Situated between northern Spain and France, the Pyrenees mountains form a fence-like barrier between the two countries. They were formed by a massive collision between the Iberian and the Eurasian plates. The crash threw up shockwaves to the south, which threw the land up out of the sea and left us with an amazing network of rocky mountains which offer big descents and incredible slabs and rocks. In the Spring you see the snow capped High Pyrenees mountains standing to the north, adding to the spectacle.
The Pre-Pyrenees are a hidden gem for mountain biking, offering a unique combination of rugged terrain, scenic views, and incredible trails. This area, which includes Tremp, Sort, Ainsa, Guara, Castejón de Sos, and Riglos, to name a few, delivers a perfect balance of technical challenges and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Our Pre-Pyrenees Mountain Bike Holidays
Here are a selection of our mountain bike holidays in the Pre-Pyrenees region.
Tremp vs Ainsa
Backcountry Pyrenees
Ainsa Enduro
Have A Look At Some Photos From The Pre-Pyrenees Mountains →
What are the best seasons for biking in the Pre-Pyrenees?
The Pre-Pyrenees mountains are best in the Spring and the Autumn. In summer they are just too hot. We think that the best months are March, April, May and November. It is possible to ride over winter too, however the days are shorter which limits how much riding we can do!.
In Spring overnight temperatures can fall below zero but they quickly come up to double figures when the sun comes up. Often we start with a jacket and finish with short-sleeves. These are generally very dry areas and only get rain with southerly weather systems, which are not typical.
In Autumn the story is much the same, cold overnight but warm in the day. The days are a little shorter but the temperatures a little warmer.
June is borderline, but July an August it can be very, very hot and riding is not pleasant.
Barcelona: Train or Airport
You can arrive to Barcelona either in plane, or from many places in Europe via train. Feedback from guests is that the train is really easy and that there is no issues with bikes in bags at all. From Barcelona we pick up on our Pyrenees Odyssey, Ainsa Enduro, Backcountry Pyrenees and Tremp vs Ainsa holidays.
If you need to get to the Tremp or Ainsa via public transport from Barcelona, it is really difficult. You are best hiring a car, or a taxi is about €350 each wayIf you fancy an adventure you can get a bus but it takes a full day and you need to go to Barbastro and from there take a local bus company to your destination.
Basque Coast Airports: Bilbao, Biarritz and San Sebastián
You can fly to the Basque Coast and transfer to the High Pyrenees. We organise trasfers from here for our High Pyrenees and Basque Coast holidays. From the airports there are dedicated shuttle busses which take you into central San Sebastián where we pick you up.
If you need to get to the High Pyrenees via public transport from the Basque Coast it is very difficult, you would be better hiring a car.
Driving: Ferry or Direct
From throughout Europe driving is easy and from the UK or Ireland there are ferries to the Basque Coast. For all of our trips we need to meet at a central location so that we can leave your bike bags there, and also so that at the end of your trip we arrive back to your car. It is best to get in touch to talk through the options.
Basque Coast Train Stations: Biarritz, Hendaye and San Sebastián
From Biarritz or Hendaye you have the TGV which links from Paris and takes just over four hours. San Sebastián has great train links from throughout Spain.
Other Airports
From Toulouse, Tarbes, Zaragoza and Madrid you have flights to many places. If these are your only options we can arrange a transfer at an extra cost.
The most famous area is Ainsa, or Zona Zero, which has been building up a reputation for around the same time as basqueMTB! Tremp is also quickly getting well known, and with good reason… it is amazing! Our favourite area is Guara, where the trails are amazing but far fewer bikers ever venture there.
