Whenever I talk about Soria, I refer to it as ‘the secret gravel paradise’, as it’s an unexplored territory even for those who live in the neighbouring autonomous communities. Soria is located in the far east of Castile and León, bordering La Rioja and the provinces of Burgos, Segovia, Guadalajara and Zaragoza. It’s the least populated Spanish province and one of the least densely populated territories in the European Union. This isn’t surprising, since most of its villages have fewer than 100 inhabitants. At present, only 11, including Almazán or Burgo de Osma, have more than 1,000 inhabitants. However, (and perhaps because of this), Soria is a land of beautifully preserved natural sites that, I am sure, will take your breath away.

This accessible route allows you to discover the incredible peaks of Urbión, the area's royal forests, the famous Black Lagoon, the majestic Lobos River Canyon and its vulture nests, and the hermitage of San Bartolomé, among many other natural sites and spots. In this region you can enjoy not only incredible natural spaces, but also an incredible archaeological, historical and cultural heritage. In addition to all this, the gastronomy is also perfectly suited to those who travel on two wheels. Get ready to savour torreznos (pork crackling), migas de pastor (a traditional shepherd’s dish made with fried bread and herbs), mushrooms, black truffles and local meat from one of the most famous pastures on the Iberian Peninsula.

As this is a circular route, you can start at any point along the way. However, I suggest you start in the city of Soria, as it’s the most accessible place to reach by public transport. Buses run from Madrid, Burgos, Zaragoza and Vitoria, among other places. There’s also a train station to the south that connects you to Madrid in just three hours. Don't forget to check the transport companies’ baggage policies before buying your ticket. If you want to drive, you can park in Soria’s free and paid car parks.

This route is designed for a gravel or mountain bike, but you don’t need to have suspension as there are no technical sections. Make sure you have enough bottle racks and ride as light as possible.

I recommend doing this route in spring, summer or early autumn. Bear in mind that the province of Soria is at an altitude of at least 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) and has an oceanic climate: the winter is characteristically long and cold, with average temperatures of two degrees Celsius, heavy frosts, wind and possible snowy fronts. However, you can enjoy a mild spring and summer with clear skies. I recommend you use a good layering system as the weather can be very cold, especially in spring and autumn.