What a fantastic trip report about an adventure cycling on the Via Verde de la Sierra not far from Ronda.
What is the Via Verde de la Sierra?
The Via Verde de la Sierra is one of 135 ‘green routes’ that chart a trail of disused railway lines across Spain. Here in Ronda, “our Via Verde” is part of a proposed rail route across the province of Cadiz between Almargen and Jerez de la Frontera.
Cycling the Via Verde not far from Ronda
Its final plan was to connect the cities of Cádiz, Malaga and Granada but, although much of the groundwork, including tunnels, viaducts, and railway stations, was completed in the early 1930s, the project was never finished and lay neglected until 1993 when the line was renovated for use as a walking and cycling route.
The Ronda area is, without doubt, a cyclists delight and can be challenging at times! In fact the areas around Ronda and the sierra de Grazalema are well known and a popular training destination for professional cyclist winter camps preparing for long distance road races and triathlons. So, lets take a look at Cycling from Ronda and around the Serranía.
Where to get more information, hire your bikes or book a cycling tour?
White Village Tours Cycling and the Via Verde close to Ronda
Experience a leisurely self-guided cycling excursion, With Ronda based White Village Tours Cycling, pedalling through the picturesque countryside north of Ronda. Journey through tunnels and across bridges, passing by olive groves and farmland, while traversing the mountains along one of Spain’s most exquisite Via Verdes.
The journey begins at an elevation of 450 meters above sea level, gradually descending to approximately 150 meters. You’ll ride on high-quality, well-maintained bicycles provided by the White Village Tours Cycling team, with the assurance of a support network as you navigate this scenic greenway at your own pace.
Cortijo la Perla Blanca – Stylish Bed and Breakfast Accomodation is located just a 10 minute drive from Ronda on the road to Seville in the fertile valley known as Los Prados. This Boutique Bed & Breakfast is gently nestled within its own working Vineyards, and proudly welcomes you in casual elegance, to rural Spain.
Opened in 2014, La Perla Blanca offers 5 spacious rooms with King size beds and a modern style en-suite bathrooms. Each has been individually and charmingly decorated following a subtle name and colour scheme, and most have balconies with views over the vineyards or central courtyard. A private and independent King-size suite with canopy bed, and private garden with hot-tub is also available, situated near the pool.
Distinctly Andalusian in style, the El Almendral is designed to reflect the beauty of the region around it. The hotel is located just a few minutes north of Ronda in the Cádiz province at Setenil de las bodegas. The area is unique and well worth visiting for its nature and history.
The Hotel El Almendral is designed to offer guests the modern amenities that they have come to expect from hotels in the Andalusian region. All rooms are air-conditioned and a heating system is also available. The hotel’s rooms also have terraces overlooking the village or countryside, and all 28 rooms are double.
For many thousands of years Setenil de las Bodegas has been occupied, possibly for as long as people have been using the Cueva de Pileta, though it wasn´t until the age of the Phoenicians and then Romans that the village was first mentioned in texts.
Hotel El Almendral in Setenil de las Bodegas
Always eclipsed by nearby Acinipo, Setenil was, at first, a warehouse for storing goods that were traded with other parts of Iberia or the rest of the Empire. It was during this time that archeologists believe the caves were first closed off with brick walls to prevent thieves from stealing goods produced in the area.
