It’s always a good time to ride a bike, but the drop in temperatures makes it the perfect season for a two-wheeled ride. In general, we always associate cycling routes with impossible or very difficult routes. But there are affordable routes in Madrid for all types of cyclists, which will put you in touch with nature and allow you to enjoy the outdoors. If you live in the province or are visiting, there are a wide range of tours you can take.
First of all, you should keep in mind that although we have classified these routes as low difficulty, it is advisable to be aware of your own abilities. If our description of one route seems too risky, choose another. Also remember to be well equipped according to the needs of the itinerary. Always carry water, food, a phone battery and necessary protective items.
Soto de Viñuelas
This is a circular route located north of Madrid. Soto de Viñuelas is a 35 kilometer route that goes around Viñuelas Castle, so you can take the opportunity to discover the area along the way. The route is simple, since you just have to follow the wall which surrounds the castle.
It is a route of gentle ascents and descents, complete but of low difficulty. The duration of this route is less than three hours, but it may take longer if you stop to admire the scenery. Viñuelas Castle, the axis of this route, is a jewel of 18th century architecture. The three-story building – four including the towers – is now a private space, so although this route bypasses the castle, you cannot access it or the grounds of the property.
Eight of Boadilla
This route is very well described. El Ocho de Boadilla is a route named after the layout of the route, which, at one of its points, takes the form of this number. The route, which crosses Boadilla del Monte, does not have large slopes and is relatively stable.
With an exit from Casa de Campo, its 35 kilometers of extension allow for a good walk. Along the route you can enjoy a landscape of pine forests and, of course, the views they offer over the municipality of Boadilla del Monte.
Santillana Reservoir
The Santillana Reservoir is a visit full of history. 40 kilometers long, the route passes through the 15th century Mendoza Castle. Throughout the route you can appreciate the reservoir that gives its name to the route and its surroundings, as well as views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. This historic building can be visited, so if you can’t get enough of the cycle path, you can always arrange a visit to the castle.
The route follows wide and somewhat uneven paths, which can end up tiring you out a little.
Guadarrama Greenway
The good thing, if brief, is twice as good. If you want a short route to do with the little ones, the Vía Verde del Guadarrama is your best option. We are talking about a route that is characterized by its short length, only about 14 kilometers. In an hour and a half, you will have taken a bike ride near part of the Community railway route.
The tour begins at the entrance to the El Soto de Móstoles Natural Park. The area has parking, picnic areas and even a gazebo, making it perfect for spending the day with the family. This is a route that combines nature with the railway history of Madrid, with points such as the Iron Bridge of Móstoles, which you must cross during the route.
Juan Carlos I Park
If the mountains are not for you or you don’t want to leave the city, it is more than possible to take a bike ride through the Juan Carlos I Park. It is a circuit also suitable for children, well signposted . Even if you are in the middle of the city, you can enjoy the green spaces of the park on this route which stands out for its simplicity. Throughout the route, you will be able to discover the most emblematic areas of this environment.
Don’t forget that there is a bicycle rental service on site, so you won’t have to carry yours on site. The course also has fountains where you can drink water along its entire length.
