4.7
(30)
5,062
riders
26
rides
Road cycling around Embalse de El Villar offers diverse terrain within the Sierra Norte of Madrid, characterized by its scenic reservoir, the historic El Villar dam, and the Lozoya River. The region features a blend of pine, oak, and holm oak forests set against rolling mountains, providing varied elevation for no traffic road cycling routes. Cyclists can expect well-paved surfaces suitable for road bikes, with options ranging from gentle undulations to significant climbs. The landscape provides a mix of open…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
5.0
(1)
20
riders
60.4km
03:04
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
35
riders
32.2km
01:40
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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20
riders
15.1km
00:46
210m
210m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(4)
452
riders
72.5km
04:08
1,480m
1,480m
Tackle the difficult Sierra de la Puebla Loop, a 45.1-mile road cycling route with 4840 feet of elevation gain through scenic mountains.
5.0
(3)
197
riders
53.6km
03:01
1,110m
1,120m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Embalse de El Villar
The Castle and Walls of Buitrago del Lozoya, one of the most important medieval sites in the Community of Madrid: The town has pre-Roman roots and was mentioned by Livy as a Celtiberian fortress (Litabrum). Muslim Fortification: Between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Muslims built the wall to protect the territory. Reconquest: Alfonso VI conquered it in 1085, and it passed into Christian hands. Current Castle: Built in the 15th century by the Mendoza family, during the reign of John II of Castile. Historical Uses: Noble residence, defensive stronghold, and setting for events such as the imprisonment of Juana la Beltraneja.
3
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Beautiful walled town located in the mountains north of Madrid.
0
0
Beautiful town in La Sierra de Madrid with extraordinary landscapes. We recommend this town and its surroundings to isolate yourself from the world.
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1
The Puentes Viejas reservoir is located in the middle course of the Lozoya River, in the Sierra Norte (Madrid). It belongs to the Canal de Isabel II reservoir network and is the third reservoir in the direction of the current that the river passes through.
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0
Beautiful town in the Sierra Pobre, highly recommended for biking, mtb and hiking, lots of water and shade around
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On the Puebla de la Sierra highway you come across this viewpoint over the Puebla river gorge. The landscape is overwhelming. The vertical walls of bare rock stand before the green ridges of the mountains and the sky. It is an ideal place to immortalize with a photograph.
1
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It is worth it for the incredible views that can be seen from the top. A complete panoramic view of the Atazar but it is difficult to get there with a road bike. Likewise, from the road you can see the views and the tower itself is El Barrueco.
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There are 28 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Embalse de El Villar. These routes offer a range of difficulties, from easy to challenging, ensuring options for various fitness levels.
The terrain around Embalse de El Villar is varied, featuring rolling mountains and significant elevation gains, which provide rewarding descents. You can expect mostly well-paved surfaces suitable for road bikes, winding through forests and offering scenic views of the reservoir and Lozoya River.
Yes, there is 1 easy no-traffic road cycling route available. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Roadbike loop from Puentes Viejas, which covers about 15.1 km with a manageable elevation gain of 207 meters.
Cyclists can enjoy breathtaking views of the Embalse de El Villar reservoir and the Lozoya River. The historic El Villar dam, an engineering marvel from 1873, is a notable point of interest. Elevated viewpoints, particularly around Berzosa del Lozoya, offer panoramic vistas of the mountainous landscape, often referred to as the 'Balcony of the Sierra Norte'.
Absolutely. There are 18 difficult no-traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders. For a significant challenge, consider the Sierra de la Puebla Loop, which spans over 72 km with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 meters. Another demanding option is the Berzosa de Lozoya, Puebla de la Sierra, Paredes de Buitrago – circular route, covering 53.6 km with over 1,100 meters of climbing.
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling routes around Embalse de El Villar, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning reservoir views, the peacefulness of the traffic-free roads, and the diverse terrain that offers both challenging climbs and enjoyable descents through picturesque forests.
Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example of a moderate circular route is the Puentes Viejas Dam – Buitrago de Lozoya loop from Berzosa del Lozoya, which is 32.2 km long with over 500 meters of elevation gain.
You'll cycle through a harmonious blend of natural landscapes, including pine, oak, holm oak, and poplar forests. Routes often pass through areas like Pinar de Casasola, offering refreshing and visually appealing environments alongside the expansive views of the reservoir and the Lozoya River.
Yes, there are 9 moderate no-traffic road cycling routes. The El Villar Reservoir and Gorge – El Berrueco loop from Cervera de Buitrago is a great option, covering 28.2 km with an elevation gain of 336 meters, providing a satisfying ride without being overly strenuous.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's varied terrain and natural beauty suggest that spring and autumn would be ideal. These seasons typically offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, avoiding the intense heat of summer and potential chill of winter, making for comfortable riding conditions.


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