At the beginning of the 20th century, a narrow-gauge railway was built along the Cidacos valley between Calahorra and Préjano, in the northeast of Span. Its main purpose was to transport coal from the Préjano mine to the River Ebro. The route was later extended and the goods transported included the fruits of the valley's market gardens, as well as industrial products from the town of Arnedo. This route was in service for around 40 years before closing in 1966.

The lower Cidacos Valley boasts impressive views of rocky cliffs and river canyons that water has carved out of the rock. This weathering has created unique shapes in the reddish-brown stone in the form of waterfalls, towers and castles. This valley is also home to one of the largest colonies of vultures in Spain: if you look up, you'll see them soaring majestically in the sky. The thermal springs of Arnedillo are also hidden in the landscape.

While rail transport has ceased, the valley remains fertile and the Cidacos Greenway explores these ancient orchards. On the slopes, the land has been transformed into endless terraces of almond trees, olive trees, and vineyards.

The greenway runs along the last stretch of the Cidacos Valley before joining the mighty Ebro. It's an easy route in terms of distance, gradient and technical difficulty, as most of the surface is in good condition and there are no steep gradients. I invite you to do it in two stages, including a variant of just over 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) on the Préjano Greenway.

The route is suitable for all ages and abilities and is a great choice for families with children. In this itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and breathtaking views while riding at a leisurely pace. You’ll spend the night in Arnedo, the valley's largest town, which boasts a wide range of facilities including a wonderful choice of restaurants. Any well-maintained bike is suitable for the route.

The best seasons to cycle the Cidacos Greenway are spring and autumn when the vegetation is at its best and the river is in full flow. In winter, the temperatures are lower, and the days shorter, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the valley. In summer, the high temperatures and lack of shade make the route more challenging.

Regardless of season, make sure you have clothes that allow you to add or remove layers depending on the weather conditions. Don't forget your swimming gear to enjoy Arnedillo's open-air thermal pools, which are freely accessible.

The route starts in Calahorra, a town on the right bank of the River Ebro in La Rioja, accessible by train from various parts of the peninsula. The destination is Arnedillo, which has its own transport service (Jiménez Movilidad bus company) to Calahorra. Timetables can be consulted on the following website: jimenezmovilidad.es (in Spanish).

I'm sure that the landscapes of La Rioja Baja will stay with you forever. Have fun on the Cidacos Greenway.