Day 1: Setting Off from Girona
Girona, a city rich in history and vibrant culture, serves as the perfect starting point for our journey. As experienced gravel bike riders, we’ve packed our bikes with all the necessary gear, along with carefully chosen ingredients to fuel us along the way.
Leaving Girona, we join the Carrilet, an old railway line that once connected the city to Olot. Now repurposed as one of the most popular cycling routes in the region, it stretches over 50km, cutting through the once-volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa. As the kilometres pass beneath our wheels, the scenery shifts from the fertile plains of the Gironès to the rolling foothills of La Selva. Despite the changing terrain, the gravel path remains smooth and ideal for our ride.
In contrast to the energy of Girona, the route exudes serenity. We pass through small villages, open crop fields, and dense forests, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of rural Catalonia. After several hours of pedalling through the heart of La Selva, the Susqueda Reservoir appears in the distance, marking the beginning of a challenging ascent into the Collsacabra Mountains.
The climb towards Rupit, a medieval village perched in the mountains, becomes steeper and more technical. Grateful for our well-equipped bikes, we push on, rewarded by breathtaking views along the way.
Arriving in Rupit, we are welcomed by its beautifully preserved stone houses and cobbled streets, a place seemingly untouched by time. It’s the perfect spot for a well-earned break, allowing us to explore the historic town, soak in its charm, and sample some of the delicious local produce.
From Rupit, we continue past the Salt de Sallent waterfall, where water plunges more than 100 meters into the valley below. The view from here is breathtaking, with mountains dominating the horizon and lush green valleys stretching endlessly into the distance. It feels like the perfect place to make camp. We welcome the chance to rest and pitch our tents on the clifftops, taking in the incredible scenery.
As the sun sets, the cliffs are bathed in golden and orange tones. The distant sound of the waterfall lulls us to sleep, marking the end of a rewarding first day on the trail.
Day 2: Alta Garrotxa
The second day begins with a closer look at the Salt de Sallent waterfall before we prepare for another day of biking through the spectacular Catalan landscape. Our route leads us towards La Garrotxa, a region renowned for its wild beauty and dramatic volcanic terrain.
The forest paths become more mountainous as we leave behind signs of civilization and enter the remote and less-traveled area of Alta Garrotxa. The terrain grows rockier and more technical, with challenging climbs and descents that push our biking skills to the limit. Once again, we’re grateful for our gravel bikes, which are built for this kind of adventure.
As we push deeper into Alta Garrotxa, we are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. Our second camping spot is nestled at the top of the region, in a secluded clearing surrounded by nature. Setting up our tents in this quiet, untouched landscape feels like a privilege, a moment of pure connection with the wild beauty of Catalonia.
Traditional Seafood Paella By Kieran Creevy Photography Lisa Paarvio
Ingredients
1 cup of Paella rice
1 veggie stock cube
1 garlic clove
1 can baby octopus, 1 can mussels, 1 can red peppers in olive oil
1 can tomato paste
salt & pepper to taste
Method:
Drain the mussels, octopus, and peppers, reserving a small amount of oil from the peppers for frying the garlic. Set everything aside.
Finely dice the garlic clove. In a pot, heat a little of the reserved oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until softened.
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the rice, vegetable stock, and tomato paste, cooking over medium heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked.
Cut the canned peppers into pieces. Add the octopus, mussels, and sliced peppers to the rice, mixing everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve in bowls or on plates. Bon Appétit!
Day 3: Journey Home
On the third day, we begin our return to Girona, but not before enjoying the final stretch through the Alta Garrotxa. The pace is much slower and more relaxed compared to the first day, as we follow peaceful paths through quiet woods and oak tree groves. As we near the Carrilet, the terrain becomes smoother, and we pick up speed.
As we get closer to the city, we reflect on the adventure we’ve had over the past days. The landscape shifts back to the green fields of the Girona plain. Returning to civilization gives us a renewed appreciation for the beauty of rural Catalonia, where we’ve encountered some of the region’s most striking and varied landscapes. Though our bodies are tired, we feel deeply fulfilled by the experience. Girona greets us warmly, and we welcome the chance to rest… until the next adventure!
