Puente Herrerías - Poyos de la Mesa Trail

The trail officially starts at the Puente de las Herrerías (Herrerías Bridge), which is also where you'll find parking. This cultural heritage site is located at 1,000 meters above sea level on the Guadalquivir River, making it a convenient starting point for your journey.

No, this trail is classified as "difficult" and is not recommended for beginner joggers. It involves a significant elevation gain of over 700 meters and features steep inclines that can be very demanding, sometimes requiring you to lean forward to maintain balance. Good physical condition is essential.

The terrain is predominantly unpaved and natural, largely avoiding urban areas. You'll encounter a mix of comfortable tracks, ancient forest paths used for timber extraction, and narrower trails. Expect to traverse pine forests and open pastures. Some sections can be steep and require careful footing, with parts of the trail transforming into narrow paths that hug impressive rock faces. While mostly well-marked (PR-A 315), some segments may present orientation challenges.

The trail is located within a natural park, so spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for jogging. Summers can be very hot, and winters might bring colder conditions and potential for snow at higher elevations. Always check local weather conditions before you go.

The route offers stunning natural beauty. You'll follow the Guadalquivir River and later the Arroyo de los Habares. A major highlight is the Poyos de la Mesa plateau, known for its dramatic cliffs and expansive panoramic views of the Sierra de Castril to the east and the Sierra de Cazorla to the west. From the summit plateau, you can see peaks like Gilillo, Calar de Juana, El Cabañas, and Aguilón del Loco. The starting point, Puente de las Herrerías, is also a notable cultural heritage site.

As the trail is located within the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park, dogs are generally permitted but must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other visitors. Always follow park regulations regarding pets.

Generally, there are no entrance fees to access the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park itself. However, certain activities or specific areas within the park might require permits or have restrictions. It's always advisable to check with the park's official visitor centers for the most current regulations before your visit, especially if planning activities beyond jogging the main trail.

This trail is 22.4 kilometers (approximately 13.9 miles) long. While the average hiking duration is estimated between 4 hours 45 minutes and 6.5 hours, jogging this difficult route with its significant elevation gain (742 meters up) would likely take an experienced jogger around 3 to 4 hours, depending on fitness levels and pace.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. While you'll primarily be on the Puente Herrerías - Poyos de la Mesa trail, sections of the route also overlap with the Variante 3 (2/2), Nacimiento del Guadalquivir, Puente Herrerías - Pino de las Cruces, and Cañada de la Magdalena trails.

Given the trail's difficulty and length, essential items include plenty of water, energy snacks, appropriate jogging footwear with good grip for varied terrain, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a map or GPS device (as some segments can be challenging for orientation), and a first-aid kit. Layers of clothing are also recommended due to potential temperature changes, especially at higher elevations.

The trail follows the Guadalquivir River and later the Arroyo de los Habares, which it crosses multiple times. However, it's crucial not to rely on natural water sources for drinking unless you have a reliable purification method. It's best to carry all the water you'll need for the entire duration of your jog, especially on a demanding route like this.

Yes, the Puente Herrerías - Poyos de la Mesa Trail is designed as a circular route, meaning you will end your journey back at your starting point near the Puente de las Herrerías.