The best traffic-free bike rides around L'Estany

This guide features 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in the L'Estany region, offering a range of distances and elevations. The wider Pla de l'Estany area is known for its diverse cycling opportunities, so you'll find many more options beyond these specific routes.

The L'Estany region, including Pla de l'Estany, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended. Winter cycling is possible, especially on clear days, but always check local weather conditions.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the broader Pla de l'Estany region offers easier, shorter loops, particularly around Lake Banyoles, which are suitable for families. These routes often feature well-paved surfaces and scenic views, providing a safe and enjoyable experience away from heavy traffic.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in L'Estany offer varied terrain. You can expect mostly well-paved surfaces, traversing diverse rural scenery and villages. Some routes, like the difficult Oristà Village – Sant Feliu Sasserra Viewpoint loop from Sant Feliu Sasserra, include significant elevation gain, providing a challenge for experienced riders.

The L'Estany region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter natural monuments like Santa Coloma Sasserra, the Sant Pere Pass, or the El Roc Gros Viewpoint. The wider area also features attractions such as the Salt de la Tosca Waterfall and charming medieval villages.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are designed as loops to maximize your no-traffic cycling experience. For example, the Church of Prats de Lluçanès loop from Coll de Bassa and the Coll de Sant Miquel – Centelles–Sant Feliu Road loop from Tona are excellent options for enjoying the quiet roads of L'Estany.

The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. Most are rated moderate, such as the Oristà Village – View of the Pyrenees loop from Sant Feliu Sasserra, which covers 39.4 km with 679m of elevation gain. There is also a challenging route, the Oristà Village – Sant Feliu Sasserra Viewpoint loop from Sant Feliu Sasserra, spanning nearly 60 km with over 900m of climbing.

Specific parking information varies by route starting point. Generally, villages like Sant Feliu Sasserra or Tona, which serve as common starting points for these routes, offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking options for your chosen trailhead in advance.

The L'Estany region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 13 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, well-paved surfaces, and the opportunity to explore rural scenery and charming villages away from heavy traffic.

Many of these routes pass through or near small villages like Sant Feliu Sasserra, Oristà, or Prats de Lluçanès. These villages typically offer cafes, bakeries, or small shops where you can refuel and rest. It's a good idea to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer stretches between villages.

While direct public transport access to every trailhead might be limited, larger towns in the Pla de l'Estany region, such as Banyoles, are generally well-connected. From there, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach the starting points of some of the more remote no-traffic routes. Always check local bus or train schedules for the most up-to-date information.