Spain has almost seven thousand kilometres of railway lines that are no longer being used. I'm no expert on railways, and I know that taking on the role of activist in Spain has its limits and requires miles of patience.
But here are five chunks of disused rail lines which I've come across on my travels during the Trans-Iberian. I know the reasons that would be given for not turning these into rail trails (the usual suspect being money, money and money). But if any lines have the potential to be great destinations for cycling, these ones do. So, aside from money, where's the delay?
1. ARANDA DEL DUERO TO SORIA (about 300km)
This one, left, is the former line that used to unite the cities of Valladolid and Soria - a trail which would go through some of Spain's prettiest countryside, linking historic towns that dot the Ribera del Duero wine region.
2. BURGOS TO MONTERRUBIO DE LA DEMANDAAnother of the many railways constructed to bring coal to Burgos. According to to the nice folks at Burgos en Bici, this greenway has been "en proyecto" (under development) for at least six to ten years, but as you can see here, not much seems to have been done. This greenway would serve as an ideal complement to the Vía Verde de la Sierra de la Demanda; and, along with the Camino de Santiago, would give cyclists a perfect opportunity to visit the interior of Burgos province over the weekend.
I'm going to keep taking photos of these and I'm going to get in touch with the various tourist offices to find out what's going on with these. Not all of these railway beds could run through private property. So what's the holdup? Money? Lack of public accountability? A perception that no one gives a damn?
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