Stage 14: Tudela de Duero - Puente Duero

After crossing the bridge, the route turns right and continues along the first street that emerges on the right (Herrera Street) to the municipal sports centre, and from there to Santinos pine forest. This pine forest is populated with large stone pine trees (Pinus pinea), typical of the sandbanks in the province of Valladolid.

At the recreational area, the route reaches a crossroad. It takes the road on the far right that leads through a pine forest to the Aula de la Naturaleza de Santinos, and from there to the River Douro. The path runs under a stone pine forest.

The Trail occasionally passes next to the River Douro, which flows wedged in between slopes carved by the water, and dotted with typical riparian trees that do not qualify as a riparian forest. The sandy slopes are riddled with holes where European Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) nest. This small bird is unmistakable with its bright blue breast, greenish belly, cinnamon head, yellow neck and black stripe through the eye.

Further on, the path merges onto a larger road, Camino Herrera, where the route turns right. Shortly after, it crosses an abandoned railroad, leaving to the right a beautiful iron bridge on the River Douro.

The route passes through an aggregate mining site with a small pond, which is almost entirely covered by bulrushes. The site plays host to small mammals, including field mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) that come to drink at dusk, whilst Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) and Eurasian Eagle-owls (Bubo bubo) lurk for prey.

Further on, the road is paved, and usually flanked by lush pine trees, until Herrera de Duero. The route continues west along the main street that traverses the town following the signs. It takes the underpass that crosses the CL-601 and continues along the track to Puenteduero, where pine trees and irrigated farmlands alternate.

The pine forest has abundant underbrush, primarily holm oaks (Quercus ilex), which forms a dense forest within that is an ideal habitat for large mammals, such as wild boar (Sus scrofa), with plenty of food and shelter. One can occasionally catch a glimpse of the River Douro, whose riparian forest is now denser.

Close attention should be paid to the signs, as there are many paths along this route. Past a small gate, the path forks again. The route takes the left path leading out of the pine forest, and continues through an area in which farmlands and small pine stands alternate.

After crossing a road via an underpass, the route ventures through a semi-developed area with many structures and industrial buildings. Past several junctions and changes in direction, the route takes the road leading to an aggregate mining site near Pinar de Antequera.

Past the gravel pits, the route ventures into Pinar de Antequera, a stone pine forest heavily used for recreation and social activities by the inhabitants of Valladolid. The forest is populated with a variety of wildlife, in particular, squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus), although Chickadees (Parus major), Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus) and Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs) are also regular patrons.

The route turns left at the firewall, heading towards the nearby River Douro with its river beach, Playa de Puente Duero. One can rest at the recreational area nearby before taking the Camino de Pesquerón that leads to Puente Duero, the endpoint of this Stage.