a unique path in Spain that runs along the railway line

There are many people in Granada who remember this train with real affection, especially because they took it, and now they can’t help but grimace when they see the remains of this line which are still standing. Because nostalgia is neither good nor bad; It’s inevitable.

These remains are located on one of the most popular hiking routes in Granada. This is the Vereda de la Estrella, also known as the Sierra Tram Trail, for more than obvious reasons already explained. Anyway, whatever it is called, the fact is that browsing it is a more than correct idea.

How long does it take to travel? Well, it depends, because there are several levels, so to speak. The most common, and also the most frequented, extends over the municipal territory of Guéjar Sierra and goes from the tail of the aforementioned marsh to the Barranco de San Juan. A total of eleven kilometers where walking is a pleasure and the journey takes around two and a half hours.

It is an easy route as it always follows the Genil river and the slope is barely noticeable. In other words, it is a virtually flat walk, making it accessible to everyone. In fact, it is easy to see families with children there on weekends. They enjoy it all year round because an additional advantage is that when passing through many shaded areas, the heat is not as intense. There are swimming pools where you can swim.

Of course, a hat and other protection are recommended, such as winter clothing for the colder months. Those of the winter which has just begun, precisely. It’s a fantastic season to enjoy travel, because After the rain, vegetation and green color abound and it’s easy to see the snow nearby. With a little luck, there is even the possibility of hitting odd balls.

There are suspension bridges along the route and many people enjoy crossing them. There, as on the Los Cahorros trail, MonachilAlso worth it, queues form at the busiest times – which coincide with weekend rush hours – because the attraction is irresistible. There is no need to be afraid because safety is guaranteed. If you are afraid of heights, which may not be the case here as the bridges are not located at high altitudes, the best advice is to always look ahead.

This shorter route joins what could properly be defined as the Vereda de la Estrella, which is already more important. Despite everything, their 16 kilometers They can be completed in five hours. Taking kids there is only a good idea if they have some experience or are used to kicking.

Great views, but… always careful

It is a beautiful trail where water and vegetation abound and which also allows for fun with impressive views of the north faces of the mountain. Mulhacén, Veleta and Alcazaba. In addition, this route has its own heritage value, not only in terms of nature, taking into account the ruins of the copper mines of Probadora and Estrella.

Once there, the trails that open are numerous, which implies the possibility of connecting with other hiking routes. For example, there is a point on the path where it splits in two. One, downhill, allows you to go down to the Vadillo river then go back up along what is called Prisoners’ Hill. If you prefer the short route, it is advisable to follow the main path, the one previously used to access the mines.

To return to the starting point, there are also several possibilities, some easy and others, rather than complicated, time-consuming. So it depends on each person. If you don’t know the area well, it’s better not to take any risks because there are little or no marked trails and the mountain is sometimes treacherous. Undoing what has been done is something that displeases some people – going back on the path already taken, said in a poetic tone – but it is often advisable.