After first discovering this route from Nerin to Torla; I had to wait almost five years to do it! Yes that is right; life, good and bad, got in the way of a simple relaxing ride!
The Spanish Pyrenees and especially the Ordesa National Park have spectacular views of: deep canyons, waterfalls, rolling hills and tumbledown villages. This ride takes it all in and more. On a good summers day; you can only feel relaxed with you and the world when you are in this seemingly ethereal place.
I started from the village of Nerin and travelled west to Torla to make the most of this beautiful ascent; then returning anticlockwise via a quiet back road. You can do the route the other way around; or return back over the high road if you are feeling strong. However my only caveat: the road up from Torla has very steep gradients. Even with low gearing; you would still have to walk in places. If you are lucky enough to afford an electric mountain bike; you will be fine!
I parked in Nerin near the bus stop. Drive up to Nerin and past the Hotel Palazio. Take the right fork, for about hundred metres. You will see a sign for a bus stand; if a bus is not there. As long as you leave room for the bus and passing traffic you can park anywhere without issue.
There are no shops in Nerin, so bring a picnic! Torla is about halfway along this bike route and there are many cafes and restaurants there. I stopped for a enormous gourmet burger and chips at the bar by the Intersport:
In addition, if you need dinner or even rest after your hard ride; I personally recommend the Hotel Palazio, in Nerin:
Energy required:
2,934 calories
Time taken:
6hrs 28 minutes
Relaxometer: Afterwards, I slept like a log!
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