Start: Palencia
Distance: 207 Kilometres
In the 18th century work was begun to move cereals grown in Castilla y León to ports on the Cantabrian coast via canals. Only 207 kilometers of the Canal de Castilla was ever built. It is a good example of Spanish hydraulic engineering and excellent route for cyclists. It can also be traveled by foot, horse or by barge. The northern route is from Alar del Rey toward Calahorra de Ribas, in Palencia province, and then to Medina de Rioseco, in Valladolid. The southern route is from El Serrón, in Grijota (Palencia), to Valladolid.
This cycle route is in one-way trail which starts in Palencia and ends in Valladolid.
The cycle route actually starts in Alar del Rey, also known as the birthplace of the Canal de Castilla. It has excellent signage along the route. You will pass through places like Herrera de Pisuerga and over the river Pisuerga, Frómista and Grijota, where you can stop for a well earned leisurely break.
It is not a physically demanding route so it can be cycled all year round. Cycling in summer could mean an early start to avoid the heat of the afternoon. The best season to cycle the route is early or mid-autumn. At this time the temperature is more acceptable and also because of the gorgeous sight of the flora the canal provides.
A great cycle route with stunning locks, even the triple ones, to save the gradient, and old cereal mills that processed the cereal using the water power on hand. This can be a shady route for hot and long summer days, an oasis in the middle of the dry and ochre Castilla.
More Information
MAP https://www.bikemap.net/en/r/3395970/#9.07/42.2992/-4.3395
