Day 81: Cazalla de la Sierra (Drive/Cycle)

A very pleasant and enjoyable ride centred around the Via Verde (Greenway) Sierra Norte de Seville.

The ride started with a descent to a "Land Rover" track that would eventually join up with the Via Verde. Given my recent aborted via Verde adventure, I was a little concerned that I would once again be thwarted.

My first impression of the "Land Rover" track was positive and, although I passed a couple of small puddles, I started to think all would be okay: neither I nor my bicycle would get wet feet or tyres, respectively.

Than I saw this:

Luckily, I was able to cycle round the edge of the "puddle". So, although the tyres got wet, my feet did not. A fine outcome, me thinks!

It wasn't long before I arrived at the via verde ...

... only 18 kilometres to the end point, and an elevation gain of about 230 metres.

The big surprise of the day was discovering that the via verde's surface was paved! Mostly they are not!

Also, there is one tunnel (sin iluminación):

Along the way I did see some, sheep, pigs and goats (but, not altogether at the same time and place!):

And the end of the via verde, looking back from whence I came:

It would appear that the railway line that existed before becoming a via Verde was built for the purpose of transporting mined material from "Cerro de Hierro" (Iron Hill) to the main railway line and onward to the port at Seville. It was a Scotsman who set up the business!

• Distance driven: 31 miles
• Distance cycled: 63 kilometres
• Weather: Mostly sunning, cool moderate breeze, temperature about 20°C.
• Location: Google Maps

Today's route: