Introduction
The Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda, or Greenway of the Sierra de la Demanda, is an intriguing rail trail located in the province of Burgos, Spain. This greenway utilizes the remnants of a once-active mining railway from the early 20th century, which operated for a brief period before succumbing to operational challenges. The route offers a scenic journey through diverse landscapes and rich historical contexts, making it a popular destination for walkers and cyclists alike. Spanning approximately 54 kilometers, this greenway not only showcases the natural beauty of the Sierra de la Demanda mountain sub-range but also highlights the region’s industrial heritage.
Location and Accessibility
The Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda stretches from Arlanzón to Monterrubio de la Demanda, closely following the original path of the aforementioned mining railway. The starting point, Arlanzón, was home to the railway’s only station during its operational days. An interesting aspect of this greenway is the potential future extension towards the Archaeological site of Atapuerca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Atapuerca gained significant attention due to its archaeological findings related to early human settlements, which happened to be uncovered during the construction of the railway.
As it stands, this greenway provides access to stunning views and various habitats that are home to an array of wildlife. The trail is well-maintained and accessible for both cyclists and pedestrians, making it a versatile outdoor activity option for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the historical significance of the area.
Historical Background
The history of the Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda is deeply rooted in industrial development during the late 19th century. In 1896, “The Sierra Company Limited,” a British enterprise, received approval from the Spanish government to construct a narrow gauge railway aimed at transporting iron ore from local mines to Burgos. Once in Burgos, minerals would be further transported to steel mills in the Basque region via the Burgos-Bilbao railway line.
The railway was officially opened in 1901. Initially envisioned as a dual-purpose transport system for both freight and passengers, it quickly became evident that profitability was elusive. High operational costs associated with transporting goods to Bilbao led to financial losses. As a result, despite being granted a passenger service license shortly after its opening, the line predominantly functioned as a freight carrier until its closure in 1910. By 1947, after years of neglect and disrepair, the railway was dismantled entirely.
It wasn’t until the early 21st century that an innovative idea emerged—transforming part of this forgotten railway into a greenway. This vision came to fruition in 2004 when the Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda officially opened for public use. The initiative not only preserved part of the region’s historical legacy but also promoted sustainable outdoor recreation.
Trail Description
The greenway spans approximately 54 kilometers and offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna along its route. Hikers and cyclists can expect to encounter diverse wildlife such as birds of prey, deer, foxes, squirrels, and even wild boar. The trail begins at Arlanzón and meanders through lush forests comprised mainly of pine and ash trees before transitioning into denser oak woodlands as it approaches the Arlanzón reservoir.
About 10 kilometers into the journey lies the first tunnel near Urrez; however, this tunnel is currently closed due to safety concerns following structural collapse. A steep parallel track provides an alternate route around this obstacle. As travelers continue their adventure along this path, they will come across several rest areas where they can pause and appreciate their surroundings.
Pineda de la Sierra
At roughly 23 kilometers into the trek is Pineda de la Sierra, recognized as a historic-artistic complex featuring charming mountain-style architecture and a Romanesque church adorned with a portico. For some time, users of the greenway faced detours since part of the route had been claimed by an individual asserting ownership over it. However, in 2009, a Supreme Court ruling favored the town hall of Pineda de la Sierra in resolving this dispute, allowing unimpeded access for trail users once again.
Scenic Highlights
As one continues along the trail towards Barbadillo de Herreros at around 44 kilometers into their journey, they will pass through picturesque landscapes characterized by Pyrenean oak forests and
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).