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Travel StoriesTo The Southern Tip Of Europe
An Easy Day Around The Pyrenees
Ride Date 15 Sep 2025
By Andy Gray
Day 4: Benasque Loop 135 miles
Today was a rest day, sort of!
The weather forecast was for light showers today and this started while I was laying in the tent around 8:30. Didn’t last more than a few drops. Decided on a trip to the Benasque Valley which is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees including Aneto at 3,400m.
This involves heading east along the N-260 which I’m not certain I actually rode last year. Normally have a great memory for roads but this stunning, twisty bit of tarmac didn’t register in the memory banks. First I had to head north back through the roadworks, unluckily there was a 25 minute wait this time. The plus point was that I could watch the vultures cruising in the thermals on the nearby ridge. Think I saw two different types.
Really enjoyed the traffic free N-260 to Castejon de Sos where you turn right to head up towards Benasque. Unluckily they were resurfacing the roads in the town so we were stationary for 15 minutes in the heat. Did I say, there was no sign of the promised rain! Clear skies all around and I decided not to wear my vented jacket!!
After the town, the road climbs 8 miles up into the mountains and splits. The left goes higher until the road ends with spectacular views all around. You can see the right hand road leading down to Llanos del Hospital which despite the name is a restaurant and hotel. It also disappears further up the valley so I had to go and investigate.
Once past the hotel the road surface got a bit iffy but after a few miles ends at a parking area with a small cafe and views of the Aneto. Lots of hiking trails from here so the car park was full. Stopped for a quick drink and photos before heading back towards Benasque.
On the way was a left turn which headed steeply upwards, decided to see where it went. 7.5 miles later after passing through the town of Cerler, I reached the Ampriu ski resort at 1912m. Didn’t realise until I saw the writing on the road but this was a stage finish on the recent Vuelta (Tour of Spain). Plenty of riders names painted on the road as well as lots of anti Israel slogans as the race was disrupted and stages stopped early due to protests. The town of Cerler also had lots of protest signs up which is about plans to build a gondaler which will increase tourism even more when they cannot cope.
Back down the mountain and back through Benasque with another 10 minute queue for the road works in 25C heat. The rest of the ride was a loop around the countryside and hills to return to the campsite, got a bit uncomfortable as the temps got up to 29C. Was wishing I’d worn the vented jacket today! Worse are my feet as I get heat rash inside my boots, they got really hot behind the engine cylinders with no circulating air.
Hoping for a better night's sleep tonight. As usual I struggled to sleep on my first night camping yesterday.
Threaten was all the rain did.
Left of centre is Llanos del Hospital and the road that continues into the valley.
At the end of the valley.
Back towards the hotel.
Waterfalls.
Start of the road to Cerler.
Benasque from above.
Ski resort at Ampriu.
Coming back from the ski resort.
This translates as be aware of sheep here protected by mountain dogs and not to approach them.
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A long Ride to Gien
Big miles already on Andy's first day on the road. He's just getting settled into the ride and making his way south through France.
Smiling In The Rain
It's a soggy wet day through France for Andy, but that won't dampen his spirits. He stumbles upon 2CVs and climbing walls, straight roads and twisties.
Into The Pyrenees
With improving weather Andy is still heading south. It's all terribly positive, even the diversions are opportunities to explore. The Pyrenees continue to impress.
An Easy Day Around The Pyrenees
Andy is taking it easy today. Just a casual bimble around The Pyrenees, across mountains and valleys, you know, the sort of easy ride we all do on a lazy day. Ever more delightful images too.
Reader's Comments
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Gotta love mountains.
Gotta dislike big beefy sheep dogs. Unless you're a sheep.
Upt.
11/11/2025 13:05:07 UTC
nab301 said :-
Some more lovely photos and weather (although have had 16°c to 18°c in Dublin in the first week of November...)
Nigel
11/11/2025 13:57:38 UTC
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Travel StoriesTo The Southern Tip Of Europe