STAGE: Castiblanco de los Arroyos - Almadén de la Plata

We leave Castilblanco de los Arroyos on the road to Almadén de la Plata. We will take water and food with us, as we will not find anywhere to stock up on supplies until Almadén.

After 16 uncomfortable kilometres of hard shoulder and footpath, the gate of the El Berrocal Forest Park, on the right, gives way to one of the most beautiful stretches of the route through the Sierra Morena of Seville. In less than 14 km we reach the Cerro del Calvario, a short but steep climb that affords us magnificent views: to the rear, the road through the pastureland; and to the north, Almadén de la Plata, below us.

This town was reconquered from the Arabs by the Knights of the Order of Santiago. It has a 16th century parish church and a striking clock tower belonging to the old town hall. The town, in addition to all the necessary services for pilgrims, has a modern astronomical observatory, a Roman necropolis and, nearby, the Covachos cave, of great geological and archaeological interest.

It is well worth trying its exquisite hams and sausages. Today's long stage is rewarded by the beauty of the surroundings and the hospitality of the local people.