The best traffic-free bike rides around Santiago Del Collado
5.0
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44
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11
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Touring cycling around Santiago Del Collado is characterized by its high-altitude location within the mountainous province of Ávila, Spain. The region is surrounded by the Sierra de Piedrahíta, Sierra de Villafranca, and the broader Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges, offering varied elevations and scenic routes. Valleys such as the Valle del Corneja and Valle del Caballeruelos, along with rivers like the Corneja, contribute to a diverse topography of plains and riverbanks. This setting provides a mix of challenging ascents and picturesque rural roads for no traffic touring cycling routes.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Santiago Del Collado
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Ponseca Bridge – Puente del Congosto loop from La Horcajada, a 24.6 miles (39.6 km) trail that takes 3 hours 45 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through the mountainous landscape.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Casas de Sebastián Pérez – Castle of Bonilla de la Sierra loop from Piedrahíta, a moderate 21.6 miles (34.9 km) path. This route offers a scenic loop through rural areas, passing by historical sites.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Castle of Bonilla de la Sierra – El Mirón Castle loop from Piedrahíta, a 26.9 miles (43.3 km) trail leading through varied terrain and past two castles, often completed in about 3 hours 37 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Santiago Del Collado is defined by mountainous terrain, scenic valleys, and proximity to the Sierra de Gredos, offering routes for both moderate and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Santiago Del Collado are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 40 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Santiago Del Collado's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
4
riders
39.6km
03:45
590m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
43.3km
03:37
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
47.5km
04:07
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
28.5km
02:00
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was built in the 14th century on the site of the old fortress and rebuilt in the 16th century. Of considerable size, its polygonal sanctuary and transept stand out, towering above the rest of the church and displaying magnificent ashlar masonry and stepped prismatic buttresses. The apse and the central section of the transept are covered with star-shaped ribbed vaults. They are the work of Lucas Giraldo and Juan Gutiérrez, two of the finest architects of the 16th century. The body of the church, with three naves formed by wide semicircular arches rising from octagonal pillars, resembles a large hall. It is entered through two doorways with pointed and splayed arches on pilasters, sheltered by simple alfices. The very simple, rectangular tower features ashlar masonry in the lower section, granite ashlar in the upper section, and balls in the cornice. Inside, the main altarpiece, dating from the early 18th century, is Churrigueresque in the main section and Rococo in the shell to match the shape of the apse vault, the sacristy altarpiece, and other altarpieces distributed throughout the naves of the church.
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The starting town has several places of interest
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La Horcajada is located in the southwest triangle of the province of Ávila. It is practically the space between the foothills of Gredos and the mountain ranges of Malpartida and Collado del Mirón, on the one hand, and the port of Villatoro and the confluence of the Corneja and Tormes rivers, on the other. This surface has been called "Valdecorneja" for centuries. The Cancionero de Baeza, from 1445, for example, records this. The four most important towns in the Valley are, possibly since Vetton times or before, El Mirón, Piedrahíta, La Horcajada and El Barco de Ávila. La Horcajada is located about 75 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, Ávila, about 82 kilometers from Salamanca and 185 kilometers from Madrid. The town is located at 1033 m above sea level. n. m. between the towns of Piedrahíta and Barco de Ávila on the slopes of the Sierra de la Horcajada.
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Old bridge, currently misnamed La Fonseca, its real historical name is La Ponseca. It belongs to the municipality of La Horcajada, which has also recently been rehabilitated because its rock was detaching and its stability was beginning to be endangered. It crosses the river Corneja and as a curiosity, Emperor Carlos V passed over this bridge on his retirement journey to the Yuste monastery.
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Right at the top of the town of El Mirón there is a hill with an old tower/castle from past times that offers impressive views of the town and the area as a whole.
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This is one of the most important buildings in the town of Pedrahíta along with the Palace of the Dukes of Alba and the Convento de Carmelitas which is located in the same town.
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Beautiful town that is located close to Piedrahíta and where, in addition, it is located on an esplanade that has created the passage of the Río Corneja through the area, coming from its mountains to the east.
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At this point I come across the parish church of the town of La Horcajada. I took advantage of my visit to this beautiful town to fill up the bottle at the fountain that we will find in the center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Santiago del Collado?
There are 11 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Santiago del Collado. These routes range from moderate to difficult, offering diverse challenges and scenic views across the mountainous terrain of the Sierra de Gredos region.
Are there any easy or family-friendly no-traffic touring cycling routes in Santiago del Collado?
While the region is known for its mountainous terrain, there are moderate routes suitable for cyclists with some experience. For example, the Casas de Sebastián Pérez – Castle of Bonilla de la Sierra loop from Piedrahíta offers a manageable distance and elevation gain. The Valle del Corneja, mentioned in regional research, also provides flatter sections for less technical rides.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Santiago del Collado?
The best seasons for touring cycling in Santiago del Collado are typically spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is generally mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer can be very warm, especially at lower altitudes, while winter brings colder temperatures and the possibility of snow in the higher mountain passes like Puerto de Peña Negra.
Are there circular no-traffic touring cycling routes available in the Santiago del Collado area?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in this guide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Castle of Bonilla de la Sierra loop from Piedrahíta, which offers a scenic round trip.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes offer a diverse range of landscapes, from the high-altitude mountainous terrain of the Sierra de Gredos, Sierra de Piedrahíta, and Sierra de Villafranca, to the valleys of Corneja and Caballeruelos. You'll encounter varied topography including plains, riverbanks, and fertile lands, with a mix of deciduous and perennial species painting diverse scenery throughout the seasons.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I find along the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Along these routes, you can discover several points of interest. The Peña Negra Pass is a prominent feature, known for its challenging climb and spectacular views. You might also encounter historical structures like the Ponseca Bridge or the Puente de los Seis Ojos. The area also features natural highlights such as the Pozo de las Paredes.
How long do the no-traffic touring cycling routes typically take to complete?
The duration of the routes varies depending on their distance and elevation gain, as well as your cycling pace. For example, the Ponseca Bridge – Puente del Congosto loop from La Horcajada, a difficult route of nearly 40 km, can take over 3.5 hours. Shorter, moderate routes might take around 2-2.5 hours.
Is public transport available to reach the starting points of these cycling routes?
Santiago del Collado is a rural municipality. While there might be limited local bus services connecting to larger towns in the province of Ávila, direct public transport to specific route starting points is generally not extensive. It's advisable to check local transport schedules in advance or consider driving to the starting points.
Where can I park my car when starting a no-traffic touring cycling route?
Many of the routes start from towns like Piedrahíta or La Horcajada. These towns typically offer public parking areas where you can leave your vehicle. It's recommended to check for designated parking spots in the specific starting village of your chosen route.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Santiago del Collado?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging mountainous roads, the spectacular views from high passes like Peña Negra, and the quiet, scenic rural roads that make for an excellent no-traffic touring experience.
Are there any routes that pass through or near historical castles?
Yes, some routes offer views of or pass near historical castles. For instance, the Castle of Bonilla de la Sierra – El Mirón Castle loop from Piedrahíta connects two notable castle locations, providing a historical element to your ride.
Most popular attractions around Santiago Del Collado
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