R15 – Villamalur
Route
Description of the route
The level of demand of this route and the surrounding landscape will make you enjoy one of the most beautiful routes in Castellón. You can enjoy the pine and oak forests that form the Sierra de Espadán. Ahead of you there are 40 Km of route that you will be able to face without problem because of its low difficulty, in spite of some steep slopes along the way. We leave Villamalur on the CV 202 for 8.4 km, facing the first slope with a gradient of 10%. After overcoming this pass, you will enjoy a 5 km descent on the CV 205 towards Ayódar. Along the way, you will breathe the fresh air of the Sierra de Espadán and cross a small river. When you reach Ayódar, 14 km of climbing await you, more demanding than the first pass, but you can rest a bit in Torralba del Pinar, where the terrain becomes smoother. Five kilometers later, you will reach the highest point of the route at 926m. From there, you have 12 km to Villamalur. After 30 km, you will leave Pavías on the left and face the last effort on a steep slope that connects the two villages. Although it is not very steep, you can recover on the flat before enjoying a 3 km descent that will take you almost to the center of Villamalur, where you will only have the last 500 m of ascent to complete the route.
Points of interest along the route
Ayódar (Km 12.2): Municipality nestled in the Sierra de Espadán acts as a separator of this and the river Mijares. It was not repopulated until 1611, which caused it to head the Barony, a period from which the palace is preserved. Torralba del Pinar (Km 22.7): a town very close to Teruel, located on the northern slopes of the Sierra de Espadán, which makes it enjoy the attractive scenery of the Natural Park. A town of less than 70 inhabitants where you can relax and enjoy nature.
In the heart of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Espadán is Villamalur, a picturesque municipality of Alto Mijares with less than 100 inhabitants that stands out for its charm and authenticity. Although small, its privileged location offers spectacular views of the Natural Park and its landscapes from the top of the mountain. Its irregular but accessible relief makes it a perfect destination for low-difficulty routes, ideal for enjoying the tranquility while breathing the fresh air of its lush forests of pines, oaks and cork oaks. Among its natural landscape we can visit La Nevera Cuatro Caminos, a snow deposit built in the XVII century with the purpose of storing snow and being able to commercialize it in the following months.
You should not miss the views offered by Monte el Tajar, from where you can see the Sierra de Espadán, the Mediterranean Sea, the Peñagolosa, the Sierra de Javalambre, the Sierra de Calderona and the Pico de la Rápita. You can also hike along the Rambla de Villamalur, a route between mountains that also has picnic areas and paelleros. If you decide to choose the route through Villamalur you can make a stop to recharge your batteries at Bar El Hogar (Plaza Concejo, 1), typical among cyclists for its lunches. Since the village is not very big, if you want a good meal and accommodation in the middle of the mountain, we suggest Hotel Restaurante Viñas Viejas (Carretera de Ayódar, SN), 18 Km on the CV 205 from Villamalur. A little closer, 13 Km away, we can also stay at Hotel Rural Espadán for a more affordable price. This rural hotel also has a restaurant where you can try their homemade dishes.
Villamalur Castle: of Muslim origin and with Christian reforms. It is located at the top of the mountain. La Nevera de Cuatro Caminos: snow deposit in the middle of nature. It has been named of local interest and its origin dates back to the 17th century. Monte el Tajar: panoramic view of the Sierra de Espadán, the Mediterranean Sea, the Peñagolosa, the Sierra de Javalambre, the Sierra de Calderona and the Pico de la Rápita. La Rambla de Villamalur: route between mountains for hiking. Habitual among its neighbors to go to enjoy its paelleros and picnic areas.
Hotel Restaurante Viñas Viejas (Carretera de Ayódar, SN): Accommodation and food at a good price. Located 18 Km from Villamalur. Hotel Rural Espadán (Avenida Castellón 10. Azuébar): much more affordable price. At 13 Km from Villamalur you can also enjoy its restaurant.
