About the place:
If you think that it is impossible to enjoy of the mountains with the kids on two wheels you have not tried the Vía Verde of the Terra Alta.
Following the route of the old railroad tracks to Tortosa, you’ll pass by bridges and tunnels enjoying of the spectacular mountains of Els Ports. You’ll have your dose of adventure when passing by the dark tunnels between the old stations of Horta de Sant Joan, Bot and Pinell de Brai. Halfway you must stop at the Sanctuary of Fontcalda, the former residence of the Templars dependening of Miravet. It has a source where you can soak your feet. The crystal clear water that maintains all year round the temperature of 24 º C, has medicinal properties. A nice stop next to the river Canaletes, among the majestic mountains of the Mola of Fusta and Crestall.
A great trip to enjoy of the landscape by bike in together with the kids.
Direction tips:
The route starts in Horta de Sant Joan. If you take your own bikes, you can leave your car at the old station of Horta de Sant Joan, located at between Bot and Horta de Sant Joan at the T334, km 4.
If you have to rent the bikes, you can do so at Estació de Benifallet’s shop in the Sant Miquel street, a street that next to the Plaza Catalunya, heart of Horta de Sant Joan. You can park your car at the Catalunya Square between 7:00 and 17:00 in front of the information office. To reach the Horta de Sant Joan’s station, the start point of the itinerary, you have to cross the Plaza Catalunya and take the street parallel to the T334, which is a steep downhill. When you reach the first fork, you should take the road to the right following the signs for the Via Verde. A few minutes later you have to cross a bridge. Once over the bridge you must turn left to reach the Via Verde. On the right you will see the old station of Horta de Sant Joan and to the left, passing under the bridge you’ll find the start point of the Via Verde between Horta and Pinell de Brai.
Throughout the tour you will find several picnic places. At the station of Bot(after 9.1 km Horta) and Prat de Comte (13.9 km Horta past) you will find a picnic area with tables, a playground and coverage for mobile phones. After 14.8 km from Horta and approximately 1 km after passing from the station of El Prat de Comte, just after a tunnel you’ll find on your left side in a curve a path with a strong slope that takes you to the Sanctuary of Fontcalda. Here you will find a restaurant (open only in summer), a picnic area with barbecues, tables, sources and WC. You can swim in the river Canaletes or soak your feet in the source. After 4.3 km of the sanctuary, you’ll arrive to the picnic area of Pinell de Brai, endpoint of the route, where you will be pick up by a van of Esgambi (in case you requested the transport service).
Foto: © ExploraTgn.cat
Timetable:
Between 16/01 and 14/11 there is a pick-up service. Esgambi’s Opening Hours: 9:30 to 13:30. No service between 15/11 and 15/01 with the exception of the booked transport services.
The best season:
autumn, summer, spring
Lunch tips:
You can have lunch at one of the various picnic areas that you will find along the road. At the station of Bot(after 9.1 km Horta), Prat de Comte (13.9 km Horta past) and Pinell de Brai (19.1 km Horta) you will find a playground with tables, an area with children's games and cover for mobile phones. If you prefer a restaurant with Catalan cuisine, make a stop at the restaurant of the resort of La Fontcalda (14.8 km from Horta). Here we also find a playground with tables, barbecues, a fountain and WC.
More info:
Difficulty: low
Type: linear route
Distance: 19.1 km (one way)
Duration: approx. 2 ½ hours (without stops)
Accessibility:
paved path with a slope until the La Fontcalda. From here there is a
small section (approx. 1 km) with a few gentle rises.
Recommendations:
take flashlights for the tunnels. In summer: take water, a picnic,
sunscreen and hat with you. In spring and autumn: use warm clothes
because it is a windy area.
You can rent bicycles, kid’s chairs, bikes for children and small cart at Estació de Benifallet;
Tel: 652 940 703 (Vicent) o 689 293 766 (Miquel), C / Sant Miquel, 7 in Horta de
Sant Joan. Shop’s Opening Hours: 9:30 to 13:30 between 16/01 and 14/11.
Rental
price for 1 day: bike: 18 € (includes pick-up); child bike with a hook
to an adult bike: 12 € (includes pick-up), kid’s seat (up to 20kg): 6 €;
cart for 2 children up to approx. 5 years: 12 €.
Pick up of people
and bicycles (if you do not rent the bikes: Pinell de Brai: 10 € /
person; The company Esgambi has kid’s seats in the
van to transport the kids in a safe way.
Photo: © ExploraTgn.cat