Sierra de Gratal

Fancy an exquisite off-road adventure? A thrill, a raised pulse, sweaty armpits? Then head for the Sierra de Gratal. This mountain range runs northeast of the city of Huesca from west to east, its highest point is the Pico de la Calma at 1,581 meters. Paths and tracks are rare up here, and the few that exist are quite challenging.

First we follow the small road from Loarre towards Castillo, but first turn right onto an easy track. Behind Aniés with its narrow town center, the track winds uphill in curves and bends. Soon the Eremita de la Virgen de la Peña comes into view high up on its rock. The small chapel dates back to Roman times, the main part of it was built in the 13th century. Shortly afterwards the route becomes more demanding, the easy track turns into a narrow gravel path. Now we go up and down on rough scree through some narrow serpentines.

At an altitude of around 1,400 metres, the route reaches its culmination point, the last opportunity to catch your breath and enjoy the view. The following stage is only for experienced off-road specialists. Not only does it lead steeply downhill all the time, but its hairpin bends are covered with loose rubble, in some places it slopes downhill and is damn narrow. So you have to keep a cool head and not make any driving mistakes. It is only shortly before Arguis, the end point of the tour, that we are allowed to wipe the sweat from our brows.