The Rio Guadiaro (Guadiaro River) route, provides a challenge, but a challenge stacked with great views. The first 11 km are virtually all downhill, using cool curvy mountain roads as you descend from the village of Atajate to Jimera de Líbar where you will first meet the river.

From Jimera you will start your first ascent, climbing 300m in total, bringing you up above the town of Benoajan with spectacular views across the valley as you climb.

You will descend briefly into Benoajan before a short ascent takes you into the village of Montejaque where you will have the opportunity to stop for a drink in the lovely Plaza de la Constituctión.

Once you leave Montejaque you're treated to another nice long descent over 5 Km where you will meet the Cueva del Gato (Cat Cave) and its natural lagoon supplied by cold water filtered through the mountain. The cave is not accessible, but the lagoon is open for a little swim, don't forget to test the water first.

From the cave, an undulating road before your final ascent will see you climb into Ronda below its famous bridge.

Leisure Cycling Classifications

Terrain

The route is mostly paved roads with a few short unpaved tracks. There are some short sections of cobbled streets.

Distance and Grade

The route is 40km (25 miles) and contains one cat 3 and three cat 4 climbs. Total of 998m in ascents and 1270m in descents. The most challenging is the first ascent, which has a length of 5.4km and a gain of 300m at a grade of 5.2%. Suitable for those who cycle frequently with a good fitness level.