Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó Greenway, from Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadesses

What it is

The Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó greenway follows the line of the old mining railway that carried coal down from the Ogassa mines to the port and industry of Barcelona. The line was built by a mining company, passenger service opened in 1880 and it closed completely in 1985. Thirteen years later, the region turned the abandoned stretch into a greenway.

From Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadesses it is paved, almost flat and car-free: Ripoll Town Council counts it as 12 km of surfaced path, with about 100 m of ascent and low difficulty. You can do it on foot or by bike, and the stretch to Sant Joan is suitable for wheelchairs and adapted bikes, with Braille panels. It is free and self-guided.

The route step by step

1. Ripoll station. Beside the building stands locomotive 1006, on a plinth. Continue along carrer del Progrés and carrer del Ter to passeig de Sant Joan, which already runs over the old track.
2. Start of the greenway. It begins at a roundabout on the C-151 bypass, next to a statue of sardana dancers. The paved track leaves on the left, with an underpass a few metres on.
3. Torrent de les Carboneres. The track runs beside the road for a while and, about 500 m later, separates from it with a strip of grass. Look out for the old Renfe kilometre posts: they count from Barcelona and the first one marks km 108.
4. Meadows and woodland. You pass between meadows and small woods until you come out at the Ter, about 4 km from Ripoll.
5. The tunnel. Where the river and the hillside narrow, a 49 m false tunnel.
6. The iron bridge over the Ter, at about 6 km. It was adapted for vehicles: the railings are low and the service walkway no longer exists, so cross it with care and keep children by the hand. Just after it, an underpass avoids the road.
7. Embankments and views. The track rises above the road and crosses a couple of streams on high embankments. Look north, towards the Serra Cavallera.
8. Sant Joan de les Abadesses station, at about 10 km. The old warehouse houses a restaurant, and the complex has a hostel, bike hire and a play area. Cross the Ter by the Gothic bridge to climb up to the town and the monastery.
9. On to Toralles, about 2 km more up the Malatosca valley, crossing the Ogassa road twice, to the old ore loading bay.

Beyond: on to Ogassa

From Toralles it is about 4 km to Ogassa, on a stretch that never had a passenger train. It is harder: the slopes have been softened, but Vías Verdes only recommends it for cyclists and walkers in good shape. From Sant Joan there is also a 2 km extension to the Llaudet textile colony, which continues along the Pirinexus route towards Camprodon.

Getting there and back

The start is at Ripoll station, so you can arrive by train with your bike. If you are driving, park in Ripoll. For the return, retrace your route: since the way to Sant Joan climbs gradually, the way back is slightly downhill.

When to go

All year. In spring and autumn the Ter valley is greener and the temperature is kind. In summer, set off early. In winter it can be cold, with frost first thing in shaded spots.

With children and with a dog

It is the bike excursion for children in the area: tarmac, almost no climbing, no cars except at crossings and on the iron bridge, and a playground and food when you reach Sant Joan. It is fine for pushchairs, wheelchairs and small bikes. Dogs are allowed, on a lead, especially because of the cyclists.