Introduction
The plain and mountains of Montgrí
This is a very complete mountain bike route, with a variety of surroundings and difficulties. It crosses the Empordà plain easily, following smooth trails, some sandy and others paved, between the villages of Ullà, Bellcaire d’Empordà and Sobrestany, passing through fields of rice and other crops in a calm and tranquil setting.
The other part of the route, which is much harder work and has some technical sections, passes across the different slopes of the Muntanya Gran, through old dunes which have now been stabilised by forests of cypress and Aleppo pine, where you can see a variety of dry-stone structures, such as walls, vineyard huts and lime furnaces.
Route with sections with no signal. DO THE ROUTE OFFLINE.
We recommend the Local Natura App to do this route. Download it for free here:
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TypologyTime Circular
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DifficultyMedian
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Duration2 hours 27 minutes
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Slope192.00 meters
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Distance32.60 km
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ThemeFlora and faunaEnvironmentArchitecture and environment
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ActivityBy bike
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Rating
Slope graph
Description
The plain and mountains of Montgrí
The route starts in the car park of the Horta d’en Quintana in Torroella de Montgrí. It follows the course of the river Ter as far as the dam heading towards Ullà. The first part of the route passes through fields of crops and rice fields while connecting the villages of Ullà, Bellcaire d’Empordà and Sobrestany on flat and easy trails which allow you to look at and enjoy the landscape with complete calm.
On the edge of the municipality of l’Escala you leave the plain to follow a rocky trail towards the old church, now in ruins, of Santa Maria de Palau. The trail gets increasingly rocky and difficult as you get into the most isolated parts of the Muntanya Gran.
You pedal through garrigue on a sandy surface which hints at how close you are to old inland dunes now fixed by plantations of Aleppo pine and cypresses. Riding escorted by rows of cypresses on both sides is an enjoyable and unique experience.
The trail leaves the wide trails and follow paths which in some stretches are quite rocky and somewhat difficult. This stretch of the route is shared with the Windy Route, and you can take advantage to visit magnificent dry-stone structures like walls, huts and lime furnaces.
Tips
ROUTE
- Route with sections with no signal. DO THE ROUTE OFFLINE
- Wide sandy tracks alternate with paved stretches on the flat sections.
- Rocky paths and trails with some technical difficulty on the Muntanya Gran.
- Make sure you do not leave the marked paths. Remember you are in sensitive areas of the Natural Park.
WATER
- Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. You will only find drinking water in the first part of the route.
PRECAUTIONS
- Respect people’s private property and the surroundings in general. You are in a Natural Park.
- Avoid the middle of the day in high summer, and in any case, take precautions to protect yourself from the sun.
- The rocky descents can be dangerous.
WEATHER
- The route can be uncomfortable on days with strong wind.
TERRAIN
- The terrain is difficult in the rockiest sections of the high part of the Muntanya Gran.
- Some small stretches of climbing with stones might force you to get off your bike.
EQUIPMENT
- Protection from the sun or wind if necessary.
- Camera.
- Binoculars and bird guide for birdwatching.
- On all of the mountain bike routes we recommend wearing a helmet and gloves, as well as a puncture repair kit and a basic tool kit (Allen keys and chain tool).
