Ojos Negros Greenway

A rural route through

The mining railway was never a very good idea: over 200 km of narrow gauge railway that ran practically parallel to another broad gauge line. In the 1960s the railway was closed down, and today the long furrow in which it ran provides a good opportunity to get to know the Alto Palancia, a rural area in the province of Castellón.

TECHNICAL DATA

CONDITIONED GREENWAY

A rural route through Alto Palancia.

LOCATION

Between Algimia de Alfara () and Barracas (Castellón). VALENCIA and CASTELLÓN

Length: 67,7 km

Users: * * Suitable, except for the occasional ramp off the original route

Type of surface: Mixed: tarmac and compacted earth

Natural landscape: Palancia Valley (between the natural parks of La Sierra Espadán and La Sierra Calderona), Altos de Ragudo, and Llano de Barracas.

Cultural Heritage: Historic town centres of and Jérica

Infraestructure: 15 tunnels and 8 bridges.

How to get there: , Algimia, , Segorbe, , Jérica y : suburban services Renfe (Valencia line C-5) Sagunto, Segorbe y Barracas: Regional services Renfe (except TRD-Rapid Diesel Trains)

(*) Please ask the conditions of bike admittance in Renfe trains

Connections: Valencia: 35 Km from Torres-Torres Castellón: 50 Km from Segorbe : 55 Km from Barracas

Maps: Military map of .1:50.000 scale Hojas 614, 639, 640 y 668 Official road map of the Ministry of Public Works . Ministerio de Fomento

This greenway connect in Barracas with Ojos Negros II Greenway

More information in Guía de Vías Verdes volumen 1

DESCRIPTION

Km. 0 / Km. 10 / Km. 20 / Km. 30 / Km 40 / Km 50 / Km 60

The section of the Ojos Negros Greenway through the runs from Barracas (Castellón) –on the border with Aragón- to Algimia de Alfara and Torres-Torres (Valencia), and was undertaken by the Generalitat Valenciana, the regional government. It should be noted that we have maintained the original kilometre post system for two reasons. Firstly, for the sake of historic authenticity and, more importantly, with the idea of there being a single kilometre post system for the entire 200 km plus length of the Greenway (including both the Valencian and sections) once all the work has been completed. Thus, in the near future, Km 0 will be at the mines of Ojos Negros (Teruel) and Km 203 at the Port of Sagunto. At present, in addition to the section described here there are further 92 km in the reaching as far as the town of Santa Eulalia, which makes this the longest Greenway in Spain, with 162 km of uninterrupted trail.

This Greenway has an added advantage: the modern Valencia-Teruel railway line runs parallel for practically the entire route and there are a number of stations nearby providing easy access to it. The following stations may be used: Algimia, Soneja, Segorbe, Navajas, Jérica, and Caudiel. We suggest that cyclists consult www.renfe.es about possible restrictions on boarding trains with bicycles to avoid any last minute surprises.

Km 0

Our route begins at Barracas railway station. To get to the start of the Greenway, we need to head towards the town and soon we will see some steps leading up to the El Toro road. We take this road and immediately cross a bridge over the railway lines before turning left onto a tarmacked country lane. Some 150m further along is the start of the Greenway.

We can also go to Km 119.2 (according to original kilometre posts) and we will arrive at the old Barracas Station on the Greenway, very close to the border with the province of Teruel, and now converted into a hostel and a large recreational area by the Department of the Environment of the Generalitat Valenciana,

We leave the village and head down a long straight section towards the plateau known as the Llano de Barracas. On the way we pass some ditches with stone walls arranged in the manner of a snow fence, a track off to the left village of El Toro, and a poplar grove between two embankments where there is a rest area (Km 2.8).

On this small plateau, at Km 4.7 the Greenway is forced to temporarily abandon the route of the old railway line and instead we travel along a country lane with very little traffic. We pass under a bridge carrying the active railway line as the old mining railway used to do a few hundred metres further along. Once on the other side of the tracks we rejoin the Greenway proper (Km 6) which now runs in a dead straight line alongside the active railway lines. From this point the trail begins to descend the spectacular Ragudo Pass and a kilometre further on we join the Sendero de Gran Recorrido (Long Trail) GR- 7, which shares our route for a number of kilometres. The Greenway continues its path through a landscape of pine trees and at Km 8.7 we arrive at the two stations at Torás (Renfe and Sierra Menera), both disused.

Km. 10

In amongst the pine trees, the GR-7 Long Trail veers off towards the village of Monleón. A kilometre and a half further on, a sign announces the presence of a water fountain.

At Km 12.3 we reach the Mirador del Ragudo, a viewing point providing a magnificent opportunity to take in the Espadán mountains to the east and the Calderona mountains to the south.

Once over a viaduct (Km 12.6) on our right we pass by a refuge to be used in the event of bad weather (cold, snow or rain) which is equipped with a fireplace and firewood.

At Km 13 we arrive at the first tunnel along the way, the Ragudo tunnel, 237m in length. Shortly we pass through two more tunnels, neither of which are as long.

Soon we reach the Masadas station (Km 15), and our trail crosses what used to be the old N-234 road. Here there is a rest area, and around 300 metres further on we come across a Spanish Civil War machine gun bunker. The surface is now compacted earth (for some 500m) due to work on the junction with the motorway, which we pass under via a pedestrian underpass.

At Km 16.5 the Greenway enters an area dominated by pine trees. To our left the GR-7 Long Trail takes its definitive leave of our Greenway and continues along the old Camino Real de Aragón (Aragon Royal Way).

Km. 20

La Fuensanta Viaduct. This great engineering work, nearly 150m long, is unusual in that it is built alongside and almost completely flush against its broad gauge twin. Here we recommend making a short diversion down to the bottom of the ravine via a path on the left of the viaduct to best appreciate the magnificent view of the two parallel and practically touching viaducts. These superb

engineering works are a sight to behold and are well worth a stop. At the same time we can refresh ourselves with water from a spring at the side of the path down to the bottom of the ravine, which is easy to spot due to the greenness of the surrounding area.

At Km 22.8 we arrive at Caudiel railway station. Though unused and out-of-the-way, it is nevertheless in good condition, and the water tanks that used to serve the powerful locomotives of the Sierra Menera railway are still intact. The station grounds are now the site of a rest area for our Greenway.

Before reaching the Caudiel tunnel, at Km 23.4 a track to our right leads to the railway station some 500 metres away.

At Km 24 we arrive at the mouth of the tunnel, lush with vegetation. Although it is 220 metres long the tunnel is easy to negotiate since it is equipped with automatic lighting and a hard paved surface.

At the far side of this tunnel we come upon a washing place fed by a spring and the houses of a district of Caudiel known as “El Barrio”. At this point our Greenway is joined by two more trails for walkers and cyclists; the Short Train PR-CV63 and the “” trail. These trails are signposted and there is an information board. From here we embark on a 6 kilometre stretch in which we can enjoy a rapidly changing landscape of contrasts and a succession of panoramic views.

At first we pass through a rich vegetation of fruit orchards and trees such as acacias, walnut trees, and the occasional Aleppo pine.

At Km 25.5 the Greenway climbs up to one of the highest points on the route, which affords us magnificent panoramic views of extensive fields of dryland crops with the mountains of Sierra Espadán Natural Park mountains in the background.

A railway cutting (Km 27) allows us to appreciate the peculiar geomorphology of the area before we lose height down a long straight section towards the town of Jérica, with the mountains of the Sierra Calderona Natural Park to our front.

The trail continues past another cutting (Km 29.5) which was used as a dumping ground when the tracks were taken up. Now some parts of the cutting walls still remain, giving us an idea of the scale of the earthworks required. Shortly afterwards we enter the longest tunnel on the route (520 m.), which is fitted with lighting and presents us with no problem.

Km. 30

On the far side of this tunnel is the station that used to serve the town of Jérica. A few metres further on we are forced to abandon the original route and make a diversion to our left along a farm road (the diversion is well signposted).

We then enter Jérica (Km 30.5), watching out for traffic and taking care to follow the Greenway signs, and soon find ourselves in the town square (Km 31) with its fountain, bars, shops, and the tourist office. This is a good moment to have a rest or take a stroll around the town.

The “Las Campanas” Tower is the town’s most famous landmark, the only example of Mudejar architecture on Valencian soil. Jérica used to be a walled town and we can still see some towers attached to houses. At the top of the Peña Tajada is the Homenaje Tower, all that remains of the town’s castle. The surrounding area is internationally renowned for its rock climbing opportunities, offering a wide range of routes and difficulties.

To leave the town we follow the Greenway signs that take us down a road, past a water treatment plant, and on to the old level-crossing hut, now restored, where we return once again to the Greenway proper (Km 32.6).

We travel downhill in another long cutting until we reach the river Palancia (Km 34) which we cross by means of a long viaduct whose elegance contrasts with the design of the parallel road bridge.

At Km 34.8 we reach a rest area and the old Jérica railway station with its water tank that used to supply the steam locomotives.

We continue downhill towards Navajas, close to the head of the Regajo Reservoir (Km 36). We cross the old N-234 road, now disused, as is the old level-crossing hut (Km 36.7).

Shortly afterwards we arrive at a tunnel (Km 37.5) and, once on the other side, we are treated with a splendid panoramic view of the Regajo Reservoir. We can get an even better view of the reservoir from a viewing point (Km 38) close to the railway lines which squeeze past the dam that forms the reservoir. After passing through another tunnel (Km 38.3) we come across the old Navajas quarry where the stone used to build the rail bed was extracted. Here another rest area has been provided.

The route now continues among pine groves along an embankment, with views of the village of Navajas and the Sierra de Espadán mountains in the background. We soon reach the Navajas campsite (Km 39.3), located in the upper part of this quiet little village and a little later we cross the old N-234 road with its level-crossing hut (Km 40.3).

At this point we might like to take our leave of the railway route for a short while and turn left along the road for a few metres before taking another left into Navajas.

Navajas is well worth a visit. We can visit an 11th century Moorish Tower (the Torre de Altomira), actually closer to the Greenway than to the town, a 16th century parish church, and the village square with its ancient tree (an elm planted in 1636) and splendid houses dating back to the late 19th century.

Close to Navajas there is an almost magical beauty spot where the “Cascada del Brazal” (Brazal Waterfall), a spectacular 30 metre cascade, plunges into the river Palancia. The area is known as the “Salto de la Novia” (Bride’s Leap) after a local legend that tells of a bride who plunged to a tragic death there.

Km. 40

At Km 41 w pass under the new motorway and immediately afterwards we have the choice of two ways to pass through the town of Altura: we can either continue left through the town itself, which means tackling one or two steep hills, or continue right, along the route of the old rail bed, which will mean sharing the road with motor traffic. However the railway route is interrupted by a pond which obliges us to make deter through a pleasant park with a restaurant, hotel and swimming pool (Km 42) to the other side of the city, but the route is well signposted. A short distance further on we regain the Greenway proper, and shortly after that we will see a signpost indicating a Short Trail (PR-63.9).

Km 44.2 finds us at the Rambla de Monteros rest area. We cross this dry gully by a bridge and around 500m later we reach a crossroads with a signpost to Cartuja de Vall de Crist.

Next we arrive at another rest area on the site of the ruined Segorbe railway station (Km 47.7), the scant remains of which are half overgrown by scrub. The station is a fair way from the town from which it takes its name because the railway was built to serve the mining industry and passenger transport was already covered by the broad gauge railway. The Sierra Menera railway station served only as a junction for iron ore trains.

Segorbe is the capital town of the Rural District of Alto Palancia. Originally the Celtiberian-Roman city of Segóbriga, it features a 12th century Cathedral-Basilica, a Town Hall housed in a 15th century ducal house), an aqueduct, La Torre de la Cárcel (the Prison Tower), and the Museum of Archaeology.

Km. 50

At Km 51.7 a short track takes us under the motorway, tight up against the abutments of the Renfe bridge, and onwards to Soneja Renfe station and the village of the same name.

The motorway once again interrupts the route of the mining railway, but we get round the problem by using the service road that has been cut into the hillside. The detour is somewhat steep and requires a certain effort but is not really a problem. We share this section with other road users, but it is appropriately signed.

Thanks to the collaboration of the quarry owners, the Greenway continues alongside the Renfe (now strictly speaking ADIF) railway lines along a purpose built track which is separate from other motor traffic and the trucks entering and leaving the quarry (Km 52.8). In this way we negotiate one of the most altered points on the route of the old mining railway. The geology of the area attracted gypsum producers who were quick to excavate a massive quarry which obliterated what was left of the mining railway.

A kilometre further on the original route of the mining railway reappears and shortly afterwards there is a rest area and a viewing point for , a small village overlooked by the San Antonio Hermitage.

At Km 56.5 we reach the El Juncar road junction under which the railway route was irremediably lost. However, once again road and Greenway authorities collaborated to find a solution to the problem, making use of the few metres available between the pillars of the bridge and so ensuring the continuity of the route, safe from the traffic using this junction.

On the far side of the junction, the Greenway, once again with a tarmac surface, enters a landscape of pine groves and crop fields (Km 56.7).

Soon we reach a deep cutting, crossed by a bridge carrying the Algar del Palancia road crosses by a bridge, before arriving at a pronounced dip in the trail due to the N- 225 road, which we pass underneath. Care is required as we share this section with other traffic.

Km. 60

Now travelling between orange groves, we head towards a bridge over the Rambla del Somat or Barranco de Arguinas (Km 60), before entering a long cutting which takes us to the villages of Alfara de Algimia and Algimia de Alfara. From the Greenway (Km 62) we can see the latter village and its surrounding orange groves.

A track off to our left (Km 62.3) leads to Algimia railway station, some 300m away. This is also where the Camino del Cid trail branches off on its way to Les Valls.

A kilometre past the Algimia de Alfara level crossing hut where the mining railway crosses the old N-234 road there is a rest area, which is where the Greenway ends at the moment. But soon it will be possible to go as far as Sagunto, and a connecting trail will link up with Puçol and the Greenway de Xurra. So in a short while it will be possible to cycle or walk all the way into the city of Valencia itself.

MAPS

PROFILE

RAILWAY HISTORY

The Sierra Menera mining railway entered into operation on July 27, 1907 carrying ore from the rich deposits of the Ojos Negros mines (Teruel) to the port of Sagunto. These mines were only 15 km away from the broad gauge railway operated by the Compañía del Ferrocarril Central de Aragón (Central Railway Company of Aragon). However, in spite of the short distance, the high rates charged by the Central de Aragón prompted the mining company to build its own railway from the mines to a loading facility on the coast. Thus, somewhat bizarrely, a 205 km long, narrow gauge railway was built, practically all of it running parallel to the Central de Aragón’s lines.

As the line was intended solely for the transport of iron ore, its operational life was always dependent on the output of the mines. Production rose steadily, especially after a steelworks was set up in Sagunto. However, the demand for transport grew at such a rate that the mining company discovered that its railway was causing a veritable bottleneck that stifled any possibility of expansion. This led the company to transfer the iron ore transport business to Renfe.

In 1972 the railway was closed, although at either end of the line Renfe used some of the Sierra Menera rail beds for its broad gauge trains. Shortly after the railway was closed the rails and sleepers were removed and any useable rolling stock was transferred to other national narrow gauge railways. In 2002 work began on reclaiming the route as a Greenway, and the final section was completed in the spring of 2008. Plans are underway to extend the route as far as Sagunto and then on to the city of Valencia.

INTERESTING DATA

1. Festivals and holidays 2. Accommodation 3. Eco-tourism 4. Town Councils 5. Emergencies 6. Coaches & buses 7. Railway

Festivals and holidays

Torres-Torres September 8 and 9 Virgen de la Leche

Algimia de Alfara April 12 San Vicente Ferrer

Last weekend in July / first weekend in August Mare de Deu de los Desamparats

Alfara de Algimia August 28 San Agustín

September 8 and 9 Virgen de los Afligidos

Algar de Palancia September 23 San Pedro Nolasco

September 24 Nuestra Señora de la Merced.

Sot de Ferrer February Carnavales

June, 13 and 14 Cristo de la Piedad y San Antonio de Padua

Middle of August

Fiestas de Verano

Soneja First week in August Semana Taurina

Last week in September San Miguel Arcángel y Cristo de la Sangre

Enramaes (ramas de pino).

Segorbe: January 17 San Antón

February Carnaval

June Corpus Christi

July 10 San Cristóbal

August 2 Angel Custodio

August 16 San Roque

Last saturday in August Fiestas de la Santísima Virgen

Novembre 22 Santa Cecilia

December 8 Fiesta de la Purísima

Altura March 25 La Encarnación

From september 21 to october 1 Fiestas Patronales

September 29

San Miguel

September 30 Virgen de Gracia

Navajas January 17 San Antonio

April 19 San Vicente Ferrer

Third week in september Fiestas Mayores de la Virgen de la Luz

September 29 San Vicente Ferrer

Monday after Easter Monday Romería a la ermita de la Esperanza

Jérica February 5 Santa Águeda

Second wednesday in july Cristo de la Sangre

Second fortnight in Septembe Divina Pastora

Viver September 29 San Miguel Arcángel

September 30 Nuestra Señora de Gracia

August 15 Romería de San Roque

Friday after San Vicente Monday San Francisco de Paula

Benafer August 6 San Salvador

August 15 Fiestas de la Virgen

August 16 San Roque

Caudiel January 17 San Antón

June Fiesta de la Cereza.

Second sunday in september Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen del Niño Perdido

October 21 Santa Úrsula

Torás May 19 Santa Quiteria

June 24 San Juan

September 8 to 14 Cristo de la Misericordia y Nuestra Señora de la Cueva Santa

Barracas Jasnuary 17 San Antón

First sunday in may La Divina Pastora. Fiestas de la Rosa

June 29 San Pedro

August 16 San Roque

El Toro January San Antón

August 16 San Roque

Note: The term ‘fiestas’ refer to local holidays and festivals, often held in honour of the patron saint of the town or village A ‘romería’ is a (usually festive) pilgrimage to a local shrine.

Accommodation

Barracas Hostal Norte Tel. 964 12 10 03 – 964 12 11 45

Hostal los Llanos Tel. 964 12 10 42

Casa Rural Carlos Tel. 658 03 37 49 / 964 12 10 82

Casa Rural Hervás Carot Tel. 659 76 18 20 / 964 71 26 60

Casa Rural San José Tel. 964 12 11 54

Casa Rural Casa del Carmen Tel. 964 12 11 28

Casa Rural Silverio Tel. 964 12 11 28

El Toro Hotel Rural Los Abriles. Tel. 964 12 31 24. www.hotelosabriles.com

Caudiel Albergue – Agroturismo y Educación Ambiental Mas de Noguera. Tel. 964 14 40 74 www.masdenoguera.coop

Cabañas Caudiel Tel. 626 47 66 94 www.cabanascaudiel.es

Casa Rural Casa de la Llum

Tel. 964 14 40 14

Jerica Hotel Rosaleda Doncel*** Tel. 964 12 80 17 (junto a la vía verde)

Hostal Sánchez Tel. 964 12 90 47

Casa Rural María Jesús Tel. 964 12 91 17 / 637 040 255

Casa Rural Shariqua Tel. 629 288 007 www.shariqua.com

Casa Rural “Masía Novales” Tel. 606906224 - 620274979 www.masianovales.com

Casa Rural “El Mirador” Tel.670 35 89 55

Navajas Hotel Salto de la Novia Tel. 964 10 82 42

Hotel El Jardi del estornell Tel. 964 71 11 98

Hotel Balneario Navajas Tel. 964 71 08 01

Camping Altomira Tel. 964 71 32 11 www.campingaltomira.com

Altura Hotel Victoria Tel. 964 14 61 53 www.villadealtura.com

Fonda La Marcelina Tel. 964 14 62 81

Masía San Juan

Tel. 964 13 20 87 / 653 78 24 42 www.masiadesanjuan.com

Camping Municipal Tel. 964 14 70 89

Segorbe Hotel María de Luna*** Tel. 964 71 13 13 www.hotelmariadeluna.es

Hospedería El Palén Tel. 964 71 07 40 www.elpalen.com

Hostal Millán Tel. 964 13 52 25. (junto a la vía verde) www.hotelmillan.com

Masía Ferrer Tel. 670 05 16 07 www.masiaferrer.com

Casa Rural Peñablanca Tel. 964 71 07 79 – 964 71 15 14 www.casaruralpenablanca.com

Casa El Patio de las Cebollas Tel. 653 64 15 58 www.elpatiodelascebollas.com

Camping San Blas Tel. 964 71 12 02

Casa Rural “Las Adelfas” Tel. 629 28 43 21. Segorbe-Villatorcas

Viver Camping Villa de Viver Tel. 964 14 13 34 www.campingviver.com

Soneja Casa Ginés Tel. 964 13 50 29

Algimia de Alfara

Casa Rural La Casucha Tel. 964 83 82 50 www.lascasuchas.com

Torres-Torres Casa Rural Puja al Castell Tel. 962 62 62 45 – 606 089 818 www.ruralcastell.com

Eco-tourism

Jérica Hardacho. Alquiler de bicicletas. Tel. 606 08 96 96 www.hardacho.com

Tourist Info. Tel. 964 12 91 77- 964 12 80 04 www.jerica.com

Navajas Touris Info. Tel. 964 71 08 01 [email protected]

Segorbe Ruralocio. Tel. 964 71 34 28

Palanquad. Tel. 679 04 78 09

Unión Ciclista Alto Palancia. Tel. 964 710 902

Touris Info. Tel. 964 71 32 54 www.segorbe.es

Town Councils

Barracas Tel. 964 121 001. www.barracas.es

El Toro Tel. 964 123 001 www.eltoro.es

Torás Tel. 964 120 238 www.toras.es

Caudiel Tel. 964 144 049 www.caudiel.es

Benafer Tel. 964 764 111 www.benafer.es

Viver Tel. 964 141 006 www.viver.es

Jérica Tel. 964 129 177 www.jerica.es

Navajas Tel. 964 710 801 www.navajas.es

Altura Tel. 964 146 384 www.altura.es

Segorbe Tel. 964 132 020 www.segorbe.es

Soneja. Tel. 964 135 004 www.soneja.es

Sot de Ferrer Tel. 964 135 127 www.sotdeferrer.es

Algar del Palancia Tel. 96 262 61 52 www.gva.es/algardepalancia

Alfara de Algimia Tel. 96 262 60 01 www.alfaradealgimia.es

Algimia de Alfara Tel. 96 262 60 53 www.algimiadealfara.es

Torres- Torres Tel. 96 262 65 42 www.valenciadelastorres.com

Emergencies

EMERGENCIES: Tel. 062

Coaches & buses

Empresa SAMAR. Teruel. Tel. 978 60 34 50 Valencia. Tel. 963 49 56 09

Empresa HERCA. Tel. 964 71 03 63

Railway

Barracas. RENFE. Tel. 964 71 00 11. www.renfe.es/mediadistancia/md_valencia.html

Segorbe. RENFE. Tel. 964 71 00 11. www.renfe.es/cercanias/valencia/index.html

Valencia. RENFE. Tel. 96 352 02 02. www.renfe.es/cercanias/valencia/index.html

LINKS www.comunitatvalenciana.com Portal oficial de turismo de la Comunitat Valenciana. www.costablanca.org La Diputación de ofrece a través de esta web la información turística más completa de la provincia de Alicante: rutas, alojamientos, restaurantes y gastronomía, museos y fiestas...