Arguedas-Sangüesa (1st stage)

The route starts next to the flooded rice paddies south of Arguedas and heads north through the immensity of the Bardenas Reales desert. A spectacular contrast, a preview of what awaits you on a larger scale on this route. As soon as you set off, you cross Bardenas Reales, where no water is available until you reach Carcastillo, at km 40. Something to bear in mind, especially when it’s hot.

Riding through Bardenas Reales is always spectacular: from the iconic sculpted rock of Castildetierra to the picturesque geological formation of Los Blanquizales. You ride through numerous areas dotted with ravines until you reach El Paso, where you’ll find a sculpture in honour of shepherds and you leave this unique terrain behind.

The second part of the route begins in Carcastillo, passing from the desert to the banks of the Aragón river. From here you gradually enter the Navarrese pre-Pyrenees, the picturesque village of Gallipienzo looking down on you from the left, its Roman bridge registering your arrival.

The last part of the route takes you through an area with fertile vegetable gardens irrigated by the Aragón river, an easy stretch which, after passing Cáseda, leads you to Sangüesa.