R05 – Tírig
Route
Description of the route
A simple route, ideal to get used to riding on the road without major complications or to add kilometers in preseason by new routes. We leave Tírig towards Sant Mateu on the CV130, passing through the Valltorta and descending towards the plain of Sant Mateu. Arriving at the village, we take the CV10 towards La Salzadella, a stretch of favorable road to complete the 20 km in Mas d’en Rieres. From there, the climb back to Tírig begins. Although the average gradient is gentle, the almost 7 km of constant ascent present some demanding sections, especially for those who are new to cycle touring. However, the landscape, with the Barranc de la Valltorta ravine on the left and fields of olive and almond trees on the right, will make the final effort more enjoyable, connecting us with nature and the history of the place.
Points of interest along the route
Sant Mateu (Km 10): See description of Sant Mateu.
Mas d’en Rieres (km 22): Farmhouse available for lodging in an old rural population center.
Barranc de la Valltorta (Km 22-25): Mountain arms that separate the municipalities of Tírig, Benassal and Albocàsser and that house one of the most important enclaves of cave paintings in Spain.
Tírig, in the Alt Maestrat, is known for its Barranc de la Valltorta, one of the largest and most important sites of cave paintings in Spain, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. This enclave, along with its museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past of our civilization. Although it has suffered depopulation, Tírig is an ideal destination to disconnect, with its peaceful atmosphere and its medieval legacy, reflected in the Church of the Virgen del Pilar, the Hermitage of Santa Barbara and the remains of the Castle of Tírig. Every December, a pilgrimage is held in honor of Santa Barbara, where the typical “panets de Santa Barbara” are distributed. You can also enjoy local dishes such as “olla en cigrons i cardets” or “conejo al horno” (baked rabbit) in nearby restaurants such as Restaurante el Pigo (Catí) and Mesón Pere (Albocàsser). For accommodation, we recommend Casa Rural la Valltorta or Villa San Angels B&B, ideal for a quiet and authentic stay.
Church of the Virgen del Pilar: Building of architectural interest. Hermitage of Santa Barbara: located on the outskirts of the village, about four kilometers away, in the area known as “Can Redo”. Castle and walls of Tírig: built in the thirteenth century, although there is nothing left of it. In the streets of the village there are still some remains of the walls.
Casa Rural la Valltorta (Arrabal de Vinarós street, 35): ideal for group accommodation.
Villa San Angels B&B (Av. de nuestra señora de los ángeles, 76): more affordable accommodation in the center of Tírig.
