VIA VERDA AND OTHER ROUTES
Bot is an ideal place to enjoy nature, active tourism and wonderful gastronomy. Located in the Terra Alta region, Bot offers numerous possibilities to explore wooded and agricultural landscapes, with hills, mountains, rivers, streams, rock pools, and cultivated fields all coming together to tell the story of a past and present linked to nature, farming, and local food products.
Thanks to its excellent location, Bot provides an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding hillsides and mountain ranges and enjoy outstanding views of the landscape. The town is only a few kilometres away from the Els Ports Natural Park. The Via Verda cycling and walking route also passes beside the town. For a walk with friends or family, doing sport, hiking or cycling, this is the place for you.
VIA VERDA
The Via Verda (Green Way) is a cycling route following the track of the old Val de Zafán railway, which was in use for thirty years until it fell into disuse in 1973. The original plans for the railway were to connect Aragon to the Mediterranean Sea, running through the Baix Martín, Baix Aragó and Matarranya counties in Aragon, and the Terra Alta and Baix Ebre ones in Catalonia but the complete route was never finished.
The Terra Alta stretch is 27 km long and winds through spectacular natural landscapes of rocky mountains, green valleys, and the natural pools formed by the River Canaletes. The route passes close to the towns of Arnes, Horta de Sant Joan, Bot, Prat de Comte and Pinell de Brai. Bot is the only one with a station actually in the town which makes it an ideal place to start out, have a rest, or finish your excursion. The popularity of the Via Verda has led to it becoming an essential part of any trip up to the Terra Alta. Enjoy this wonderful outing into the landscapes of the Terra Alta, on foot, by bike, or on horseback!
WALKING ROUTES
BOT – SANT JOSEP CHAPEL – FORAT DE LA DONZELLA – BOT
Distance: 4 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 226 m
Short description: This route starts out from the old railway station and passes through cultivated fields and pine trees to the Sant Josep chapel, on a hilltop with views of the nearby Plana, Agulla and Migdia mountains. The path continues to the Forat de la Donzella, a picnic area with a natural spring gushing with water after rainfall, before returning to the town. An ideal walk to stretch your legs and discover the surrounding area around Bot!
Bot - Cova de la Gàbia – Molandins - Bot
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 383 m
Short description: A walk in the surrounding landscape of Bot taking us up to the Molandins hilltops. You have to take care to follow the directions on the way up. Also be aware that at one point on the route you must cross a stream, so be sure to wear good footwear or cross it barefoot. Shortly after this, you reach the Cova de la Gàbia cave, with a small waterfall which is well worth seeing when it has rained. A short and easy route, ideal to shake off the cobwebs!
Bot – Mudèfers - camí de la Serra - Via Verda - Bot
Distance: 12 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 481 m
Short description: A walk to the Mudèfers area to the west of Bot and a climb up to the hilltops to enjoy views of the patchwork of forest land and cultivated fields below, and the Serra de Pàndols mountain range and Plana, Agulla and Migdia peaks in the distance. Following tracks and forest paths, the walk offers the perfect combination to enjoy the landscape and the chance to do exercise!
BOT - PRAT DE COMTE - FONTCALDA – BOT
Distance: 13 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 918 m
Short description: A circular walk which is moderately difficult as it involves steep climbs up and down the range of hills between Bot and Prat de Compte. The route takes us to the old open-air warm water spa at Fontcalda set in the spectacular surroundings of the Canaletes valley. An ideal walk to do in a morning or afternoon. Enjoy it!
BOT - PUIG CAVALLER - VALL DE L'INFERN - BOT
Distance: 15 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 1.402 m
Short description: A circular route starting and finishing in Bot. It climbs up to the peak of the Puig Cavaller mountain at 706 metres. Located in the municipality of neighbouring Gandesa, it is one of the most emblematic peaks in the area. To reach the summit, you have to climb along the narrow rock edge known as Les Crestes dels Volendins, a difficult stretch because it is rocky and steep. The route offers a different view of the Serra de Pàndols mountains and spectacular views of the most famous mountains near Bot: Plana, Agulla and Migdia.
BOT – CIM DE LA ROCA MIGDIA O ROCAMALA – BOT
Distance: 5,73 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 778 m
Short description: Starting out from the old Bot train station, the route eventually takes us to the top of the Migdia mountain, also called Rocamala (621 m). After starting out walking towards the Sant Josep chapel, we take a path which offers wonderful views of the Terra Alta landscapes. It is considered to be a ‘difficult’ route as for the last part of the climb up to the summit you have to move with the aid of a rope, a moment not suitable if you have a fear of heights.
DO YOU WANT TO DISCOVER MORE FOOTPATHS?
Terra Alta
Parc Natural dels Ports
Ruta Estels del Sud
Terres de l’Ebre
CYCLING ROUTES
GRAVEL AND MOUNTAIN BIKES
CYCLING FROM BOT TO FONTCALDA ALONG THE VIA VERDA
Distance: 11 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 490 m
Short description: An easy outing to enjoy the stunning landscape around Bot and the River Canaletes. Head north from the old Bot railway station and follow the cycle route know as Via Verda (Green Way) along the dismantled railway line. Shortly after passing by Prat de Comte’s old station we arrive at Fontcalda. A spectacular location with a chapel, restaurant and natural springs of thermal waters besides the river. The only hard part to cycle is the short but steep climb to the Fontcalda area (a group of buildings, with a restaurant and picnic area). This route is a must for every visitor to the area!
CYCLE FROM BOT TO LES OLLES
Distance: 11 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 202 m
Short description: An easy cycling route along a surfaced track through the Canaletes river valley, which used to be an area of vegetable fields and fruit trees, from Bot to Les Olles. Also known as Les Olles del Baubo, they are a group of natural rock pools formed as the water has eroded the rocky landscape. They are ideal for enjoying a cooling dip but also form a fragile ecosystem which we must respect and take care of. A wonderful place to enjoy nature and look after it!
MOUNTAIN OR GRAVEL BIKE: BOT – SERRA DELS PESELLS – LES OLLES – BOT
Distance: 23 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 752 m
Short description: A cycling route which allows you to discover two of the most emblematic spots near Bot: Les Olles, spectacular natural rock pools formed by the River Canaletes, and the Serra dels Pesells mountain range with wonderful views over the farmlands and forests of the Terra Alta region, as well as Bot itself, the Pàndols mountain range and the stunning Santa Bàrbara mountain in Horta de Sant Joan. An exciting outing to discover and admire the area surrounding Bot.
THE VIA VERDA IN TERRA ALTA ON TWO WHEELS
Distance: 23 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 1307 m
Short description: A cultural and sporting proposal for all the family. Enjoy amazing views of the Terra Alta landscape on foot, by bike or even on horseback. Follow the Green Way route along the disused railway line between the Baix Ebre and Matarranya counties, passing by old railway stations including the one at Bot, the only one within a town itself. An essential outing with many possibilities!
BOT - VIA VERDA - HORTA DE SANT JOAN - ARENYS DE LLEDÓ
Distance: 46 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 1.644 m
Short description: A circular route which you can start wherever you prefer. If you set out from Bot, cycle the Via Verda to Horta de Sant Joan, and then follow a track beside the River Algars to Arenys de Lledó, a small town in Matarranya. Return to Bot from Arenys de Lledó and enjoy panoramic views of the patchwork of farmlands and woods which make up the Terra Alta.
MOUNTAIN OR GRAVEL BIKE: BOT – HORTA DE SANT JOAN – ELS PORTS NATURAL PARK – ARNES - BOT
Distance: 51 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 1.672 m
Short description: A circular route which you can start wherever you prefer. If you set out from Bot, follow the track towards Les Olles and on to Horta de Sant Joan. From there, head into the Els Ports Natural Park until you reach the La Franqueta picnic area beside the River Estrets. Another track climbs up to Arnes, from where you take the Via Verda at the old Arnes-Lledó station and cycle back to Bot. A great outing to explore the south of the Terra Alta region.
BOT – BATEA – CASERES – BOT. CYCLING THROUGH VINEYARDS
Distance: 55 Km
Cumulative elevation gain: 1.566 m
Short description: This route goes through the lands surrounding Bot, Batea, and Caseres as we discover the agricultural landscapes of the farmlands in the heart of the Terra Alta, mainly vineyards. You can start out from any one of the three towns. Close to Batea you explore the stunning Vall Major dry river valley where you can admire spectacular vineyards stretching out before you. Why not include a visit to one of the Terra Alta wine cellars to make this the perfect day out?
DISCOVER THE TERRA ALTA BY BIKE: THE OLIVE OIL ROUTE
Distance: 167 Km
Cumulative elevation gain:: 5.386 m
Short description: A circular route visiting the twelve towns in Terra Alta as well as Riba-roja d’Ebre. You can start out from any of the towns. A wonderful route and opportunity to enjoy the local agricultural landscapes and traditional olive groves as far as the eye can see. Why not stop off at one of the oil mills and sample the wonderful Terra Alta DOP olive oil?
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