In the Pyrenean foothills, the force of water on limestone rock over millions of years has formed awe-inspiring cliffs and canyons. The landscape is a collage of red and ochre rocks, blue skies and waters and green forests. The colours and shapes combine in a constant geological play of slopes, ravines, precipices, cornices and peaks.

La Hoya de Huesca is the region that slides through the transition between the agricultural plain of the Ebro Valley and the first slopes of the mountain range. Its heritage is a melting pot of natural and cultural riches. Its landscape heritage includes: the Guara mountain range and canyons, the Riglos, Agüero and Vadiello mallos (rock formations), the Nocito and Belsué valleys and the many gorges through which the rivers Alcanadre, Flumen, Gállego, Isuela, Formiga and Guatizalema flow. In the monumental section, the Castle of Marcuello, the Monastery of Casbas and a string of charming villages with their traditional ensembles await you.

In three stages, I suggest you cover nearly 130 kilometres (80 mi) along the paths, tracks and roads that make up the Hoya de Huesca nature trail and enjoy this journey into its wildest landscapes and its ancient culture. The route is a series of postcards where the whims of erosion become the protagonists. In the mountains of the pre-Pyrenees, the reddish and grey rocks stand out vertically against the dense forest of oak and boxwood. In the famous canyons of Guara, the water flows freely between precipices and in the foothills, the landscape opens up into a fertile plain watered by the rivers.

The route starts in Agüero, to the west, and ends in Bierge, to the east. The best option for getting to the start by public transport is to take a regional train from Huesca to Riglos and, from there, cycle some 14 kilometres (9 mi) by road. Leaving Bierge by public transport is more complicated, so I recommend arranging a taxi to return to Huesca. Each stage ends in a town with a variety of accommodation and restaurant options, which is one of the advantages of the influx of adventure tourism in Huesca.

A gravel bike with tyres of at least 40 millimetres is perfect for this route. As for the tread, it's best to make a compromise between one that's good for compact trails and one that has good grip and puncture protection for rougher trails. Although I recommend travelling light, it’s desirable to carry some basic spares such as a derailleur cable, inner tubes and a pump. When it comes to clothing, you should take into account the temperature fluctuations between high and low areas, as well as mornings, midday and evenings.

Autumn and spring guarantee the warmest temperatures for this adventure. In the Hoya de Huesca, rainfall is not abundant, so these seasons are the best option for this route. However, it is best to check the weather forecast, as snow may fall at high altitudes of up to 1,500 metres (5,000 ft). Summer is not recommended due to the high temperatures and the difficulty of finding springs along the way.

This adventure is ideal for capturing spectacular images with your camera or video camera, so I recommend having your favourite device at hand while you ride along this spectacular nature trail. I hope you enjoy your journey through the Hoya de Huesca.