Mountain Biking Routes in the Province of Valladolid: Discover the Best Trails!

Rutas de Ciclismo de Montaña en la Provincia de Valladolid: ¡Descubre los Mejores Senderos!

Valladolid is an ideal place for those looking for gentle routes, perfect for road bikes or beginner mountain bikes. Although it doesn’t have steep slopes or mountains, its valleys, such as those of the Duero and Pisuerga, offer consistently flat routes, but with small hills and rises that make the journey interesting. Despite the lack of major climbs, the routes are still demanding, especially due to the wind, which is typical in the area. Don’t forget to explore historic towns like Tordesillas and Peñafiel, known for their medieval castles and wine tradition. In addition, the city of Valladolid offers MTB routes within its urban core, such as the Cerro de las Contiendas, an ideal place to enjoy mountain biking without leaving the city.

Contiendas Park Route

One of the places frequented by bikers from the city of Valladolid is the Contiendas forest park. In this green area of the Castilian-Leonese capital, one of the rounds of the Open of Spain for Cross Country is usually held, and in 2020, the absolute Spanish Championship took place here. This route includes some of the explosive climbs and descents of the XC circuit, as well as a loop around the park and its surroundings. It’s an escape to nature for Valladolid cyclists just a few minutes by bike from the city center.

Ribera del Duero Route

Valladolid would not be understood without the Duero River, which crosses the province from east to west. In the region of Campo de Peñafiel, famous for its Ribera del Duero denomination of origin wines, it is possible to take a route through the fields of vineyards and wineries in the area along the Duero trail. This trail runs parallel to the riverbed. The path is suitable for cycling, except for some sections with stairs that must be crossed on foot, from Peñafiel to Quintanilla de Onésimo. Afterwards, around kilometer 33, a tough 3-kilometer climb begins toward a wooded moorland area, which we will soon descend as we head back toward Peñafiel.

Route of the Duero Meadows

We continue downstream along the Duero to the western end of the province, near the town of Pollos, passing Tordesillas. Here the river widens and forms large meanders. This widening of the river creates a natural environment rich in riparian flora and fauna. A large number of birds, such as the grey heron or the night heron, nest and live in this nature reserve of the Riberas de Castronuño or the Vegas del Duero. Starting from Pollos, it is possible to explore this river ecosystem, home not only to migratory birds but also to groves and forests of poplars, black poplars, and willows typical of the Duero valley. The route is easy and with little elevation gain except for its last part, once we move away from the riverbed to return shortly after to Pollos.