Routes for mountain biking in the province of Palencia

Rutas para salir en bicicleta de montaña en la provincia de Palencia

Palencia by bicycle: mountain and road routes to discover its heritage

Palencia is the cradle of Romanesque art in Spain, with numerous perfectly preserved monuments, churches, and medieval monasteries. In addition, it is home to the Canal de Castilla, one of the country's greatest hydraulic works, which in recent years has become a tourist attraction. Its cycle path, which runs parallel to the canal, is one of the most popular routes for those who enjoy cycling in all its forms.

Mountain bike routes in Palencia

The Canal de Castilla offers one of the best routes for those looking for mountain bike rides mountain bikes without major technical difficulties, but with the possibility to adjust the distance according to each cyclist's level. However, the province of Palencia not only has flat paths ideal for MTB and gravel, but also features high mountain areas in the north, perfect for adventure lovers on two wheels.

The Montaña Palentina, less known than its Asturian and Cantabrian neighbors, is a paradise for those seeking mountain biking routes in spectacular natural surroundings. With a great variety of trails and rural paths, it is an ideal destination for those who want to test their endurance and technique on more demanding terrain.

Road cycling in the Montaña Palentina

For those who prefer road cycling, Palencia also offers unparalleled options. Its secondary roads, with little traffic and stunning landscapes, allow you to enjoy long journeys between charming villages and beautiful natural areas. In particular, the climbs to the peaks of the Montaña Palentina are perfect for cyclists looking for routes with elevation gain and challenging mountain passes.

From peaceful rides across the plains to demanding high mountain routes, Palencia is establishing itself as a privileged destination for both mountain bikes and road bikes.

Canal de Castilla Route

Route around the outskirts of the city of Palencia, passing by the Canal de Castilla, outside the city, and climbing Monte el Viejo. The Canal de Castilla, built in the 18th century for transporting wheat from the north, became obsolete several decades later with the arrival of the railroad. Now it forms the backbone of a network of trails and paths to be explored by bike or on foot. Except for the two climbs to the Monte, the rest of the route is flat and runs along forest tracks.

Carrión de los Condes Route

The Carrión River runs through the province of Palencia from north to south, and right in the center of the province is the medieval town of Carrión de los Condes. From this beautiful village, we travel through the heart of the Castilian plateau and its endless cereal fields to Itero Seco, in the municipality of La Loma de Ucieza, where the longest climb of the day is located, at kilometer 23. Pay close attention, as the route can become tougher if the wind blows in the area.

Montaña Palentina Route

In the north of the province, the Castilian plain changes completely at the height of Cervera de Pisuerga. The so-called Montaña Palentina, which is part of the Cantabrian Mountains, offers high mountain routes with unique scenic value. In addition to being a little-exploited tourist area, it has the charm of showcasing some of the most spectacular peaks in the area, such as Curavacas, at 2,524 meters, located within the Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre Natural Park. This is a mountain bike route with significant elevation gain, reaching heights above 1,600 meters. The toughest part of the route is at the beginning, with two consecutive climbs that start after passing the Requejada reservoir dam.