From Castilblanco de los Arroyos to Almadén de la Plata

In this stage, we will begin to see a bit of the difficulty of this route, as well as the typical features of the Silver Way. This section will cover the nearly thirty kilometers that separate Castiblanco de los Arroyos from the town of Almadén de la Plata; we will travel for a while on roads to tackle the ascent of the Berrocales, and from here to the Alto del Calvario. All of this accompanied by the already unavoidable dehesas and the livestock hills of the area.

We begin this route from Castiblanco de los Arroyos along the avenue of Antonio Machado, which will take us for practically 15 kilometers along the shoulder of the SE-5405 on our way to Almadén de la Plata, surrounded by extensive pastures. This section does not present much traffic, but, as always, we recommend exercising caution when walking along shoulders. The profile of this stage is simple until it is not, as in the last 6 kilometers we will begin to ascend to reach the estate El Berrocal.

We will leave the road to cross the dehesa del Berrocal, with the beautiful landscapes of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, specifically in a natural park of 177,000 hectares. Among gentle paths, we leave behind the Cortijo de La Morilla, heading towards the abandoned village of El Berrocal, which, without passing through it, announces our arrival at the ascent of the hill of Calvario, with a very steep height where we will climb 100 meters in 300 meters of length. We arrive at the top of Calvario, where we see the viewpoints over the pastures, and then descend through some rocky sections among gentle paths that lead us to Almadén de la Plata.

Things to consider

Although long, the elevation changes of this stage are very specific, and most of it runs along the road, so we recommend caution with the shoulders. It is very important to stock up in Castiblanco de los Arroyos and carry enough water, as you will not find points to replenish along much of the route. It is advisable to start early to avoid the hottest hours before reaching Almadén de la Plata.

Places of interest

• Church of Santa María de Gracia – Almadén de la Plata
• Viewpoint of Alto del Calvario – Almadén de la Plata
• Fountain of Santiago – Almadén de la Plata
• Fountain of the Clock – Almadén de la Plata
• Chapel of the Divine Shepherdess – Almadén de la Plata

Typical dishes

• Deer stew
• Migas molineras
• Game meat
• Caldillo de Almadén
• Iberian meats grilled
• Pestiños and hornazos