Stage 9: Las Casas - Valverde

The Trail heads out of the town on a paved road shared with motorised vehicles for 2.7 km. It then continues straight ahead at the first intersection, leaving to the right the crossroads where Stage 8 ends. The landscape consists of cereal crops with olive trees and vineyards.

The route heads along a bend to the left, then continues straight to an intersection signposted with visuals of the Programme. Leaving the paved road behind, it turns onto a wide dirt road next to a ditch that leads down to the River Guadiana. Further on, to the right, is "Los Tilos" farmstead. The route disregards the access to the farm and continues straight ahead. On reaching the River Guadiana, which is blanketed with marsh vegetation, the route turns left, and then continues parallel to it.

After 2.2 km, the route skirts around "Los Corrales" stud farm, and climbs up a path leading away from the river, venturing into pastures with grazing cattle. The path reaches an overpass on the road to Ciudad Real that carries heavy traffic. Caution should be exercised when crossing to the opposite side. The route then turns right onto a wide dirt road. About 300 m further on, it merges onto a paved road. After 200 m, it reaches an intersection where it turns left. Caution should be exercised again, as vehicles access Alarcos Archaeological Park from here.

The Trail, flanked by shade trees, skirts a farm along its right side, then begins to climb up to the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Alarcos, from where one can enjoy splendid views of this Stage. One can visit Alarcos Archaeological Park and its workshops. The car park is located half way up the slope.

From here until Valverde, Sections 9 and 10 proceed along the same route. The Trail borders the medieval walls, skirting around the hill, until it reaches a farm where it begins to descend toward the road. A sign warns that the route is shared with motorised vehicles for 400 m. The route first turns right, then after 400 m, turns left to cross a bridge over the River Guadiana, and heads towards Piedrabuena and Badajoz.

Past the bridge, a slip road to the right leads to a dirt road that climbs up towards Valverde. Part of the Trail is flanked with plane trees (Platanus x hispanica), small-leaved limes (Tilia cordata), acacia (Acacia sp.). Prior to reaching Valverde is a water tank with good views of the surroundings.

The route climbs down to a recreational area with benches, tables and a playground, where the main Stage ends.

La Posadilla Lagoon is 2.7 km from the recreational area. The Trail skirts around the town of Valverde and then turns left onto a paved road whose left side is flanked by ashes (Fraxinus sp.) and small-leaf limes, as well as plots with small market gardens. Past the gardens, the Trail continues along a dirt road in very good conditions shared with the Route of Don Quixote.

Next to an olive tree grove, the Trail continues left to La Posadilla or Fuentillejo Lagoon, which is less than one kilometre away. It is a beautiful volcano with a visible lava stream and a maar (crater with a lagoon. This protected nature area has been declared "Lagunas Volcánicas del Campo de Calatrava" SCI (Site of Community Interest).