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Andalucia

Via Verde de Aceite

The Via Verde del Aceite or the Olive Oil Way

For walking or cycling in Jaen the via verde (green way) is a new tourist attraction, recently renovated from the abandoned Jaen-Campo Real railway line. It’s an ideal environment to enjoy the countryside on the 55km vehicle-free path.

Old station house on the Via Verde at Alcaudete

The surface is suitable for walking, cycling, pushchairs and wheelchairs - a perfect fairly level path for the enjoyment of all.

The original line was built between 1882 and 1893 with the help of French Engineers, and was used to transport minerals from the mines in Linares as well as an abundance of olive oil, it became known as Tren del Aceite – the oil train.

Commercial reasons saw its use decline and in 1985 the line closed completely and began to be dismantled.

Via Verde at road crossing - Martos

The line which was part of the service from Linares –Puente Genil, starts
in Jaen at the sports complex Las Fuentezuelas, and runs through spectacular views of the olive plantations to Torredelcampo, then to Torredonjimeno and Martos.

Walkers on the Via Verde de Aceite from Alcaudete

The line crosses rivers and streams in the heart of the countryside where at times cars are not even to be heard in the distance. Metal viaducts show the skills of the French as they stretch from 70m to 224m long, providing great viewing points along the way to enjoy the ever changing scenery.

At the site of the old stations there is parking available and picnic zones. The old station of Alcaudete is a fine example and makes a good base to walk the stretch to the two Natural Wetland Reserves of Laguna Honda and Laguna del Chinche, winter nesting haunts of many different water birds. According to the information boards flamingos also frequent here but we’ve yet to see any!

Via verde and old station on road to Las Casilllas

Via Verde de Aceite - road to Las Casillas

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