02 - El Llobregat

A real mosaic that combines dirt tracks in excellent condition, fun and 100% cycle paths, and sections of asphalt on secondary roads. All of this creates a magnificent circular loop, with the Llobregat River as the backbone of this unforgettable experience.

Berguedà, during the second half of the 19th century, became one of the most prominent Catalan counties in textile manufacturing. The textile colonies emerged next to the river and provided work for many families, along with the mines that beautified the working landscape of the region.

Although textile activity has almost stopped, some of the old colonies still breathe life and give a glimpse of the years of maximum economic splendor. After descending from Berga and passing by the charming lake of Graugés, an agricultural and livestock colony that originated this much-photographed water reserve, we head towards the splendid pre-Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç d'Obiols, following gravel tracks that give us a gentle descent until we find the Llobregat river.

Soon we begin to discover some of the most emblematic colonies, such as La Plana or Ametlla de Casserres, also known as the Monegal colony. Here, we follow the river along an idyllic path that winds a few meters from its riverbed in a southerly direction. Further on, a more stony track, for only a few kilometers, will take us to Puig-reig, one of the towns best known for textiles in the region, along with Gironella. Both places are excellent for refueling, either in a cozy bakery with a good coffee or enjoying a delicious lunch menu in one of their restaurants.

From Puig-reig, we head back on asphalt, heading north, crossing the colonies of Cal Prat, el Guixaró, Viladomiu Nou and Viladomiu Vell, until we reach Cal Bassacs, touching Gironella again. Here we leave the river behind and start the climb towards Berga, from the picturesque chapel of Sant Marc. If we let ourselves be carried away by the rich history that accompanies this river, we will undoubtedly be immersed in a fascinating historical journey on the pedals.