Jaén – Puente de la Sierra – Otíñar – Carchelejo – La Guardia (C2)

A medium-to-long-distance circular route connecting Jaén with the Quiebrajano and Guadalbullón valleys, bringing together water, heritage and mountain scenery. The route combines a gradual ascent into the heart of the Sierra Mágina with a gentle return through the countryside, passing through such unique spots as Otíñar, the Cañada de las Hazadillas and the natural viewpoints of La Guardia. A well-balanced option for cyclists seeking countryside, history and a variety of settings.

The route starts in Jaén, leaving the urban environment behind to head south along secondary roads that pass through traditional orchards and olive groves. From the very first kilometres, Santa Catalina Castle remains behind as a visual landmark, whilst the route enters the natural corridor of the River Quiebrajano, a clear transition between the Jaén countryside and the first mountain foothills.

The passage through Puente de la Sierra, a historic recreational spot linked to the water and the valley, marks the start of the more mountainous section. From here, the road follows the river through orchards, farmhouses and limestone slopes, with a steady but pleasant climb. Highlights of this section include the ruins of Otíñar Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop, and the nearby Abrigo del Toril, one of the most unique rock art sites in the area, bearing witness to the first settlers of the mountains.

The climb continues towards the Cañada de las Hazadillas, a former livestock farming area and gateway to the inland mountain ranges. The landscape becomes more mountainous: ravines, gullies and reforested pine forests alternate with holm oaks and gall oaks, providing shade and a sense of altitude. This section links up with stretches shared with other cycle touring routes and finally leads to Carchelejo, a whitewashed village nestled on the edge of the Sierra Mágina and an excellent vantage point over the Guadalbullón valley.

From Carchelejo, the route takes on a different character. The terrain levels out and a gentle descent begins along more open roads, following the historic corridor of the N-323a, the former main route linking the mountains and the countryside. The ride flows smoothly through endless olive groves, sharing the route with other cycle touring routes for a few kilometres.

The arrival at La Guardia de Jaén, perched atop a hill, adds a distinct heritage element. Its medieval castle and Renaissance church dominate a vast transitional landscape, with sweeping views of the valley and the mountains. From here, the return journey to Puente Jontoya and Jaén follows a pleasant route through orchards, farmhouses and riverside vegetation, completing a circuit that combines nearby mountains, history and the culture of water.

General recommendations

This route is suitable for cyclists with some experience of long rides. It is advisable to check the weather forecast, particularly for the mountainous section between Puente de la Sierra and Carchelejo. Take care on long descents and on sections shared with occasional traffic. Carry sufficient water and respect heritage and natural sites, particularly in sensitive areas such as Otíñar.

Rutómetro

Km. 0

The route begins at the El Pino roundabout, on Senda de los Huertos de Jaén street. From here, take the Carretera de Otíñar (JA-3210) southwards, leaving the last houses of the town centre behind. To the right lies the view of Santa Catalina Castle, the city’s historic symbol, which has stood atop the hill watching over Jaén since the Middle Ages. The road climbs gently through traditional orchards and centuries-old olive groves, with panoramic views towards the hills of Jabalcuz, covered in dense pine forest. In the distance lies the Quiebrajano River valley, which will accompany much of the route towards Sierra Mágina. For those cycling this far, the route offers a glimpse of the transitional landscape between the Jaén countryside and the first mountain foothills. After about 3.4 km, you reach a junction where you turn slightly left to join the Camino de Valdecañas. This section, some 2 km long, runs through olive groves on gentle hills, with the mountain range in the background. The path leads directly to the Puente de la Sierra area, the natural gateway to the Otíñar valleys and the routes that lead into the Sierra Mágina Natural Park.

Km. 5,4

Turn right to join the A-317. For 1.6 kilometres, this road takes you through a region offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, providing a wonderful setting for cycling in an area with little traffic. After leaving the initial stretch of the Camino de Valdecañas behind, the route continues south-west for 2 km along a lane through the scattered hamlets of Valdecañas, amongst olive groves and small vegetable gardens. A brief detour to the left rejoins the JA-3210; continue for a few metres to the roundabout, where you take the first exit towards Puente de la Sierra. The route crosses the River Quiebrajano —also known as the River Jaén—, whose waters flow through a valley of great natural interest. To the right rise the foothills of the Sierra Jabalcuz, covered in a characteristic pine forest, whilst to the left the olive-covered hills continue. After about 2 km, you reach the village of Puente de la Sierra, a traditional leisure spot for the people of Jaén. In this setting, marked by the proximity of the Quiebrajano, lies the parish church of Santa Cristina, as well as ancient paths that once linked Jaén with the Otíñar valleys and the interior of the Sierra Mágina. The route continues southwards, skirting residential areas and old farmhouses, until it finally leaves the scattered settlement behind. After walking a total of around 7.5 km from the start of the Camino de Valdecañas, you reach the exit at Puente de la Sierra, a key landmark before beginning the climb towards Carchelejo.

Km. 12,9

On leaving Puente de la Sierra, the route continues south-eastwards, following the course of the River Quiebrajano through orchards and farmsteads. The path climbs gradually, with steep sections foreshadowing the ascent to Carchelejo. To the right, on a rocky outcrop, stand the ruins of Otíñar Castle, a medieval fortress that once dominated this strategic valley. Very close by, on the same limestone slope, lies the Abrigo del Toril, on the right-hand side of the road and halfway up the slope; it is accessed via a small signposted path that starts from a widening of the road. The rock shelter preserves petroglyphs whose technique and motifs make them exceptional, bearing witness to the first settlers of the mountain range.

Km. 15,7

After walking for about 3 km, the landscape opens up into a setting dominated by rock and woodland: the valley’s limestone cliffs bear the marks of karst erosion, with sheer drops, rock shelters and small ravines. The slopes are covered in replanted pine forests intermingled with holm oaks and gall oaks, which provide shade and a cool respite during the climb. The route reaches the Cañada de las Hazadillas, a former grazing area that today provides access to several mid-mountain trails. From here, the climb becomes continuous and the road winds its way through ravines and gullies. As you gain height, the inner mountain ranges of Mágina, with their rugged relief and Mediterranean vegetation, dominate the horizon. Some 8.5 km after the Cañada de las Hazadillas, the C2 route joins the C1 cycle route. From this point, continue along the same track, taking a slight right turn to follow the route. Finally, after a climb of almost 14 km along a track in good condition for cycle touring, you reach the village of Carchelejo (940 m), with its white houses clustered around the church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. From here, the views open out towards the Guadalbullón valley and the mountain ranges that herald the entrance to the heart of the natural park.

Km. 26,4

From Carchelejo, the route leaves the town centre and winds its way down the streets of the village until it exits via the JV-2227. After just 300 metres, it joins the JA-3206, along which it continues eastwards. The landscape opens out here towards the Guadalbullón valley, dominated by olive-covered hills that slope gently down towards the countryside. After about 2 km, the road joins the N-323a (the old Bailén–Motril road), one of the major historic routes linking the Sierra Mágina with the Jaén countryside. Take the turn-off to the left, heading north. The ride is comfortable, with a gentle descent between olive-covered slopes that flank the valley. On this section, the C2 route joins the C4 route, sharing the same route for 5.3 km. Along the first 3.6 km of this shared section, the route proceeds without difficulty to the roundabout leading to the El Oasis service area. After completing the shared section (5.3 km), the two routes split: the C1 continues north-west and the C2 continues east.

Km. 34

From the El Oasis service area, the route rejoins the N-323a heading north, running parallel to the Guadalbullón valley. The terrain is almost flat, with gentle undulations, making for a comfortable ride following the previous descent from Carchelejo. On both sides, the hills are covered in dense olive groves that slope down to the river, whilst to the east rise the mountain ranges heralding the approach to Mágina. Upon reaching a ‘STOP’ sign, ignore the bridge on the right and continue straight on along the N-323a towards the next destination. In just 4 km you reach La Cerradura, a small strategic settlement in this natural corridor.

37,9

After leaving La Cerradura behind, the route continues along the N-323a. The road alternates between straight stretches and gentle bends. The gradient features a slight, almost imperceptible, gradual climb, signalling the approach to La Guardia de Jaén. On this stretch, the historic “Atocha” mill is passed on the right before continuing towards the next point of interest. After a journey of around 6 km, you reach La Guardia de Jaén, a village with a distinct mountain character whose historical legacy dates back to the Iberian and medieval periods. Its location, atop a hill overlooking the countryside and controlling access to the Sierra Mágina, gave it great strategic importance for centuries. Today, the village is dominated by the ruins of its medieval castle and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a notable example of the Jaén Renaissance. From its viewpoints, one can enjoy sweeping views of the Guadalbullón valley, the Mágina mountains to the south and the Sierra Sur silhouetted against the horizon.

Km. 43,9

The route descends from La Guardia back down into the valley. The road follows a gentle gradient, with long straight stretches and a favourable profile that makes for easy cycling. To the right lies the Jaén countryside, whilst to the south the silhouette of Mágina looms in the distance, growing ever more distant. After about 11 km, you reach the area around Puente Jontoya, a traditional crossing point on the way to the capital. The bridge spans the stream of the same name, surrounded by vegetable gardens, farmhouses and riverside vegetation that contrasts with the uniformity of the olive groves.

Km. 59,4

From Puente Jontoya, the route continues north-west along the road that links up with the Jaén Southern Ring Road. As the city comes into view, the olive groves give way to the urban landscape, and on the horizon, the hills that frame the city begin to take shape.

Km. 62

The route ends at the same point where it began. After the roundabout, continue straight on along the Ronda Sur and take the left-hand exit before the bridge to cross over the top of it, thus completing a route that combines nature, history and culture in a unique setting.

Galería de fotos

An aerial view of a blue reservoir winding its way through mountains and slopes covered in vegetation and crops. The warm light highlights the contours of the landscape and creates a striking contrast between the water, the rock and the ochre and green hues of the surroundings. — Valles del Quiebrajano

Two cyclists gaze out over a white village from a hillside, with their bicycles parked in the foreground. The landscape, comprising olive groves, hills and mist-shrouded mountains, conveys a serene and contemplative atmosphere. — Cyclists admiring a village in the Sierra Mágina

Two cyclists in motion ride through a landscape of olive groves and rolling hills, captured in the foreground and slightly out of focus. The image draws the eye to the rural setting in the background, bathed in a warm light that highlights the texture of the terrain. — Cyclists in Sierra Mágina

A group of road cyclists riding in single file along a mountain road, surrounded by towering rock faces and beneath an overcast sky. The scene conveys a sense of dynamism, effort and the power of the natural landscape that flanks the route. — Cyclists on their way to La Cerradura

240 resultados

Valdepeñas de Jaén – Noalejo – Campillo de Arenas (C1)

Descripción corta para el card

Albanchez de Mágina

Albánchez de Mágina

Turismo activo

Participación Activa

Paisaje

Flora

Fauna

Geología

Tradiciones

Patrimonio

Bedmar y Garcíez

Oficina de Turismo de Huelma

Noalejo

Bélmez de la Moraleda

Cabra del Santo Cristo

Cambil

Campillo de Arenas

Cueva de la Graja – Los Caracoles – Pinar de Cánava (R1)

Albanchez de Mágina – Cima del Aznaitín

Columpio Gigante de Torres – Barranco del Arroyuelo – Portillo de la Zarzadilla

Área Recreativa Fuenmayor – Albanchez de Mágina

Jaén – Puente de la Sierra – Otíñar – Carchelejo – La Guardia (C2)

Fuenmayor, Navaparis, altos de Mágina (C3)

Cambil – Mata Bejid – Huelma –Arbuniel (C4)

Torres – Mata Bejid – AR Río Cuadros –Bedmar – Pinar de Cánava – Puerto de Trisla (C5)

Bélmez de la Moraleda – Cabra de Santo Cristo -Solera (C6)

Cabra del Santo Cristo · Estación de Huesa · Alicún de Ortega · Estación de Cabra del Santo Cristo (C7)

Bedmar – Jódar – Paraje Natural Alto Guadalquivir - Úbeda – Baeza (C8)

Área Recreativa El Peralejo – Área Recreativa Fuenmayor

Área Recreativa El Peralejo – Pico Mágina - Miramundos (R6)

Barranco del Gargantón

Área Recreativa Río Cuadros – Caño del Aguadero

Piedra del Palo

Mirador del Pico Almadén

Mirador de la Alberquilla

Centro de vuelo de Pegalajar - 7 Pilillas

Cárcheles

Huelma

Jimena

Jódar

Pegalajar

Larva

Torres

Mancha Real

La Guardia de Jaén

Antiguo Ayuntamiento de Larva

FUENTE DE LA SEDA

Agua e historia se entrelazan en un manantial que recuerda la antigua prosperidad sedera del municipio.

Ermita,Santuario de cuadros - Bedmar

Castillo de Albanchez de Mágina

Refugio de Miramundos

Paraje de Hútar

Barranco y Área Recreativa El Peralejo

Área recreativa la Peñuela

Área Recreativa de Gibralberca

Área recreativa La Cañada

Paraje y manantial de Fuenmayor - Área recreativa

Oficina de Turismo de Cambil y Arbuniel

Oficina de Turismo de Cabra del Santo Cristo

Oficina de Turismo de Noalejo

Centro de Visitantes Mata Bejid

Centro Interpretación del Aceite de Sierra Mágina D.O.P

Centro de Interpretación "La Leyenda y la Frontera"

Museo de Historia Local de Jódar

Centro de Interpretación Pioneros de la Fotografía - Casa Arturo Cerdá y Rico

Centro de Interpretación “El Pajarillo”

Aula de la naturaleza

Refugio del Cerro de Enmedio

Oleoturismo

Gastronomía

Ecoturismo

Castillo Viejo de Bedmar

Castillo Nuevo de Bedmar

Castillo de Bélmez

Castillejo del Cortijo de Neblín

Castillejo del Barranco de Aguas Amarguillas

Castillejo del Cerro de San Juan

Castillo de Cambil

Castillo de Alhabar o Al Habar

Castillo de Mata Bejid

Castillo de Arenas

Castillo de Solera (s.XIII)

Castillo-Fortaleza de Alburquerque (s.XVI)

Castillo de Jimena

Castillo de Jódar

Castillo de La Guardia de Jaén

Castillo de Ríez

Zonas de escalada de Pegalajar

(1. En bloque: Perdigón, El Ático, Escondite; 2. Deportiva: Arabaico, Aromático, Iniciación; 3. Clásica: Portichuelo, Peña de los Buitres, Peña Grajera)

Vía Ferrata Al Manzur en la Serrezuela de Bedmar

Vía ferrata Cambil

Museo del Agua en el lavadero del Chopo

Conexión con Larva (C9)

Sectores de Escalada Deportiva en Torres

Zona de Escalada de Jódar

Cerro Golondrina

Zona de Escalada de Bedmar / La Serrezuela

Castillo de la Guardia

Piedra del Palo – Embalse del Quiebrajano

Peña del Castillo de Cambil

Sector Santa Lucía

Zona de Escalada de Cueva Palomera

Despegue de la Peña del Águila

Despegue del Almadén

Cultural

Etnografía

Arte rupestre

Paraje del Caño del Aguadero

Torre del Reloj

Fuente de los siete caños

Casacada Caldera del Tío Lobo

Iglesia Parroquial de Santo Domingo

Palacio de los marqueses de Camarasa o de los Cobos

La Puente

Columpio Gigante de Torres

Cueva del Morrón

Cimbras y Pasarelas colgantes

Sendero “Muro Alto”

Torre del Reloj

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Castillos Viejo y Nuevo

Centro de Interpretación Paleomágina

Via Ferrata Al-Manzur

Palacio de los Marqueses de Viana de Garcíez

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Cuadros

Mirador del Torreón de Cuadros

Sociedad Cooperativa Andaluza Bedmarense Magnasur

Consejo Regulador Denominación de Origen Sierra Mágina

Adelfar del río Cuadros

Cascada del Zurreón

Centro de Interpretación de las Caras de Bélmez

La casa de las caras de María Gómez

La Torre del Lucero

Fuente del Gargantón

Cuevas del Chato y Baltibañas

Barranco del Arroyo Gargantón

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Expectación

Centro de Interpretación Casa Arturo Cerdá y Rico

Casa de la misericordia

Paraje del Nacimiento

La encina milenaria - Cabra del Santo Cristo

El Cerro de Cabeza Montosa

Puente sobre el arroyo Salado

Puente de tierra

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación

Ruinas del Castillo de Arenas

Ermita de Santa Lucía y Paraje de Puerta de Arenas

Ermita y Museo de la Patrona Santísima Virgen de la Cabeza

Centro de Interpretación “La Leyenda y la Frontera”

La Casa forestal de Prados Bajos

Sierra de Campillo : Barranco del Monasterio, Mirador de La Alberquilla, El Paraje de la Piedra del Palo

Iglesia de Santiago el Mayor

La Cueva de la Graja

Paraje de Cánava

La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

El Pilar y la Albarrada de la fuente del Moro

La Cruz de la Atalaya

Los caracoles

Pinar de Cánava

Iglesia de la Asunción

Centro de Interpretación “Xodar” de la historia del castillo

Colección museográfica “La artesanía del esparto en la historia de Jódar”

Huerto de la Cora

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista de Mancha Real

Antiguo Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos

Mirador El Morrón

Mirador de Peña del Águila

Pico Mojón Blanco

Sistema hidráulico: Fuente de la Reja - La Charca – Huertas

La Serrezuela de Pegalajar

Área Recreativa “Siete Pilillas”

La Cueva de los Majuelos

Arco de la Encarnación

Iglesia de la Santa Cruz

Ayuntamiento de Pegalajar

Centro de interpretación de la Caminería de La Cerradura

Lavadero Municipal de Pegalajar

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

Convento de Cazalla

Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol

Antiguo Ayuntamiento de Larva

El Cerro de Castellón

Museo de Artes y Costumbres Tradicionales de Larva

Pilar–Lavadero de Larva

Área recreativa “La Cañada”

Castillo de La Guardia de Jaén

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Lavadero público de la Segunda República y Museo

Conjunto Monumental Plaza Isabel II

Necrópolis Visigoda de Cerrillo Salido

Cueva Cabrera

Ruinas de Castellón de Cazalla

Iglesia Santuario del Santo Cristo de la Misericordia

Ermita de San Marcos

Fuente de Carchalejo

Paraje Cazalla

Cueva del Puerto de las Palomas

Los Llanos de Palomares

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Ayuntamiento de Noalejo

Ermita de la Virgen de Belén

Réplicas de las sábanas Santas de Turín

Ruta del Santo Custodio

Centro de Interpretación de La Santería

Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza en Hoya del Salobral

Paraje de Navalcán

Casa de la Fundadora Doña Mencía de Salcedo

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción

El Museo del Agua

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta

Casco urbano de Huelma

Pico Mágina y Miramundos

Ermita de San Sebastián y Fuente del Santo

La fuente de Carchelejo

Descubre nuestra pasión, paso a paso

ExpoHuelma: Feria de Muestras del Parque Natural Sierra Mágina

Procesión del Rosario de Los Hachones

Fiestas Patronales en honor del Santo Cristo de Cabra

Las Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos de Bélmez de la Moraleda

Recreación de “Batalla de 1823”

La fiesta de “Moros y Cristianos”

Castillo de Cambil y Alhabar

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Casa Palacio

Antiguo Hospital de Pobres Pasajeros

Casa de los Salazares

Nacimiento del río Arbuniel

Iglesia Parroquial San Juan Bautista de Arbuniel

Las Fiestas y tradiciones de Huelma

Conjunto histórico

Castillo de las Peñuelas

Ayuntamiento de Pegalajar

El Festival de Arte flamenco

Puente sobre el Arroyo “Salao”

Paraje de “El Pozuelo”

Mirador Campos de Larva

Feria de San Marcos

Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Belén

Fiesta de la Floración del cerezo

Fallas de San José

Moniduras

Conjunto Monumental Plaza Isabel II

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