The 12 kilometre track, begins at Ripoll and finishing at Sant Joan de les Abadesses, passing working farms, crumbling bridges, mountain streams and abandoned railway stations.
Such countryside makes biking and hiking activity holidays in Cataluña a definite pleasure with a variety of routes geared for all ages and abilities.

The Vias Verdes follow an far-reaching system of former railway tracks in Spain, disused for many years The government has made these tracks available as green ways, available for biking and hiking through the countryside of Spain. There are currently 1,800 kilometres of Vias Verdes in Spain designated for biking and hiking. Cataluña has four Via Verdes, three of which are in the province of in Girona.

Via Verde: La Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó
Ripoll's Via Verde, called La Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó (Iron and Coal), is the simplest track in Cataluña, with the start of the track conveniently placed near the RENFE train station in the centre of Ripoll.
Undoubtedly because of its ease and paved, well-maintained trails, the Ferro i del Carbó path is a great attraction to active families. Parents and youngsters bring picnics and enjoy a day of exploring Ripoll's old railway. At the end of the trail, at the former Sant Joan de les Abadesses station, there's a cafe, a kids' playground and picnic tables, all helping to make this route a pleasant family outing during an activity holiday in Cataluña.

Cataluña's Vias Verdes cut though some beautiful territory, and their existence certainly helps to preserve the unspoiled natural zones which surround them. These green routes put people in touch with the outdoors, and increase their understanding of the need to safeguard it. Families come to enjoy the Green Routes to take part in a fun, healthy activity together, and to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Via Verde: Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Some Green Ways are unsuitable for kids. Between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guíxols at 39 kilometres is more of a challenge . Unlike the Ripoll track, which is paved, Carrilet II is a compact dirt trail that goes through the woodland of the Catalan countryside and brings cyclists at the Mediterranean in Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

Via Verde: Olot to Girona
The most difficult track in the Girona Green Route collection is the Carrilet I trail going between Olot and Girona. This is a 54 kilometre stretch, which demands strength and an early start. Years ago, the route was the railway connecting La Selva to Girona, but it became obsolete in 1970. Today, it is a glorious ride beside Olot's volcanoes and riverbeds. Almost all of the Via Verdes offer a cultural element of interest together with the appeal of nature. Carrilet I is no exception, and its trail skirts monasteries and the Hostoles Castle, adding a bit of cultural heritage to the route as part of an active break in Cataluña.