Day 1 - Irun to Isaba - 179 km km; climbing 3,819 metres

We start promptly at 9.00 am and head out of Irun inland, via the scenic route. We are in Basque country, where the houses are very distinctive with their red timbered gables. Today we climb to six cols, starting with the modest Meaka (636 metres) and the Artesiaga (984 metres) and finishing with the Alto Laza (1129 metres). The views are spectacular, the scenery stunning, but don't hang around, you've got a long way to go. You'll notice the buildings change as we ride and by the time we reach Isaba, they've lost the Basque character and they're built from stone. It's a long day, but we'll support you all the way, and when we reach the pretty town of Isaba, you'll certainly be ready to chill and enjoy a good dinner.

We leave the quaint, narrow, cobbled streets of Isaba and head off towards Jaca, travelling through fields of wild flowers on narrow, empty roads. We climb up to a nameless col, marked only by a stone refuge before heading down to the town and then up the main road to Biescas, where we turn East and ride narrow roads up to the Puerto de Cotefablo (1423 metres) and a tunnel, which is thankfully illuminated and very quiet.

We stop tonight in the town of Ainsa, where the staff at the Hotel Dos Rios is waiting to give us all a warm welcome. We can walk up to the old town and enjoy a beer in the historic square before returning to the hotel for dinner. The rooms are airconditioned and the paella is to die for.

Out of Ainsa, straight up the main road to the Collado de Foradada (1,020 metres), a long and undulating climb, much harder than it looks. At last, after 19 km you reach the col, where there's a sculpture by Irishman, Frank Norton.

You will hardly see another vehicle on the wide, well-paved N-260; then it gradually narrows through a stunning gorge, before we head up the mountain again to the Coll de Fadas (1470 metres), followed by the Coll de Espina (1407 metres) and then on to Viu (1325 metres). Over the Puerto de Perves (1350 metres) and down to the town of Pobla de Segur, where we cross the river and head along the valley to Sort.

Today's the big one from the point of altitude. We head out of Sort and climb steadily up to the Port de Canto (1725 metres). The road is very open and you can see endles mountain ranges. A couple of small villages, and then we have the long, fast descent to Adrall. Along the valley and then East across the river and up to the Coll de Jou (1480 metres).

From the top of the mountain you look down on an amazing lake shaped roughly like a trefoil - it's very inviting! Descend down to Saint Llorenc de Morunys, where you cross that same lake and then on to Berga and Ripoll, where we spend the night.  

An easier day today, just a couple of modest cols and then we're in Olot, where you have to keep your wits about you to avoid getting lost. This is wine country and you'll cycle past endless vineyards, not to mention fields of sunflowers. We head East across country to Ventallo, then turn North and run parallel to the coast. Now back on the main road for a while and we're at Llança and you can see the ocean! You'll soon be dipping your toes in the Med and drinking a cold beer.

The road along the coast is a little undulating but soon you're in Cerbere. Phew, you've done it! You've cycled the Spanish Pyrenees, coast to coast! Well done!