What an incredible last two days! I have moved between playful excitement and overwhelming owe – it has rendered me speechless most of the day.
Following my 18km hike on Sunday I returned to Broto. The 700m decent over the last 2km left my legs feeling like jelly, so I didn’t want to travel far. I was glad that I returned there – it’s such a cute village. I was also amazed that I could get a three course meal including a glass of wine for €15. Result!
From Broto I took the N-260 via Ainsa to Escalona. From there things really got interesting! West of Escalona there’s a 25km anti-clockwise route which is so much fun on the bike. The first 5km along the HU-631 is a narrow, winding road through an impressive gorge. It was stunning! I stopped along the way to have a little ‘Green & Blacks chocolate break’ and to take this video (see below).
At the end of the gorge there’s a small car park where you can leave your car (or bike) and head off on a hike. I decided to keep my hike short but what a pleasure it was. The first thing I passed was a little chapel built into the mountain. It made me smile as it reminded me of the Mesa Verde National Park – most certainly one of my favourite places I visited on my US trip last year. Below is a photo of the chapel.
My second stop was for a little nap next to the river. The water was cool, crisp and inviting, running in the deep canyon. It was so beautiful and peaceful I could have stayed there all day.
The 20km ride back to Escalona was a blast on the bike. The narrow, widening road through the gorge had opened up to a narrow, winding road along the mountain. It was a great opportunity to play on Trinity. It was exhilarating!
Below was my view as I approached Escalona.
From Escalona I was back on the N-260 heading east to Andorra. The scenery changed from alpine mountains to deep red rock faces, which reminded me of Zion National Park, to tree lined passes boasting autumn green, yellow and red leaves. For most of the ride I wished time would stand still.
At La Seu d’ Urgell I left the N-260 to head north to Andorra. What a stunning little country! I didn’t have much time so I only went as far as Andorra la Vella but my heart was pounding from excitement the whole way. Although I later noticed the other shops my eyes were drawn to the numerous car, bike, motorcycle and ski stores that lined the roads. I felt like a kid in a candy store. This is definitely a place to come and ‘play’, particularly as petrol is under a € per litre (sadly I had filled Trinity up in Spain)!
From Andorra I was back on the N-260, now heading for Barcelona via Berga. From Berga to Barcelona I travelled on the motorway, so nothing exciting to report. However, below are a couple of photos that I took along my ride on the N-260. The final photo was taken on the C16 just north of Baga. Sadly the opportunities to stop a few and far between but I hope it gives you a feel for the scenery. Enjoy!
Mel & Trinity 