Getting high the easy way.

A meandering, gentle climb along a dry river bed, passing goat farms and traditional Canarian cave houses, before a pretty intensive but short climb to El Sitio de Abajo, followed by 10km+ of almost total descent along a well established mountain path.

Incredible views guaranteed, this is a great afternoon rideout and an authentic glimpse into the history of Gran Canaria.

What I love about this route is that while the first half is all up, it's very gentle and rather pretty - in a rugged kind of  way. The climb only gets serious for a couple of km at the very end (close to the lake known as La Sorrueda, where you turn left) - so you get very high very quickly.

Don't be fooled by the river marked on maps of the area. I've lived in a house overlooking the valley for almost two years and never seen a drop of water in it - even on rainy days - and I must have done the route 20 times or more.

The trail ends at Aldea Blanca and a road takes you back to the start.

No shops or water available, so stock up.