Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda, Railway trail in Sierra de la Demanda, Spain.
The Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda is a greenway built on an abandoned mining railway that runs 54 kilometers through mountain forests. It connects Arlanzón to Monterrubio de la Demanda, passing through villages and featuring a restored tunnel along with several footbridges.
This route traces an abandoned mining railway that once carried minerals from the Sierra de la Demanda mines to industrial centers in northern Spain. When mining operations ceased, the railway was transformed into a recreational trail.
The villages along the route reflect how mountain communities adapted to life in remote terrain, with stone houses built close together for warmth and protection. Local architecture shows the practical needs of people who worked the land and mines.
The trail features a compacted earth surface suitable for walkers and cyclists, with solid infrastructure including the restored tunnel and multiple bridges. The route is generally flat but follows the terrain naturally with some gentle slopes between villages.
The Arlanzón River is crossed multiple times during the hike, each crossing offering different views of the surrounding mountains. The bridges span different eras and reveal how railway engineering evolved in the region.
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