Gravel through the Campo de Calatrava from Almagro

Gravel loop along the farm tracks of the Campo de Calatrava, the volcanic district of Ciudad Real, starting and finishing in Almagro. From the town of the Corral de Comedias you head south-west to Valenzuela de Calatrava and carry on south to Granátula de Calatrava, between vineyards, olive groves and hills that are old volcanoes. From there you turn east on wide tracks to Moral de Calatrava and head back north through Bolaños de Calatrava before closing the loop in Almagro.

Surface: almost all compact dirt tracks between fields, with a few short stretches of tarmac to get in and out of the villages. Rolling terrain with no long climbs: it's a good route for your first long gravel rides. After rain, the clay on the tracks sticks to your tyres: better to wait a couple of days.

Water and food: fountains, bars and shops in Valenzuela, Granátula, Moral and Bolaños; between villages there's no shade and no services, so set off with two bottles.

When to go: October to May. In summer the heat bites from mid-morning. During the hunting season, wear something bright and respect the hunting-ground signs. Park in Almagro, outside the historic centre.

Track designed by our editorial team on OpenStreetMap (ODbL).