The journey begins at La Jayona Mine, passing through the gates of the Hermitage of the Virgen del Ara, along 12 km of perfectly signposted public paths to then reach the Fuente del Arco station, loca... (plus +)

The journey begins at La Jayona Mine, passing through the gates of the Hermitage of the Virgen del Ara, along 12 km of perfectly signposted public paths to then reach the Fuente del Arco station, located to the north of the urban area of the same (km 68 of the old railway line). From here it will be another 18 km along the old narrow-gauge railway line Peñarroya-Fuente del Arco, to the halt (km 48.3 of the old line) located next to the rest area at km 137 of the N-432 road west of the urban area of Azuaga and 7 km from the town. Before starting to pedal or walk, we recommend a visit to La Jayona Mine, an old iron mine that was excavated with pick and shovel at the time, a true gem not to be missed. To get there, simply follow the signs marked 'Mina La Jayona' from Fuente del Arco. On the way to the mine, about 10 km from the station, you will also pass through the village of Fuente del Arco, a place where the traveler will find immense natural, traditional, cultural wealth and rich local cuisine. And by the Hermitage of the Virgen del Ara, the so-called 'Sistine Chapel of Extremadura'. This Mudejar-style sanctuary was built throughout the 15th century. It stands out for its Mudejar arches, the bell gable, and the adjoining constructions that served the temple. In it, as in the Vatican Palace, scenes from Genesis are represented in polychrome, made by at least six different painters probably belonging to the school that Francisco Zurbarán had in Llerena (Badajoz). Among its paintings, the geometric figures painted on the baseboard from the end of the 15th century also stand out. A privileged and spectacular place, previously unknown to many, that has been gaining recognition since it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). Km 0 Already on the greenway itself and after visiting the mine, hermitage, and village, we set off. The first milestone will be the Fuente del Arco station where Medium Distance trains from Seville, Mérida, and other Extremaduran cities stop. The first kilometer and a half of the old railway line is marked by a sharp curve to the right until crossing the Galapagar stream. 8 kilometers await us on a route with little slope that takes us into the Extremaduran landscape of holm oak dehesas, the typical Mediterranean scrubland, thyme, broom, genista, spurge, and merino sheep. Km 11.25 From km 10 the environment begins to change and where there were trees before, now appear the crop fields that dominate the landscape. Soon we will approach Valverde de Llerena (km 11). If we continue, we will see tracks that remind us that one day a narrow-gauge railway ran through there, the ruins of the old station that served this town are proof of it. This is a good time to make a stop in the town, stroll through its streets, and stock up on what we may need, as it will be the closest town we find until the end of the route. Valverde de Llerena is an example of the small-sized localities in the area that are exclusively dedicated to the primary sector. Its cuisine has Extremaduran characteristics with influences from Andalusian cooking due to geographical proximity. And after being well-fed, nothing better than a cultural visit. The parish church of the Immaculate Conception (16th century), a work of Gothic Mudejar style with an attractive tower, stands out in the town. Km 19.7 We leave Valverde del Llerena and advance several kilometers with the rhythmic company of olive trees, which will escort the traveler almost to the end of the itinerary. At km 17, we will pass by the ruins of the Berlanga - San Fernando station, then an information panel and a rest area where to decide whether to approach Berlanga, which is just over 4 km away, or continue on the route. If we choose the first option, it is worth knowing that in this town we can visit the Parque de las Quinientas, a peri-urban conservation and leisure park repopulated with pine trees and a large eucalyptus grove. It also has a large display of native trees and plants such as daffodils, orchids, chrysanthemums, fennels, gorse, thyme, etc. An ideal and very educational place to go with children where to learn the importance of respect and care for animals and plants. We return to the track. In 2 km we will reach the ruins of the Azuaga railway halt and a rest area that precedes the N-432 road (km. 19.7). Here, the greenway came to an end as this road represents a barrier that needed to be overcome with a footbridge. We are about 6 km from Berlanga and 7 km from Azuaga, the most populated locality in the region. Both towns have a rich history marked by their origins.
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