Andalucía 2024 - Via Verde del Aceite (The Olive Greenway)

These are iPhone shots taken on two all day hikes whilst I was staying at Jaen.

 The eastern starting point of the Via Verde del Aceite is at Jaen.  The Olive Greenway has been converted from a disused railway line to a fabulous cycling/walking track.  The entire distance covers 120km and includes three tunnels, 13 viaducts and 12 old stations.  The gradients are gentle and the section I walked from Martos back to Jaen was in great condition and I reckon even rideable on a road bike with heavy duty tyres.  

There are lots of rest areas/picnic spots but there is little shade so in summer it would be tough going.  I passed many touring cyclists and long distance runners.  The tunnels and viaducts were a thrill to walk through/across.  And all the way, you are surrounded by nothing but olive groves.  An ode to the mighty olive tree.

The Via Verde del Aceite runs all the way to Campo Real in Cordoba province.  A week later, at Zuheros, I walked a small section of the western end of the greenway.  The old station at Zuheros is still there, though long abandoned.