Ruta del Tambor y el Bombo Cycling Loop

The route starts and ends in Híjar. You can typically find parking within the town of Híjar, which serves as a convenient starting point for this round trip.

The route follows the Río Martín valley, offering a varied relief with undulating terrain. You'll experience a mix of flatter sections and gentle ascents/descents. The broader Desierto de Calanda area features a semi-desert geography, providing unique vistas. Secondary roads in the Teruel province are generally known for low traffic and good asphalt.

You'll pass through several interesting points. Highlights include the Samper de Calanda (Hermitage of Santa Quiteria), the charming Alleys of Albalate del Arzobispo, and the Albalate del Arzobispo Historic Center. The starting and ending point, Híjar, is also a notable settlement.

Road cycling routes, especially those on public roads, are generally not recommended for cycling with dogs due to safety concerns with traffic and the sustained pace required. It's best to leave your furry friends at home for this particular ride.

Given the semi-desert geography of the Desierto de Calanda, spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant seasons for cycling. Summers can be very hot, while winters might be chilly. These shoulder seasons offer milder temperatures and comfortable conditions for enjoying the scenery.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route or to access the general Bajo Martín area. The route primarily uses public roads.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other paths. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Camino del Maestrazgo-Bajo Aragón, Gran travesía del Bajo Martín, Loma del Regadío y ribera del Martín, Barranco de La Hoz - La Silleta, and Sierra de Arcos - Albalate, among others.

The scenery is quite distinctive due to the Río Martín carving its valley through a semi-desert landscape. You'll experience a striking contrast with steppes and unique geological formations, offering a different visual experience compared to more lush regions.

The route is rated as 'moderate' difficulty, with approximately 487 meters of elevation gain over 53.5 kilometers. While it features rolling hills and some climbs characteristic of a river valley ride, the roads generally have low traffic and good asphalt. Beginners with a reasonable level of fitness and some experience on longer rides should find it manageable, but it's not entirely flat.

The route passes through towns like Albalate del Arzobispo and starts/ends in Híjar. These settlements offer opportunities to find cafes, restaurants, or shops where you can refuel and take a break during your ride.

Take advantage of the low traffic and good asphalt on the secondary roads. This allows for a more relaxed and immersive experience, letting you truly appreciate the unique semi-desert landscapes and the quiet beauty of the Río Martín valley. Consider stopping at the abandoned 17th-century Monastery of the Desert of Calanda if your route allows for a slight detour, as it's a significant historical landmark in the area.