Cyclist on the Silver Route in Extremadura

Silver Route by bicycle

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The Silver Route or Vía de la Plata is a fascinating trail running north-to-south across Spain and ideal for mountain bike enthusiasts. From Seville to Gijón, it's an adventure that crosses four different regions: Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile and Leon and Asturias. Along this 900-kilometre route you’ll enjoy landscapes and cultures so varied they could be in different countries. You can see the olive groves of the south, the sweeping plains of Extremadura, the central massif, and the lush green valleys of the north.

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Silver Route. The route by bike

Stages

The itinerary consists of 12 stages. The website www.larutaenbici.com has information on the different stages, with maps and tracks, as well as the services available (workshops, accommodation, rental companies, etc.) along the route.Stage 1. Seville – El Real de la Jara, 83 kilometers. Stage 2. El Real de la Jara – Villafranca de los Barros, 90 kilometres. Stage 3. Villafranca de los Barros – Alcuéscar, 80 kilometres. Stage 4. Alcuéscar – Casar de Cáceres, 50 kilometers. Stage 5. Casar de Cáceres – Plasencia, 88 kilometers. Stage 6. Plasencia – Béjar, 79 kilometers.

Stage 7. Béjar – San Pedro de Rozados, 56 kilometers.Stage 8. San Pedro de Rozados – Zamora, 92 kilometres.Stage 9. Zamora – Benavente, 72 kilometres.Stage 10. Benavente – León, 102 kilometres.Stage 11. Leon – Pola de Lena, 95 kilometres.Stage 12. Pola de Lena – Gijón, 75 kilometres. By the way, did you know that some people also travel the Silver Route as an option to do the Camino de Santiago? In such a way that, when the itinerary reaches Zamora, they take an alternative route to connect with the Camino Frances or the Camino Sanabrés until they reach Santiago de Compostela.

Tips

Training. For an adventure this demanding you need to be in good shape, so train in advance and remember you’ll be carrying more baggage than usual. Luggage. You should bring a helmet, cycling clothes, a water bottle, a rain cape, and suitable shoes. And don’t forget the tools you’ll need if you have to repair your bicycle.Food. A good breakfast is always ideal. If possible, include something sweet and some nuts, to start the day with energy. Hydration is also vital, so always keep your water bottle full, because there are stretches where it can be difficult to find water.Accommodation. If you’re going to stay in public shelters, remember that most of them close their doors at 22:00. If you prefer to enjoy the evening, it’s better to opt for private shelters or hostels.Time of year. Although you can go at any time of year, spring is the best season for cycling this route. You’ll avoid the extreme heat of summer, especially in the south, and you can enjoy greener scenery and spring flowers.