From Sobrarbe to Roncal: cycling through the Pyrenees

This last option was the one chosen by the RACC HolaBICI Team , embarking on a journey to connect two cycling accommodations: SNÖ Bielsa , in the Sobrarbe region of Huesca, and SNÖ Isaba , in the Roncal Valley of Navarre. A demanding 210-km route that crosses landscapes that test cyclists' physical endurance, while also allowing them to explore and connect with nature. Are you up for it too?

A demanding route

With a total of 210.77 km , this one-way route demands preparation, perseverance, and good physical fitness. The route combines long climbs with steep descents and false flat sections, totaling a positive elevation gain of 2,821 m and a negative elevation gain of 3,035 m . The highest point of the route reaches 1,288 m , while the lowest is 531 m , highlighting the contrasting terrain encountered throughout the day.

Although the route isn't particularly technically difficult, the challenge lies in the distance and the accumulated elevation gain, which can require more than 10 hours of pedaling . The route is aimed at those with experience on long-distance routes who can manage the effort throughout the day.

From Bielsa to Isaba

The journey begins at the SNÖ Bielsa, at the foot of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park , facing the A-138 road towards Aínsa . This first contact is downhill and runs along the side of the Cinca River, until it crosses the Ara River in Aínsa. It is at this point that we leave the A-138 to head towards the A-2205 , towards Margudgued. Shortly after this detour, at 35 km, we face the first challenge: going from an altitude of 547 m to 662 m in a 3 km ascent.

A pass that only serves as a warning of what's to come, which is none other than the climb to the Serrablo Pass , at an altitude of 1,259 m. To get here, the N-260 connects us to the winding roads of the A-1604, which will take us to the first pass on the route. There are no steep inclines, but rather a long, steady climb with hardly any breaks, with hardly any traffic.

From approximately 60 km to 95 km, the journey gives your legs a break with a descent. This delightful path through nature leads us to the N-330 before re-entering provincial roads, such as the HU-V-3011 from Baranguá to Jaca.

Although it rarely appears on tourist maps, this section is pure enjoyment for those looking to pedal away from traffic and close to the scenery. The narrow, low-traffic road passes through small towns, such as Navasa . The road features gentle curves, hills, and descents. At this point, we will have covered 112 km of the route. Just 10 km further on, we find Jaca, a good place to stop for lunch and recharge our batteries.

From Jaca, we take the A-2605 road , which crosses valleys and forests with panoramic views of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Along this route, we come across towns such as Jasa and Aragüés, which can be used as resting points. Continuing along the road, and about 20 km after leaving Jaca, we come to the junction with the A-176, which we take towards Hecho . This town serves as a gateway to other cycling destinations, such as Ansó , where we continue the route, ascending the 1,066 m mountain pass, bordering the Terit ravine.

In Ansó, we turn off onto the HU-V-2024 . On this journey, we'll flow alongside the Veral River until we reach the Argibiela Pass , at an altitude of 1,296 m. At this point, we'll leave the autonomous community of Aragon behind and enter Navarre . For this reason, the road changes its name to NA-2000.

At this point, we face the final 14 km of the route . But this distance is also demanding, as the average gradient is 4%, although in some final sections it climbs to 7.5%. However, the walk through the Roncal Valley, with its characteristic tranquility and natural beauty, is the icing on the cake before reaching our destination: SNÖ Isaba.

Alternative option: stop in Formigal

This route is also designed to be completed in two days. The alternative option would be to leave Bielsa and, near Jaca, find a route that takes you to Formigal, where you can rest in the SNÖ accommodations there. From there, you can resume your hike to Isaba after resting.

Benefits of SNÖ

The SNÖ Hotels chain has firmly committed to cycle tourism, obtaining the Bike-Friendly seal for all its properties. Therefore, both the Isaba and Bielsa hotels are equipped with specific facilities and services for cyclists, such as secure bicycle storage and washing areas. Plus, if you are a RACC member, you'll receive a 15% discount on your rate.

Route map