olot's volcanoes and riverbeds. Most of the Via Verdes offer a cultural element of interest together with their natural appeal. Carrilet I is no exception, and its trail skirts monasteries and the Hostoles Castle, adding a bit of historical flare to the trip as part of an active break in Cataluña.