Τα 10 καλύτερα ορεινά περάσματα Campdevànol

Spectacular climbs, impressive views, good asphalt and not very busy

This is a nice climb. Even though it's long, with 30 kilometers and a 1,236-meter elevation gain, it's quite manageable. The average gradient is 4.1%. The first half is more gentle, and past kilometer 17, it gets a little tougher.

Shortly before reaching El Coll (coming from Olot) we can find a spring to supply water.

Asphalt road, I have marked the section that takes us to Sant Joan de les Abadesses, we turn off the Vallfogona road and go in search of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, a very beautiful descent that is appreciated when we come from the ascent from Olot. It is one of the sections of cycling that you must do if you do the Pirinexus from Girona to look for the border in the Coll d'Ares. I did it with the Gravel Bike.

It is a great unknown in this area of the Pyrenees and is simply spectacular, its 2 slopes. It also has hardness on both sides. The longer eastern slope starts from Sant Joan de les Abedesses and crosses several villages and Romanesque churches. It is a port that goes in steps, with areas of very hard ramps and rests later. The asphalt in the final part is in very poor condition, although it can be circulated easily. The west slope starts from Ribes de Freser and has 2 very different parts. Until you reach the town of Brugera, with an irregular but sufficiently wide asphalt road and a sustained slope of 6 - 7%. From Bruguera, the asphalt turns into concrete and the slope rises to 9%, remaining constant until reaching the top. The views crowning this slope are precise.

It is a very steep and fun climb on both sides. The road is very winding, with continuous curves and countercurves, some of these counterbanks. The asphalt is rough and there is no shoulder, although it is true that traffic is very scarce. The eastern slope, which starts from Campdevánol and passes through Gombrèn, is approximately 14 km and in no case does the slope exceed 5%. It is a sunny climb, very favorable for the colder months. In summer it is usually very hot. The western slope, which starts from Guardiola de Berguedà, is a little longer and presents a first section to La Pobla de Lillet characterized by long straights. It has some sections at 6-7% and the last 3 km are the hardest.

The Coll de Merolla is the crossing point between the Pobla de Lillet and Campdevànol, that is to say between the upper Berguedà and the Ripollès. The two slopes are gentle, and halfway, near Gombrèn, there is the link with the Carretera de Montgrony, to continue climbing up to Castellar de N'Hug. At the top is the Merolla refuge, site of the legendary full moon brevet dinner.

The Coll de Merolla refuge is located at 1090 meters above sea level, next to the road that connects Pobla de Lillet and Gombrèn. It consists of a kitchen and dining room and four rooms with bunk beds and capacity for 23 people. There is also a community kitchen and bar and restaurant service.