Andorra in the central Pyrenees is full of mountains. Mostly as a visitor you can go up or down but rarely level; this is what attracts so many to the area; we never tire of stating of how breathtaking it really is.
Andorra and specifically Vallnord Bike Park is the home of downhill mountain biking. It hosts the mountain biking world cup every year with participants arriving from all over the world and is an amazing spectacle to watch. The mountain biking is, however currently quite extreme and not for the faint hearted or most families.
Mountain biking is a great adventure sport for both those who ride regularly and those who infrequently get on their bike. We have a number of more practical but sill challenging and scenic family orientated options to take in the mountains whilst cross country (XC) mountains biking.
Iron Route
You will be collected from your accommodation and transported with mountain bikes and helmets to a convenient point up the Ordino Valley, normally close to El Serrat to be dropped off to your mountain bike tide back down the Iron Route trail (signposted but maps available also). This route is a gentle ride on tracks, grassed areas and tarmac off-road until reach La Cortinada, at which point you switch to finish the remaining short ride on road to Ordino, where you will be met at the finish by your guide. The Iron Route follows the river Valira del Nord along the Ordino valley, and tells the story of Andorran economic activity from the early 17th century to the late 19th century. The route has several points of interest which include the Llorts Iron mine; also flour mills and a saw mill which took advantage of the energy provided by the rushing river, especially in spring and summer. Various interesting international sculptures are scattered along the route (including the very interesting iron men!) and pay tribute to the iron mining activities, as our several great places to snack or picnic at leisure. The Romanic church of Sant Marti de la Cortinada offers visitors an insight into the architecture of the time.
La Seu D’Urgell
You will be collected from your accommodation and transported for a short drive South of Andorra just across the border to Spain to La Seu D’Urgell, a small town with a fantastic dedicated mountain bike centre with approximately 1,000 km of signposted mountain park trails in the Cadi-Moixero Natural Park. You will be fitted out with mountain bikes and helmets and discuss what routes you may ride with your guide from the easiest flat ride following the river for 9 km for approximately 45 min, to slightly harder challenges involving small ascents for 15 km taking approximately 1h 30 min; or combine some rides together, the choice really is endless. Of course, your guide will recommend rides to you based on your group and ability and whichever you choose, you cannot fail to have the best family experience. (Note, this trip can be combined for a full day with White Water Rafting)
Engolosters
You will be collected from your accommodation and transported with mountain bikes and helmets near to Lake Engolasters in the Encamp Parish. The route to the lake is a wide, flat track that provides spectacular views across the Encamp valley. The route around Lake Engloasters is about 2 miles and easy cycling along a well maintained flat track. There are many other options around the lake with more exciting tracks through the woods. If you are up for a challenge there is an option to follow part of the Tour of Spain route for 3km.
We can also arrange various other exciting activities such as caving, bridge swings, road cycling and many more. Just let us know and we will arrange it for you.
