Kilometre-by-kilometre description
KM 0–12: Leaving Antequera towards Cartaojal
The stage begins in Antequera after crossing the Puerta de Granada. The route follows the road past the cemetery to a roundabout and continues straight ahead. The distinctive Peña de los Enamorados (878 m) is already visible and remains in view for much of the way to Archidona.
The track crosses the wide fertile plain of Antequera, fords the Guadalhorce and continues to the A-92, which is crossed by a bridge. The asphalt ends and a dirt track leads gently into the small village of Cartaojal, surrounded by wheat, sunflower and olive plantations. The village is traversed from one end to the other, exiting right towards Cortijo Peña Jaime.
KM 12–18: Towards Cerro del Condestable
After the cortijo the route turns right and descends to the Arroyo de Carmona. Once across the stream the track climbs again towards Camino del Puerto and Cortijo Capilla Santa Eufemia. Beyond the cortijo the path reaches the top of a ridge among large olive trees that provide shade. Through a clearing the white houses of Archidona appear for the first time.
On the descent Cortijo del Hoyo is left behind. A dry stream bed leads to a railway line, which is crossed with care (around km 17). The trail then runs parallel to the tracks for a short distance before turning right to climb Cerro del Condestable. From the summit Archidona comes into full view once more.
KM 18–27: Ascent into Archidona
Descending from Cerro del Condestable the route reaches the Arroyo de la Moheda, crossed by a bridge. A steady climb follows until an asphalted path crosses the A-92. Turning left along the service road, the old trail (now interrupted by the motorway) is rejoined. A final challenging ascent leads into the centre of Archidona.
The route passes Plaza Ochavada and leaves the town on a path that joins the road towards Loja and continues past an industrial estate.
KM 27–55: Mediterranean forest between Malaga and Granada
The trail continues at a gentle, constant gradient along the hillsides of Los Castillejos and Cerro del Morrón. The vegetation is typical of Mediterranean woodland: dwarf, evergreen and cork oaks together with aromatic plants.
The A-92 is crossed through a tunnel. The path then follows the Arroyo de la Negra until it crosses the railway. Shortly afterwards the trail joins a road beside Venta de la Paloma (km 36.6), which must be crossed carefully.
From this point the route tends to descend, with occasional steeper slopes that are best taken with a good run-up. To the right, among dense evergreen oaks, the Bobadilla Hotel can be seen, with the Sierra de Loja and Monte Hacho beyond.
KM 55–57: Crossing the Genil and arrival in Loja
The route joins the A-328, which descends to the Venta de Santa Bárbara. The Genil is crossed on a medieval stone bridge next to an old mill. A short stretch of road is followed by a path that leads to the Fuente Santa, at the foot of a hill. The fountain has provided fresh water for travellers for centuries.
From the Fuente Santa the trail continues into Loja, the historic town set in the mountain pass where the Genil cuts between Monte Hacho and the Sierra de Loja. The final section leads through the Alfaguara neighbourhood to the Fuente de los Veinticinco Caños.
Map of the bike route to Loja
