The Iron Bridge path runs through several ecosystems, highlighting the pasturelands, the orchards based on Mediterranean polyculture with olive, vine, and almond trees, the cultivated lands at the exi... (plus +)

The Iron Bridge path runs through several ecosystems, highlighting the pasturelands, the orchards based on Mediterranean polyculture with olive, vine, and almond trees, the cultivated lands at the exit of Castuera, and the contact with the semi-steppic area on the way back. On both sides of the Guadalefra River, we find one of the best pasturelands of La Serena, where the Iberian pig grazes and where, in winter, the common crane has one of its favorite feeding grounds, providing a visual and acoustic spectacle with their daily passage towards the reservoirs, due to the unique commotion they produce in their flight. Also, along the river, we can observe the presence of ancient mills and enjoy the riverside vegetation, where oleanders, tamarisks, and atarfes coexist with hawthorns and wild roses. We start our route from Castuera, which we leave heading towards the road to Quintana de la Serena. From here, we turn left between cultivated lands, vineyards, and olive groves, to head towards the Guadalefra River. It is worth mentioning the numerous waterwheels that we will see on our route, a testimony to the interesting examples of hydraulic engineering in this area. Upon reaching the Guadalefra River, we turn right to cross the road to Quintana de la Serena and, through the old bridge, cross the river to reach the left bank. We take the road to Quintana de la Serena for 300 meters to turn right following the Cañada Real Leonesa, which runs in this section along the left bank of the river. When we reach the crossroads of the Chantre path, to the right, we can enjoy a small botanical trail along the Guadalefra River, which will take us to the Chorrillo Mill. If we turn left, we enter the pasturelands where the common crane has one of its main feeding grounds in La Serena. From here, we turn right following the Mozarabic Way of St. James towards Castuera. We cross the Guadalefra River again at the Iron Bridge, a work of the Eiffel school, the constructor of the famous tower located in Paris that bears his name, to reach Castuera.
(minus -)