Have just spent 2 days cycling part of the Via Verde de la Sierra which runs from Olvera to Puerto Serrano.
This particlur greenway is the only one of the famous Via Verdes of Spain to have never had a train run along it previously, being started by the military, work halted by the Civil War and then eventually being opened to the public as a wonderful 36 kms of sheer enjoyment, especially on an electric bike !
Today was the highlight with a wonderful ride along from Olvera to Penon de Zaframagon where the craggy cliff faces house one of the largest colonies of Griffin Vultures in Europe.....I cannot describe to you the amazement of seeing these magnificant birds.....up to 550 of them......soaring so close.....I couldnt tear myself away, I dont know how many photos I took.....I hope some will be good enough to post when I get back.
The scenery is totally stunning......
There is also a visitor centre housed in the original station house (that never was).....where you can pay 2 euros and view the birds in close up thanks to their state of the art cameras set up on the cliffs enabling close ups of the birds flying around majestically and of their nests, eggs and the young being fed.When out of breeding season you can view previous years footage.
They are right now starting to sit on their nests, ready to lay their one egg,which hatches after 52/54 days......the man in charge there is a mine of information, OK, he doesnt speak english but the films tell all you need.
We had a long chat about electric bikes as he is keen to get one.....if only I had had a Cyclecharge sticker ready, I am sure he would become a charging station.....maybe next year !
A new campsite has just opened at Olvera with another planned at Coripe which is a huge advance for this area, previously poorly served by campsites and facilities. Previous years I have wildcamped at the ruined station at Navalagrulla and also at Coripe next to the largest, oldest tree in Spain.....but the access is not for the faint hearted !!
If ever you get the chance to visit any of Spains wonderful Via Verdes you will not be disappointed they really are wonderful cycling heaven......and for me, the real crowning glory of Spain !
For lots more information you can go to http://www.viaverdes.com
Meanwhile I am off to Marvao in Portugal tomorrow where I hope to report on Tonaro's biggest, steepest trial so far.....the approach road to this wonderful ancient walled village....so, watch this space......and yes, the weather is still warm, sunny and glorious for cycling
Lynda
This particlur greenway is the only one of the famous Via Verdes of Spain to have never had a train run along it previously, being started by the military, work halted by the Civil War and then eventually being opened to the public as a wonderful 36 kms of sheer enjoyment, especially on an electric bike !
Today was the highlight with a wonderful ride along from Olvera to Penon de Zaframagon where the craggy cliff faces house one of the largest colonies of Griffin Vultures in Europe.....I cannot describe to you the amazement of seeing these magnificant birds.....up to 550 of them......soaring so close.....I couldnt tear myself away, I dont know how many photos I took.....I hope some will be good enough to post when I get back.
The scenery is totally stunning......
There is also a visitor centre housed in the original station house (that never was).....where you can pay 2 euros and view the birds in close up thanks to their state of the art cameras set up on the cliffs enabling close ups of the birds flying around majestically and of their nests, eggs and the young being fed.When out of breeding season you can view previous years footage.
They are right now starting to sit on their nests, ready to lay their one egg,which hatches after 52/54 days......the man in charge there is a mine of information, OK, he doesnt speak english but the films tell all you need.
We had a long chat about electric bikes as he is keen to get one.....if only I had had a Cyclecharge sticker ready, I am sure he would become a charging station.....maybe next year !
A new campsite has just opened at Olvera with another planned at Coripe which is a huge advance for this area, previously poorly served by campsites and facilities. Previous years I have wildcamped at the ruined station at Navalagrulla and also at Coripe next to the largest, oldest tree in Spain.....but the access is not for the faint hearted !!
If ever you get the chance to visit any of Spains wonderful Via Verdes you will not be disappointed they really are wonderful cycling heaven......and for me, the real crowning glory of Spain !
For lots more information you can go to http://www.viaverdes.com
Meanwhile I am off to Marvao in Portugal tomorrow where I hope to report on Tonaro's biggest, steepest trial so far.....the approach road to this wonderful ancient walled village....so, watch this space......and yes, the weather is still warm, sunny and glorious for cycling
Lynda
