Desde Avellaneda, Valles del Ibor y del Viejas

Incredible route. We left La Avellaneda, an abandoned village, went along the banks of the Ibor River until almost Castañar, from here to Navalvillar de Ibor through olive groves and hills, then road to almost Guadalupe and we went up the road (?) of Pico Villuercas until Pozo de la Nieve (1200 m). From there we descended down a hellishly cobbled slope until we reached the valley at the bottom of the Viejas River, where, amazed by the landscape, we continued until we took the Ibor again to cover the first kilometers.

Things to keep in mind:

• IN CASE YOU DON'T KNOW THE AREA: La Avellaneda is an abandoned village that you reach by taking a track that goes down from km 39.8 of the road that goes from Navalmoral to Guadalupe. You can see the exit because there is a tourist information sign. You drive down about two kms to the village, where I left the car (I did this because I knew that on the way back I would not have the strength to go back up).

• Obviously, it can be done in both directions, but I recommend the one I did because if you come very tired, the ups and downs of the first kilometers can be very tough.

• I would say the cyclability is 97%. Almost everything is wide paths but in very variable condition, there are some short technical trails and a hellish descent (beware of punctures) but there is no danger with a little caution. A small ford. I was also very careful because I was alone and with almost smooth touring tires.

• I passed some gates but all without padlocks; curious that for almost all I reached from 'inside' the 'private' estate without having opened another before. Except for an olive grove that must be crossed (barely 300 meters) without difficulty, I think all paths are public. In any case, there will almost always be alternatives in sight.

• There are 16 kms of road from Navalvillar to almost Guadalupe; I’m not saying there can’t be some alternative through paths but I decided to do it this way because I was watching the clock (I knew it was going to get late). Also, in that area, I hardly believe the views from the road that runs through the valley can be improved. Then there is another short section of about 3 kms downhill. The climb to Pozo de las Nieves is via a destroyed asphalt path that can be considered a path and has no traffic.

• The life's bahamontes can extend the route by going up to Pico Villuercas to tell it at home. The views from there are incredible; if this pass were climbed in competition, it would be special. I can't get there.

• Be very careful with the descent from here to the Viejas. It is a completely destroyed path with sharp stones. I was on almost smooth touring tires and had to stop from time to time.

In short, a magnificent route to spend the day getting to know this region of Ibores, which we travel almost end to end. Whoever does this and does not feel that riding a bike is the best thing in the world, apart from bed, should reconsider.