Day 3: Castilblanco de los Arroyos to Almadén de la Plata

After a rather disturbed night's sleep, I can't say that I began today's stage feeling very much like tackling the longest day of the week at over 29km, or 17.5 miles. The day divided into three parts: the journey by road from Almadén to the entrance to the National Park; the walk through the National Park; the approach to, and walk over, the aptly named Calvary Hill

The first and longest part of the day consists of 10 miles following the provincial road out of Castilblanco northwards. Although it is a minor road there was a lot of fast driving and large trucks. So it was not pleasant walking so close to traffic on the tarmac by the side of the road for a distance of 16km or 10 miles. The countryside around was quite pleasant. But the road, and its sustained ascent, made appreciation of the countryside secondary to getting the distance done. It was quite interesting to see the cork trees having been harvested.

The second part of the day was much more satisfying. The Sierra del Norte national park is a state-owned national park which includes the Finca Vertical, which we traverse as the second part of the stage. Beautiful curated woodland and dehesa: wonderful beauty and delicious silence make this a very peaceful place. The walking is moderate and the surroundings are spectacular.

Leaving the park we began the shortest but most demanding part of today's route: Calvary Hill above Almadén. This wooded hill with dark red soil rises suddenly and abruptly from the park but gives great views over the surrounding countryside, as well as over the village of Almadén.

The Church of Almadén, dedicated to Our Lady of Grace is popular and well supported. I was pleased to be able to concelebrate Holy Mass and to get to know the Parish Priest. We are staying at the Casa Concha, serving delicious local produce, in clouding the flavoursome Iberic ham and dishes.