Net of Natural
Trails
Stage 8: Cabra Station – Navas del Selpillar Station – Lucena
Description
Lakes, canyons and caves amidst olive groves
This Trail follows the route of the old "Oil Train" that begun in Jaén, traversed part of the province of Cordoba, and ended in Málaga. The train, which transported typical local products, especially olive oil, travelled through the same landscape, dominated by olive groves, that still exists today.
Profile
Harshness of natural environment- 1. The environment is not risk-free
- 2. There are more than one risk factors
- 3. There are various risk factors
- 4. There are quite a lot of risk factors
- 5. There are many risk factors
Guidance along the route- 1. Well defined trails and crossings
- 2. There is a clearly marked trail and signage
- 3. Requires the identification of geographic features and cardinal points
- 4. Requires off-path navigation
- 5. The trail is interrupted by obstacles that have to be gone around
Route difficulty- 1. Walking on a flat surface
- 2. Trails with different types of path
- 3. Walking on stepped paths or irregular terrain
- 4. The use of hands or jumping over the terrain is necessary
- 5. The use of hands is required to progress
Amount of effort needed- 1. Up to 1 hour of continuous walking
- 2. Between 1 and 3 hours of continuous walking
- 3. Between 3 and 6 hours of continuous walking
- 4. Between 6 and 10 hours of actual walking
- 5. More than 10 hours of continuous walking
(Calculated according to the MIDE criteria for an average excursionist with a light load)
Highlights
Further information
Geology, History and Nature: La Cueva de los Murciélagos (The Bat Cave)
The Subbaetic Range is predominantly limestone rock. Countless geological formations of great value like caves have formed where water has cut into the limestone. The Cueva de los Murciélagos at Zuheros, a must-see town through which the Trail passes, is one of the most important of such formations. This large cavity was formed when a large block of rock collapsed, resulting in a fissure through which water flowed, creating underground lakes and amazing limestone structures such as stalagmites and stalactites.
However, this site is interesting not only for its geological beauty, but also for its outstanding Neolithic site with a burial.
The cave was originally inhabited by Neanderthals, and later, by the first human inhabitants in the area. This is evidenced by flint heads, pottery fragments and bone tools, as well as personal ornaments, remains of food and various paintings of animals, such as horses, goats and deer, found in cave.
Although the cave is 2 kilometres long, only 450 metres are open to visitors. It is currently a shelter for a large flock of bats. There is an Eco-museum near the cave that is also worth visiting.
Multimedia
Downloads
GPS Downloads
Documents
Cyclability
This cycling stage corresponds from Doña Mencía Station to Campo Real Station.
TYPE OF ROADS, PORTAGES & DIFICULTY
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
- Find out about the technical aspects of the route and the weather on the day.
- Take care of the environment. Take care not to disturb animals or damage vegetation. Respect private areas.
- You must give priority to pedestrians and comply with general traffic rules.
- The environment in which you will be riding is open, free to move around and an area where many activities are carried out (sporting, forestry, livestock and agricultural activities).
- Always have an understanding, prudent, responsible and respectful attitude.