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Vias Verdes –Green Walks in SpainWalking and Cycling Along the Flat Paths of Disused Spanish Railway
The flat green routes from disused railway tracks have been made into level walking and cycling routes all across Spain - Vias Verdes.
Vias Verdes are straight flat walking or cycling trails, reclaimed from the many disused railway lines - the tracks have been removed and the area levelled and surfaced for bikers and walkers to enjoy the exercise and scenery within these traffic-free countryside way-marked routes. There is over 1.550 kms of old railway trails across Spain, many of them have been restored others are still undergoing works, but the whole plan will have 64 Vías Verdes, or marked trails spread across the entire country when all the restoration works are complete. The green path from Sant Felieu de Guixols to Girona in Catalunya is one such scenic route it’s also called the Ruta Del Carrilet II or the narrow-gauge railway route and it covers a stretch of 39km, around 3 hours cycling. The Feliuet train carried passengers to the beach and goods from the major town of Girona to the busy seaport of Sant Feliu for almost 100 years. When bus services began in 1969 the railway was abandoned and the track lay rusting until the Federación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles, Spanish Railway Federation, began a Via Verde Program to turn the tracks into green paths for able-bodied, cyclists and wheelchair users to enjoy. Starting from sea-level at Sant Feliu, 1km from the beach at Rambla de la Generalitat, the route gently climbs inland passing the ruins of a medieval monastery and has lovely views of the coastline. Passing the town of Castell d’Aro after 4km the path starts its gentle incline through the Ridaura Valley, the surface here is smooth, well-packed sand. To visit the town a derailment is necessary, but worthwhile with its enormous beach and semi-restored castle. The path continues for another 15km towards Llagostera where another detour may grab the attention - the castle ruins on the hilltop. Cassá de la Selva, a further 8km along the track, has a natural park “Parc Art” with modern statues and sculptures from over thirty national and international artists. The final gentle pull of around 11km is through the Selva Depression an area of cropland and forest before the stopping point in the heart of Girona, the end of this particular planned route. This Vía Verde route through glorious countryside woodland can be walked or cycled together with the section from Girona to Olot which covers another 54km. These two sections will soon link with the Vía Verde del Camí de Ferro, which will mean a walk or cycle will be possible from the Pyranees to the Mediterranean Sea on the Costa Brava, a distance of 135 Kms. VIsit the official Via Verde or Via Verde de Aceite in Andalucia for more information.
The copyright of the article Vias Verdes –Green Walks in Spain in Spain Travel is owned by Rachel L. Webb. Permission to republish Vias Verdes –Green Walks in Spain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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