Tunnels, viaducts, rivers and incredible scenery. The Terra Alta Greenway is one of those rides that turns a simple family cycle into a proper adventure.
The route follows the former railway line between Arnes-Lledó and Pinell de Brai, covering around 23 kilometres. And although that distance might sound like a lot at first, the route is downhill, so there is relatively little pedalling involved.
But this isn't a ride to rush through. The best part is taking your time, stopping along the way and enjoying everything the route has to offer.
An old railway line turned into an adventure
The route can start at the former Arnes-Lledó railway station, around one kilometre from Lledó.
From the very beginning, the Terra Alta landscape takes centre stage. The old railway line passes through tunnels and across viaducts as it heads towards the different former stations along the route.
After a few kilometres, you reach Horta de Sant Joan, where you can also see places such as the Ermita de Santa Pau and the Sant Salvador convent.
And then comes one of the parts children are likely to enjoy most: the tunnels!
Who's brave enough for the tunnels?
Before reaching Bot, the route passes through five tunnels.
Some of them are long and dark, so it is advisable to bring some kind of light. The longest one is 600 metres.
And yes, some children may find the tunnels a little daunting at first. But they can also become one of the most memorable parts of the ride: sing, talk, listen to the echoes or simply enjoy the excitement of discovering what is waiting on the other side.
Because when a tunnel becomes part of the adventure, you know it's going to be remembered.
Before reaching Bot, you will also cross two viaducts and pass the Ermita de Sant Josep de Bot, which stands high on a mountain.
Let the river lead the way
As the route continues, the Canaletes River becomes one of its main features.
You can see it from different points along the Greenway as it flows between rocky walls. Further on, the river runs alongside the Fontcalda Sanctuary, where the landscape becomes even more impressive, with steep rocky gorges.
It is also a great place to take a break and enjoy your surroundings.
Along the route, there are different places where you can stop for a rest, have something to eat or simply leave the bikes for a while and take it all in.
A stop at Fontcalda
Further along, you reach Prat de Comte and, shortly afterwards, the Fontcalda area.
A path from the Greenway leads to the sanctuary, where you can stop and enjoy the natural pools.
Vehicles can be found on this section, as the sanctuary can also be reached by car, so take care when passing through this area.
And if you're still ready to ride, continue towards Pinell de Brai, where there is a children's play area.
A route to experience together
One of the things that makes the Terra Alta Greenway special is the way the scenery keeps changing.
One moment you're riding through a tunnel, the next you're crossing a viaduct. Then the landscape opens up to reveal the river, small villages, former railway stations and places to stop and rest.
And, if you're lucky, you may even spot some wild goats along the way.
There are also bicycle hire companies offering a pick-up service when booked in advance, making it easier to organise the ride.
The Terra Alta Greenway ends at Pinell de Brai, although the old railway route continues towards the Ebro as the Baix Ebre Greenway, with a further 26 kilometres of downhill riding.
But what you take home from this ride isn't just the kilometres.
It's the tunnels you ride through together, the unexpected stops, the landscapes you discover and that feeling that an ordinary bike ride can become a real family adventure.
Because at Trax, we believe the best rides aren't the ones we finish fastest. They're the ones we remember together.
