The mountains which separate France and Spain have long harboured some of the best biking roads in Europe. Amazing views, empty twisty roads galore, great food, and the chance to explore the tiny principality of Andorra and the classical fortified Roman city of Pamplona.
The lead guide on this trip was Rich Edwards. Daily reports were written by support rider Max White.
DAY ONE
We begin our adventure with nine Magellanites journeying south through mixed weather to Plymouth, boarding the Pont Aven to Santander. After drying our waterproofs, we discuss past trips and favourite bikes over an incredible Atlantic sunset. Next, we ride east on the winding roads towards Pamplona.
DAY TWO
We ride east towards Basque Country and the Kingdom of Navarre. With clear views across Biscay on our left and a conveyor belt of mountains on our right, we experience the first taste of the winding roads to come as we pull off the motorway and head into the hills. Hotel Albret, near the centre of Pamplona, is home for the night before we ride into the mountains tomorrow.
DAY THREE
We cross the Pyrenees into France on the incredible N-135, then back into Spain to Hotel Anayet. Treated to blue skies all day, we enjoy panoramic views, perfect hairpin bends, and great coffee spots in the mountains. We end the day with a walk around Estación de Canfranc, a grandiose train station now used as a hotel.
DAY FOUR
We ride the infamous N-260, also known as the Eje Pirenaico (Pyrenaean Axis), east to Andorra. It’s biking perfection with fast, sweeping bends and little to no traffic. The views are spectacular, passing the towering Ordessa National Park and countless stone villages before winding our way up the Andorran valley to our hotel.
DAY FIVE
We ride back west along the N-260 from Andorra on a shorter riding day. Under the sun and 27-degree heat, we scale mountain passes and ride through several gorges lined with flowing rivers. Hotel Peña Montañesa provides our sundown drinks as we watch the mountains glow orange with the evening light.
DAY SIX
Crossing into France in the morning, we navigate through limited visibility and wet conditions. After finding our second mountain pass blocked, we stick to the valley floor, staying dry and watching clouds dance across the trees. As the weather clears, we climb back over the mountains across a beautiful pass, dropping into Panticosa, the favourite ski resort of King Juan Carlos.
DAY SEVEN
Ride or rest? This is the choice today. Those on two wheels find clear skies and stunning views across both sides of the Pyrenees. The ride features a beautiful mountain pass, fast-flowing valley roads, and several ski lifts. The Magellanites back at the hotel bask in the sunshine around the lake or enjoy a spa treatment. Tomorrow, we ride back to Pamplona!
DAY EIGHT
After yesterday’s mountain pass, we opt for an alternative route in the foothills today. Heading east, we ride the fast-flowing twisties, a beautiful gorge, and the N-240 past a bright turquoise reservoir. A few of our group then take to the high roads again before riding into Pamplona. Tomorrow we head towards the Picos!
DAY NINE
From Pamplona, we head over the hills, covering good ground on sweeping rural roads. When the rain hits, we use the motorway to fast-track our way to the Picos. Our last hour sees us into the national park, riding some fun twisties before reaching our parador at Cangas de Onís for the final two nights of our tour.
DAY TEN
This is one to remember! Our final full day in Spain and a chance to explore one of the country’s great motorcycle regions. The Picos de Europa have it all: vast and steep-sided gorges, crystal-blue lakes nestled between mountains, traditional Spanish villages, and several viewpoints that could be straight out of Hollywood. Over five hours, the nine of us travel through its varied landscapes, soaking in the scenery before returning late to our parador for one last group meal.
DAY ELEVEN
An early ferry departure means we have a shorter ride today. Leaving our parador, we enjoy the last few sweeping bends of the Picos de Europa before jumping on the motorway to reach the ferry in good time. Check-in takes all of five minutes—the joys of being a biker! Now to plan our next tour…
