Northwest Greenway from Caravaca

What it is

The nature path that follows the route of the former railway between Murcia and Caravaca de la Cruz: 78 km through nine municipalities, Murcia, Molina de Segura, Alguazas, Campos del Río, Albudeite, Mula, Bullas, Cehegín and Caravaca. It can be done on foot, by bike or on horseback, and links with the Camino de la Cruz (GR-252), the pilgrimage route to the basilica.

According to the Spanish Railways Foundation, which coordinates the greenways programme, the surface is compacted earth and the route crosses six tunnels, nine viaducts and a metal bridge. The official page describes the final stretch, from Bullas, as a gentle, continuous gradient, with no obstacles to Caravaca. Many of the former stations have been turned into hostels.

From Caravaca: the stretch towards Cehegín

The greenway ends at the former Caravaca station, at kilometre 76.8, now converted into a hostel with a small canteen. The most comfortable stretch for a morning is the one from here to Cehegín, the neighbouring town, whose station is at kilometre 70.4: it is about 6.4 km each way, almost 13 km out and back. On foot, allow about three hours in all; by bike, about an hour at an easy pace.

On the way you cross the viaduct over the Argos river, at kilometre 73.4, and the line's last tunnel, at 72.9. The Cehegín station has a hostel and restaurant, and from it you can walk up to the town's old quarter, a good place for a drink before returning. If you want to go further, a little before Cehegín the line passes over the Quípar river viaduct.

To enter or leave Caravaca, the greenway reaches the station along an avenue of trees. There is also a waymarked variant, the Anillo Verde, with walkways and the mural of the Apparition of the Cross, and if you continue through the historic centre you reach near the Casa del Peregrino, at the foot of the hill that climbs to the Vera Cruz basilica.

Tips

The official websites do not indicate water sources on this stretch: bring your own, especially from May to September, when it is best to set out first thing. Dogs may go on a lead. Cyclists share the path with walkers and pilgrims: slow down at the entrance to villages and in tunnels.

Caravaca's tourist office, at calle de las Monjas 19 (968 70 24 24), gives information on the path and on the Camino de la Cruz. If you have the afternoon free, combine the walk with the Fuentes del Marqués site or with the climb to the castle and basilica.