Stage 27: Calera y Chozas - Aldeanueva de Barbarroya

The wide track, without many bends, leads to the river. Stages 26 and 27 share this part of the route.

From the outset, grain and cornfields, as well as irrigation ditches, flank the Trail. At the interStage of the two Stages, the route continues straight ahead, leaving to the left, a path leading upstream to Talavera. The Trail continues straight ahead towards the river, although it does not quite reach it, as a paved road in good conditions with the lanes properly marked, interrupts the route before it reaches the riverbank. The path turns right at the interStage with this road, and continues 3.5 km along its shoulder. The road veers gradually to the northwest, away from the river, and further on, crosses Alameda Creek, with an abundant flow, just a few metres before it meets the Tagus.

The Trail turns left at an interStage onto a farm track flanked by canals and irrigated fields. After several well-marked twists and turns, and past a bridge over Valserrano Canal, the route begins a slow ascent from the fertile river plains towards the interStage with the CM-4160. From here, it turns left to continue for 1.5 km along the shoulder of this paved road. The path then takes the right branch at the fork, arriving soon after at the Jara Green Track that it had already intersected outside Calera y Chozas. The access to the Trail could not be more spectacular. It is almost as if one were trying to catch the train at Silos stop, where information points and a well-equipped rest area can be found.

From here, the route dives into the history of one of the more emblematic railroads in the area. One can feel from the first few metres that this place is special: many stone bridges with perfect arches, the Trail wedged between high embankments, and the unexpected sight of the quick-flowing river to the left. This area is dominated by the Azután Reservoir. There are rest areas, fountains (drinking quality is unknown) and numerous viewpoints scattered along the way. Holm oaks (Quercus ilex) and granite boulders give the area a somewhat hostile and inaccessible appearance.

One can catch continuous glimpses of the reservoir and the tunnels. It should be noted that the tunnels lack lighting; therefore, caution should be exercised as many bikers use this Trail.

One of the more spectacular parts of this Stage, and even of the whole area, can be seen when one exits the third tunnel from Silos: the railway bridge over Azután Reservoir. Huge in size and several hundred metres long, it provides a wonderful viewpoint over the reservoir and the steep slopes that confine the river.

Back on "land", many rest areas provide a welcome break. The end of the Stage is less than 2 km away. Indeed, the first houses in Aldeanueva de Barbarroya are already within sight. The final stretch of the route traverses through an agrarian landscape of fields of grain and olive trees. The access to the town, and the end of the Stage, is at railway stop, where benches and a fountain can be found. It is almost as if the traveller had taken a train ride. An interStage to the left of the "tracks" is the endpoint of this Stage.

The final part of the Stage traversed through the “Ríos de la Margen Izquierda del Tajo y Berrocales del Tajo” Site of Community Interest (SCI) and Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).