The Great Spring Ride: Old Spain

Plymouth to Granada

The journey begins in Plymouth, where riders gather before boarding the afternoon ferry to Spain. As the ship pulls away from the UK coastline, there’s a real sense of transition — leaving winter behind and heading toward warmer roads, longer days, and the start of something special. It’s a relaxed introduction to the tour, giving everyone time to meet, settle in, and ease into life on the road.

On day two, arrival into Santander marks the true beginning of the ride. Rolling off the ferry and straight into northern Spain, the route heads inland, quickly leaving the coast behind. Quiet roads, open countryside, and a slower rhythm set the tone as the group pushes south toward Sigüenza — one of Castile’s great historic towns. With its cathedral, castle presence, and timeless atmosphere, it’s the perfect first overnight stop and an immediate immersion into Old Spain.

Day three continues deeper into the heart of the country, with a flowing ride through Castilla-La Mancha toward Almagro. This is Spain at its most authentic — wide skies, quiet roads, and towns that feel untouched by modern pace. Almagro delivers one of the standout stays of the trip, with its elegant arcaded square and historic charm, often paired with a parador or character-filled property that brings the setting to life.

On day four, the ride becomes more dramatic as the route turns south toward Andalucía. Passing through the vast natural landscapes of the Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas region, the roads begin to twist, climb, and open up into something more dynamic. This is a true transition day — moving from the historic plains of central Spain into the warmer, more expressive south. The arrival into Granada brings a completely different energy, with its mountain backdrop, rich culture, and unmistakable atmosphere.

Day five offers a well-earned pause in Granada, giving riders the choice to slow things down or keep exploring. Spend the day wandering through the city’s historic quarters, soaking up its character and rhythm, or head back out into the surrounding hills for an optional ride through more stunning mountain roads. It’s a flexible day that adds balance to the tour — time to enjoy the place, not just pass through it.

Potes to Home

Day eleven continues east into the Basque Country, with a ride that blends mountain terrain with a noticeable shift in culture and landscape. The roads remain excellent, but the feel becomes greener, richer, and more layered. The overnight stop in Argómaniz brings a refined touch to the tour, with another character-filled stay that reflects the region’s unique identity.

On day twelve, the route shortens slightly to allow time to enjoy the Basque region properly. Winding through local roads and coastal approaches, the ride finishes in Lekeitio on the Biscay coast. After days of inland riding, the sea air, open views, and coastal atmosphere offer a perfect contrast — another side of Spain, and another shift in pace.

Day thirteen and fourteen mark the final riding days, heading back toward Santander. There’s still time to enjoy the roads — often with a final stretch through northern Spain’s rolling terrain — before turning west and making for the ferry port. It’s a day that always carries a mix of satisfaction and reluctance, as the journey begins to draw to a close. Boarding the evening ferry, the group leaves Spain behind with a full sense of what’s been experienced over the past two weeks.

Day fifteen brings arrival back into the UK, with the tour complete. What started as an escape from winter becomes something much more — a full reset. Sun, mountains, historic towns, empty roads, and a deep ride through the real Spain.