Mountain bike tour to the Benou
Mixed road and trail tour from Bilheres to the Benou
Mountain Biking Moderate
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 455 m
- Descent
- 401 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 623 m
- High Point
- 970 m
- Gradient
- 10˚
An easy tour starting on the road in the small French village of Bilhères.
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Description
Follow the signs up to the Benou (Col de Marie Blanche). The road can get very busy with traffic so mind your way on this section.
Up on the plateau of the Benou, enjoy the amazing views of the Pyrenean mountains and turn off the road onto the trail on the right side.
Follow the trail as far as you like but eventually turn around and make a loop to return where you came, sticking left.
The single track trails here can be potted and rough but are a lot of fun if you have a full-sus bike. Follow these trails up into the woods (very muddy if there has been recent rain).
You'll get to some ancient stone circles with another great photo opportunity, gifting you glorious views down the Ossau valley towards the Col du Pourtalet.
It's all downhill from here, in a good way! Follow the wide trail zig-zagging trail down, past a vulture-nest, and onto a very stony and bumpy road (again, full-suspension bikes recommended).
You'll eventually pop out on the road above Bilhères!
Difficulty
Moderate
Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.
Best time to visit
Features
- Technical
- Picturesque
- Singletrack
- Road sections
- Roots
- Rock Gardens