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.
