La Campiña Nature Trail

Shortly after it crosses the River Guadajoz, remarkably well-preserved, and a riparian poplar forest (Populus sp.). Further along the Trail, several embankments and reed patches (Arundo donax) surround the railway, providing much needed cool shade on hot days. A rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) or a partridge (Alectoris rufa) may occasionally cross the road. Typical steppe birds like crested larks (Galerida cristata), wheatear (Oenanthe sp.), corn bunting (Miliaria calandra), and even a few Montagu's harriers (Circus pygargus) may also be found.

The town of Almodóvar del Río appears after passing through Las Tablas, the only tunnel on the route. To the left, on a hill overlooking the town and the surrounding area stands its castle, declared a Property of Cultural Interest open to visitors.

Further ahead, the Trail crosses Redondo Brook, and later on the Torvisca Bridge, with views of the town of Guadalcázar. The route continues to a rest area, where the former Guadalcázar station stood. The only place where drinking water is available is on the opposite side of the CO-3304.

Further on is Marota bridge, whence the landscape changes. The terrain allows pockets of Mediterranean vegetation typical of this area like holm oaks (Quercus ilex), large mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus), myrtle (Myrtus communis) and other shrub species. An island of local primitive landscape in a sea of rolling countryside, where different mammals like the fox (Vulpes vulpes) or Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) find shelter.

The route reaches a fork in the Trail. The path to the right leads to a periurban park with tables, where it is possible to spend the day under the shade of kermes oaks. The pilgrims from Guadalcázar commemorate each year in this park, on May 15, the feast of Saint Isidore the Labourer.

The Trail continues through olive groves to Las Pinedas de La Carlota rest area, where two ancient fountain-cum-drinking trough and a farm school can be found. Shortly after, the road crosses Guadalmazán Brook and reaches the A-445, very close to La Fuencubierta, another hamlet of La Carlota. After crossing the road, the Trail continues approximately four kilometres along a country road and ventures into the province of Seville. Immediately after crossing the road, to the left, is the path to La Carlota station. This path crosses through private vegetable gardens, and further on, it passes under the Madrid-Seville high speed railway line (AVE).

The route continues to Navalagrulla station, now in ruins, but with a small rest area. A little further on, the Trail crosses the road to Palma del Rio.

From here onwards, the landscape is dominated by cereal crops, with pockets of cotton fields and olive groves. After crossing the A-8203, there is a rest area, next to the walkway over the A-453, with panoramic views of nearby Ecija, one of Andalusia's most important historic and artistic towns. It is advisable to make a stop and stroll around the old town, visiting some of its palaces, monasteries and churches. After the walkway, the Trail crosses a bridge leading into Ecija and becomes a bicycle lane. From here it continues straight along Avenida de la Estación, crossing a number of roundabouts, to a large silo, from where the route continues down Boabdil Street until it leaves the town.

Once again, a countryside landscape of cereals and sunflowers will accompany the route in this final stretch towards Villanueva del Rey, where the Trail ends at a rest area.