The best cycling routes around Embalse de Mansilla
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29
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5
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Touring cycling around Embalse de Mansilla is characterized by the reservoir's greenish waters, fed by the Najerilla River, set against the backdrop of the Montes de Urbión. The region features varied terrain, including roads skirting the reservoir and paths through rural landscapes. When water levels are low, the ruins of the old town of Mansilla de la Sierra become visible, adding a unique historical element to the natural scenery. The area offers a mix of paved and unpaved sections, with…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
7
riders
32.8km
02:22
720m
720m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
2
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A recommended area for walking.
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The Church of San Martín in Huerta de Arriba combines a Romanesque apse with a neoclassical nave built in 1729. Inside, the main altarpiece stands out, in a neoclassical style with Baroque influences. It is a good example of how different architectural styles coexist in a single rural church.
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The Mining Railway Trail is part of the Sierra de la Demanda Greenway and follows the old railway line that linked the iron mines with Burgos. The history of the old Sierra de la Demanda mining railway is closely linked to the iron exploitation in this area. Built by the English company The Sierra Company Limited, it began operating in 1901 to transport ore to Burgos and from there to the Basque steelworks, although it never became profitable and closed in 1910. Its tracks were dismantled in 1947, leaving the route unused for decades. At the beginning of the 21st century, the route was reborn as a greenway, part of the Natural Trail Network, and since 2004, it has been an ideal path for hikers and cyclists.
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Wonderful to cycle on the little-used road along the reservoir.
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Beautiful natural waterfall of the Tejero River as it passes through the surroundings of Huerta de Arriba.
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The Mansilla reservoir is located on the Najerilla river, a tributary of the Ebro river. Its waters hide the old town of Mansilla de la Sierra, whose church and some other buildings are visible when it is low.
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In Viniega de Arriba, you have to leave the highway and continue straight along the street that runs through the urban complex, see the stone mansions, the cobbled streets, the fountains and the atmosphere that recalls the splendor of the glorious era of transhumance.
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In addition to the Church of the Assumption, it has a rural house and beautiful houses belonging to families who returned from Latin America with money, the 'indianos'. Cool off in the Fountain of the 4 Pipes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling around Embalse de Mansilla?
Touring cycling around Embalse de Mansilla features varied terrain. You'll find roads skirting the reservoir, as well as paths through rural landscapes. The area includes both paved and unpaved sections, often with significant elevation changes, set against the backdrop of the Montes de Urbión.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Embalse de Mansilla?
Yes, there are circular touring cycling routes available. A popular option is the Embalse de Mansilla – circular by Viniegra de Abajo and Mansilla de la Sierra – Montes de Urbión, which offers scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in Embalse de Mansilla?
The touring cycling routes around Embalse de Mansilla are generally considered difficult. They require good physical condition due to significant elevation gains and varying terrain. For example, the Anguiano – Canales de la Sierra loop from Anguiano involves over 1100 meters of elevation gain.
What unique historical features can I see while cycling near Embalse de Mansilla?
A unique historical feature is the submerged village of Mansilla de la Sierra. When water levels are low, particularly in autumn, winter, or during droughts, the ruins of the old town, including its church and other buildings, become visible. You can even walk among the remnants of ancient streets and a Roman bridge, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions in the new town of Mansilla de la Sierra?
Yes, the modern town of Mansilla de la Sierra offers a tranquil rural tourism experience. Notable sites include the Church of La Concepción, which houses a Mozarabic processional cross from 1109, and the Hermitage of Santa Catalina, a 12th-century Romanesque temple located beside the reservoir.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Embalse de Mansilla?
The touring cycling routes in Embalse de Mansilla are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique historical elements, such as the submerged village, and the peaceful, scenic rides along the relatively unused roads around the reservoir.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Embalse de Mansilla area?
There are at least 3 touring cycling routes available for exploration in the Embalse de Mansilla area, all of which are categorized as difficult.
Is there a route that explores a former mining railway trail?
Yes, the Mining Railway Trail – San Martín Obispo Church loop from Canales de la Sierra is a difficult 34.8 km route that explores a former mining railway trail and passes by the San Martín Obispo Church.
What rivers feed the Embalse de Mansilla, and what are the surrounding natural features?
The Embalse de Mansilla is fed by the Najerilla River, a tributary of the Ebro, as well as the Gatón and Cambrones rivers. The reservoir's greenish waters are framed by the picturesque Montes de Urbión, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for your cycling adventures.
Are there opportunities for swimming or cooling off near the cycling routes?
Yes, there is a designated bathing area located past Mansilla de la Sierra, which allows visitors to cool off and enjoy the water during the warmer summer months.
What is the longest touring cycling route available in the Embalse de Mansilla region?
The longest touring cycling route listed is the Anguiano – Canales de la Sierra loop from Anguiano, which spans approximately 90.0 km and involves over 1100 meters of elevation gain.
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