Gravel around the Lagunas de Ruidera from Ruidera

Where it goes

You start in Ruidera, at the head of the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera, and head down the Alto Guadiana valley along the north shore. The first section passes the Laguna del Rey and you soon take the tracks that run above the lakes, towards the Cueva de Montesinos and the castle of Rochafrida, two stops that appear in Don Quixote. The furthest point is by the Laguna Conceja. The return climbs back up the valley on the other shore, with La Tomilla, San Pedro, La Redondilla, La Lengua, La Salvadora, La Batana and La Colgada in view, and the waterfalls between them in a wet year.

The surface

Bear this in mind before you set off: of the 44.4 km, around two thirds are on tarmac (the lakes road and paved access lanes) and one third on dirt track. It's a relaxed gravel route, not a pure off-road one; you can also ride it on a road bike with wide tyres, taking care on the dirt sections.

Where it bites

Hardly at all: +362 m over the whole loop, spread over short rises as you climb from the water's edge to the higher tracks. It's a good choice for your first long gravel ride.

Where to stop

There are bars, restaurants and campsites in Ruidera and by several of the lakes, but outside summer many only open at weekends. Take enough water for the whole route.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: the lakes are full and it isn't too hot. In July and August the lakes road fills with cars heading for a swim; if you go then, set off early. Respect the signposted access points of the natural park.

Getting there

Ruidera has no train station; the nearest is in Manzanares, about 50 km away, so most people drive and park in the village. There are more routes nearby on the greenways of Albacete and around the windmills of La Mancha.