Through this easy circular bike route you will cross beautiful landscapes of holm oaks and you will get to know some of the most relevant heritage elements of Salamanca, a World Heritage City, and its immediate surroundings. From the battlefield of Arapiles, the site of one of the most decisive battles during the War of Independence in 1812; until the Silver Route, roman road linking the Roman cities of Astúrica Augusta and Emérita Augusta; passing through the Soto Islanda site of great environmental value in the middle of the river Tormes.
It is a circular route that you can cover in one day or enjoy it in sections. You can divide it into stages on the basis of the localities through which it passes (in red) or on the basis of the 5 sectors delimited by the explanatory signs installed on the ground (in green).
Alone or in company; as a couple or with the family; to do sport and enjoy the open air or to get to know the history and heritage of the province… Discover the Batalla de los Arapiles cycling route around Salamanca.
El Zurguén - Soto Island (6,5 km)
This sector runs entirely along a cycle lane. From El Zurguén, you will travel along part of the Vía de la Plata, reaching the city of Salamanca by its old Roman Bridge, where you will be able to access interpretative signposting on this ancient Roman road.
After crossing the river Tormes, you will cycle along the Salamanca riverside promenade alongside amazing riverside vegetation, observing a large number of water birds and the remains of old mills. You will find information about all this on the interpretative signs along the River Walk, in case you want to stop the bike and enjoy the explanations and the scenery.
Soto Island > Calvarrasa (10Km)
Soto Island, in Santa Marta, is one of the most interesting natural spots in this part of the province of Salamanca. It is possible not only to pedal peacefully in the company of lush vegetation, but also to enjoy rest areas, discover works of art with every pedal stroke or visit an Interpretation Centre about the trades related to the river, among many other things.
After leaving the island, the Batalla de los Arapiles bike route continues through the vicinity of Santa Marta, Pelabravo and Terradillos, entering the wide horizons of the Salamanca countryside and enjoying the beauty of the holm oak pastures that are so characteristic of our province.
Calvarrasa > Arapiles mountains (4Km)
After leaving Calvarrasa de Arriba behind, we enter the Battlefield of Los Arapiles in this sector, starting the section at the beautiful hermitage of la Peña, an emblematic place in this battle.
From here, we will begin to find interpretative signage related to this important battle of the War of Independence, inviting the cyclist to stop and learn more about the relevance of this historical space.
The sector ends, after pedalling through endless fields and wide horizons, at the junction of the Via Verde, a former railway line that has now been adapted for walking and cycling.
Arapiles Mountains > Arapiles village (4Km)
Throughout this sector we will enter the Battlefield of Los Arapiles, leaving behind us the Arapiles Grande and Pequeño, spaces from where the French and English generals led their troops in the famous battle, beginning what has been understood as the beginning of the end of the War of Independence.
Through this vast battlefield we will cycle to the town of Arapiles.
Arapiles > El Zurguén (11,4Km)
In the town of Arapiles we can rest and visit the Interpretation Centre of the Battle of Los Arapiles,, or continue cycling to reach the town of Miranda de Azán to take the Roman road of the Vía de la Plata on the way to Salamanca,cycling along with the many pilgrims who travel this ancient route used since the Middle Ages and until today to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Along this route, you will be able to enjoy exceptional views over the Charro countryside, leaving the Battlefield of Los Arapiles behind to cycle along the Vía de la Plata.
Cañada de Miranda > El Zurguén
This variant allows the visitor to extend metres of cycle lane by being able to join its route with the main route already on the Vía de la Plata, crossing the town of Aldeatejada.
Along this variant of the route, cyclists can not only avoid part of the more technical part of the main route, but also stop at the different interpretative signposting on the Vía de la Plata along the cycle path, as well as accessing a bicycle cleaning and repair area in the town of Aldeatejada.
