walking in spain

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There are over 7,000 kms of disused railway lines in Spain which have been recovered or earmarked for recovery for the enjoyment of ramblers and cyclists; some are suitable for the disabled. These are known as “Vias Verdes” or Greenways.

The programme, initiated in 1993 is a central government plan, participated by the Spanish railways, both RENFE (National Railways) and FEVE (Narrow gauge railways) as well as regional and local governments. It is administered by the Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (FFE), members of the European Greenways Association.

The greenways are safe and usually easily accessible routes through areas of great cultural value and natural beauty, away from roads and free from motorised traffic.

Those looking for more challenging alternatives are advised to contact the tourist offices of the areas in which they are interested since most autonomous governments have published hiking and cycling guides of their respective regions.

Other hiking routes are those known as “Gran Recorrido” and “Pequeño recorrido”. Information on these need to be requested from the Spanish Mountaineering Federation (Federación Española de Montañismo).

Maps can be purchased from the Casa Del Mapa in Spain or Stanford Ltd in the UK, although FFE have suggested Tienda Verde in Madrid as a most suitable source. They have also recommended the Official Map of Spanish roads, published by the Spanish Ministry of Public Works (Ministerio de Fomento), which features all the greenways and is also available from Casa Del Mapa and Tienda Verde.

Andalucian International Walking & Cultural Festival

Andalucian International Walking & Cultural Festival is packed with an exciting range of activities such as Olive Harvest & Virgin Oil Production, Andalucian Cookery Classes, Pottery, Bodega Wine Tasting Tour, Oil Painting. Each day there will be a choice of two walks of different grades in and around the nearby Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park. The festival also coincides with two local fiestas - Andalucia Day and The Carnival of El Burgo - a fantastic opportunity for festival goers to immerse themselves in traditional Spanish culture.

click here for further information from Frontier Holidays