Stage: Caudiel - Altura

Caudiel marks the beginning of this stage, and we leave the town behind where once the old mining railway did. Before leaving, it is worth visiting the town to see its vast architectural heritage, including Ánibal Tower and the Church of San Juan Bautista.

In this first part of the route, Aleppo pine forest (Pinus halepensis) dominates the landscape, with small plots of small-scale tree cultivations dotted around the woodland. The road runs parallel to the railway line in use today, as in previous stages. It also shares its route with stage 48 of the Camino del Cid and the GR-160 long-distance waling train.

At a bend in the old railway line to the left, we reach the Novales rest area, a perfect place to recharge the batteries. A little further on we reach the Cascajar Viaduct, with its three archers, offering impressive panoramic views. Beyond the viaduct, we pass through a tunnel so short we can see light the end of the tunnel, and then a longer one equipped with lighting. All the same, it is recommended to carry a torch. A third tunnel, with no lighting, leads to a small rest area.

Soon after, the route enters a section through the town of Jérica. Here, it is important to pay attention to the signposting to navigate our way through the town without getting lost. Before continuing, it is worth enjoying its charms, such as the Mudéjar bell tower and Homenaje Tower.

After the satisfying visit through the town, we leave the town along the Avenida de Valencia, which ends at the Municipal Cemetery. From here we take an asphalted cycle lane that runs parallel to the CV-2330 road. We carefully cross the road at the zebra crossing near the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The cycle lane continues and, a little further on, the old mining railway line is rejoined at the old Santa Bárbara level crossing, which is equipped with a rest area.

After a little more than a kilometre, we cross the viaduct over the River Palancia, which allows you to enjoy the riverbed and its rich riverside vegetation. We then reach the old Jérica station, which now has a rest area shaded by several Aleppo pine trees. A little further on, we cross the A-23 motorway via an underpass. Returning to the old railway line once again, after about two kilometres, we reach a tunnel equipped with lighting inside. A short while later, coinciding with a new kilometre marker, we reach the Mirador del Regajo viewpoint, offering the best views of the Embalse del Regajo reservoir and an ideal spot to take a break and admire the calm landscape.

Continuing on our way, we reach another tunnel, equipped with lighting, before the Cantera de Navajas rest area, where we can see the remains of the old loading platforms. A crossroads indicates the proximity of the small town of Navajas, with a campsite next to the route. This town is well worth a stop to visit the Church of La Inmaculada Concepción and, if you have time, you the natural site of Salto de la Novia, a spectacularly impressive waterfall on the course of the River Palancia.

The route continues alongside the Navajas campsite to pass under a bridge whose curious name, which appears on a sign, will no doubt amuse passers-by: Puente donde se cayó la burra y no se mató or “Bridge where the donkey fell and was not killed” . We cross the CV-216 road, taking the necessary precautions, and leave the town of Navajas.