Gravel along the Rota da Auga from Betanzos
By bicis.net community · One way
In short: One-way gravel route of 45.5 km and +1,111 m from Coirós de Arriba (A Coruña). It's very hard and will take you about 4 h 05; its hardest kilometre is at 12.6 % and 82 % is track or trail.
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Add to my calendar- Distance
- 45.5 km
- Elevation gain
- +1,111 m
- Max altitude
- 484 m
- Hardest km
- 12.6 %
- Difficulty
- Very hard
- Estimated time
- 4 h 05 min
1 water fountain within 250 m of the route, according to OpenStreetMap. Cycling map
Profile
Run your finger or mouse over the profile to see each point on the map.
Surface
Tarmac 18 % Track 81 % Trail 1 %
Mostly track: good for gravel or a mountain bike. Measured on OpenStreetMap; there may be recent changes on the ground.
The route
If you like relaxed gravel, all valleys and hamlets, this signposted route takes you from Betanzos inland along the river Mandeo: 45.5 km and 1,111 m of elevation gain, with 81 % track. Little tarmac and lots of green.
The route
You start in the old town of Betanzos, with cobbled, pedestrian streets: get off the bike if there are people about. You soon enter the valley of the Mandeo and its tributaries and link Coirós, Paderne, Oza-Cesuras and Irixoa on dirt tracks between meadows, oaks and eucalyptus. The local roads joining the hamlets are narrow with very little traffic. There is a short stretch of path beside the river, towards Ponte de Teixeiro: go slowly and give way to walkers.
Where it bites
There is no big climb, but the profile goes up and down all the time and the average gradient is 2.4 %. The longest continuous climb is around the 12.6 km shown on the route card, so pace yourself. The highest point is only 484 m.
Where to stop
Water and bars in Betanzos and in Coirós and Paderne. In between there are few fountains: set off with two bottles and something to eat.
When to go
April to October is best. After rain the valley tracks get muddy, especially in the shady parts, so use tyres of 40 mm or more. In winter check the forecast: in a storm the river rises and some low crossings get wet.
Getting there
Betanzos has a train station (Betanzos-Infesta) and parking by the estuary. It is a good base to combine with other bike routes in Galicia, such as the gravel ride on the Camiño Natural de San Rosendo.
Sources for this text: Concello de Betanzos · Turismo de Galicia · OpenStreetMap
Track based on OpenStreetMap (Rota da Auga route, rcn network) (ODbL).
Frequently asked questions
- Can I ride it on a gravel bike?
- Yes, it is very much a gravel route: 81 % is track. Tyres of 40 mm or more are best, because there is mud after rain.
- Can I get there by train?
- Yes. Betanzos has a train station, Betanzos-Infesta, and parking by the estuary.
- Is there water along the way?
- There are bars and water in Betanzos, Coirós and Paderne, but few fountains in between. Take two bottles.
- What is the best time of year?
- April to October. In winter, in a storm, the river rises and some low crossings get wet.
Before you set off, check the state of the road or track and follow the traffic rules. Enjoy the ride.
Got a gravel bike gathering dust?
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