Via Verde Tajuña - La Alcarria

On March 26, 1916, the Orusco-Mondéjar section of the Madrid-Niño Jesús to Alocén railway was inaugurated. The construction of this narrow gauge railway line (1 meter wide) began in 1886 and was built in different stages until reaching Alocén in 1921, although the infrastructure almost reached Cifuentes. A few years after reaching Alocén, the closure of sections began. The first section to close was Sacedón-Alocén on July 12, 1946, and ten years later the closure reached Orusco, ending operations in the province of Guadalajara. Finally, it survived until 1997 between the Cornicabra quarry and Vicálvaro as an industrial mining railway for transporting limestone for the Pórtland Valderribas cement plant. This brief summary also shows the short existence of a line that aimed to connect Madrid with Aragón. Currently, it has become part of metro line 9 and, between Arganda and Ambite, a greenway (vía verde). This section is called Vía Verde del Tajuña and is well adapted for walking, cycling, or wheelchair use. The Mondéjar - Pozo de Almoguera - Yebra section constitutes the VÍA VERDE TAJUÑA - LA ALCARRIA. It is a newcomer, participating in its third national day, so we know there is much to improve. The surface is not prepared, so there are areas where the ballast makes traveling somewhat uncomfortable, it is not suitable for disabled people, and part of the route runs along agricultural roads (see map). We trust all this will be corrected soon so we can enjoy these spaces. Nonetheless, traveling it in spring through vineyards, olive groves, and cereal fields forming an open and rolling landscape dotted with patches of Mediterranean vegetation is to enjoy a privileged environment. Finally, it is necessary to mention the section from Mondéjar to the border of the Community of Madrid. It runs through an oak woodland and features many trench areas. It is suitable to do on foot or by bike, though with difficulty as in some areas stones have fallen from the slopes. The effort is worth it to hear a wide variety of birds or observe one of the three species of orchids found there, as well as many other botanical species, especially if done during the months of April and May, the best time to delight in all the splendor of these surroundings.