This route takes us on a loop south of Ainsa where the terrain is less rugged than the Pyrenees further north.
The scenery is still spectacular as you transition from the lower Pyrenees to the flatter plains around Benebarre, which makes it ideal for a varied and relaxing day in the saddle.

Starting in Ainsa, which is one of the most beautiful villages, not only in Aragon, but in the whole of Spain.
The old centre of Aínsa is a must, as you stroll through the castle, the main square, with its portico and strong medieval atmosphere, the 12C Romanesque church of Santa María with its beautiful cloister and the cobbled streets to take in the centuries of history of this medieval city.
Leave Ainsa heading East on the N-260 Eje Pirenaico (Pyrenean Axis) road, before turning south to Formigales.

The village of Formigales is limited to two streets and one square; 200 people once lived here.
Some houses are slightly separated from the city centre and to the south we find a fortified house and the parish church.
The 16th century building was once a palace fortress.

Later, entering Troncedo, you will see Castillo De Troncedo.
The pentagonal main tower and the stump of a rectangular tower are all that remain of the castle.
The tower has semi-circular windows on each side of the upper floor and is made of natural stone, possibly from the 11th century.

Continuing south on the twisting HU-V6441 brings you to the Dag Shang Kagyu Buddhist Temple, which is an optional visit on the route.
In 1985 this community was fully established as a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism.
The community has restored the hostel and built a beautiful traditional-style temple, a 17m high stupa, (a stupa serves as a marker for a sacred space, a symbolic representation of the Buddha's burial mound) , another 108 small stupas, a large prayer mill and a shedra (school).

Later, after crossing the Esera River, you will approach the Puente de Capella, ‘the Romanesque bridge of Capella’, which crosses the Isábena River.
This 60m bridge is late medieval, although its current appearance is due to the significant restoration that was carried out at the beginning of the current century.

Continue along the scenic and flowing A-1606 to a coffee break in Benabarre.
After coffee, why not take the short stroll to the restored Castillo (Castle) at the top of the town, which is an imposing building of Muslim origin, which experienced its maximum splendour in the 16th century when Benabarre was the capital of the county of Ribagorza. At that time, the bloody battles between Count Don Martín and his son Don Fernando de Aragón took place. After many sieges, in 1596 the castle was demolished by King Philip II.

We then head west initially on the main N-123, then the unnamed old road that runs parallel to Torres del Obispo.
Soon you will see the Barasona Reservoir, before again crossing the Esera River. At this point you have the option of turning right to visit the Puente de Abajo, the only surviving ancient bridge in Graus.

Back on track, we continue west, passing the Ermita de San Roque, to the impressive El Grado Dam.
Dam construction was completed in 1969, damming the waters of the Cinca River.
It is a gravity dam that occupies an area of ​​1,270 hectares, holding a maximum capacity of 400 Hm³. (400 Billion litres! )
The Cinca canal, which is part of the Alto Aragón irrigation system, originates here. It’s waters are primarily intended to irrigate the lands in the area, and secondarily to produce electricity.

After a lunch stop in El Grado, you will cross the Canal de Cinca.
The canal carries fresh water for irrigation on a 100km route from El Grado to Tardienta, where it joins with the Canal de Monegros.
Over the next 30km our route will cross over & under this canal at least 14 times.
At Pozan de Vero you will pass under aqueduct of the Cinca Canal for the final time, as it continues its journey toward Tardienta.

Now we turn north, back towards the hills, with the route loosely following the Vero River.
At the Mirador del rio Vero, park up & take the short walk to the viewpoint into the Rio Vero Gorge.
Continue north up to the minor road that takes us back towards the Cinca River, stopping just before Lamata to take in the views across the valley.

Rejoining the main road to head back to Ainsa, you will see the rocky summit of Pena Magdalena (850m) in the distance.

You are now on the final stretch of road, following the course of the Rio Cinca back to Ainsa.
I hope that enjoy this ride as much as we did.

For accommodation in the area, both Hotel Sanchez in Ainsa & Hotel Turmo in Labuerda have secure garages for motorcycles and have been used by RouteExperts.