The Vía Verde del Tajuña turns a former railway corridor into a journey through the river valley southeast of Madrid. From Arganda del Rey, it passes agricultural land and a succession of towns before continuing beyond Ambite into Guadalajara. The Spanish Railways Foundation’s Vías Verdes guide describes both the main route and its connection with the separate Tren de los 40 Días greenway.
From Arganda into the valley
The Vías Verdes guide places the route’s beginning on Avenida del Ejército in Arganda del Rey, close to the metro station. Beyond the industrial area and the hospital, the route passes beneath the A-3 and climbs towards El Alto. A descent then opens views over the Tajuña valley before Morata de Tajuña.
Between Morata and Perales de Tajuña, expect changes in gradient rather than assuming that the whole former railway corridor is level. At Perales, the guide describes two alternatives: one passes partly through the town, while another follows a rural path around it. Both reach the crossing beneath the A-3.
Tielmes, Carabaña and Ambite
Towards Tielmes, the route travels among vegetable plots and fields on the southern side of the river. The valley’s gypsum cliffs, old caves, watermills and riverside woodland give this part of the journey much of its character. The route continues through Carabaña and Orusco towards Ambite, passing a pine grove near the latter town.
At Carabaña, riders can connect with the separate Vía Verde del Tren de los 40 Días towards Estremera. Staying with the Tajuña route leads instead towards the former station at Ambite and onwards across the provincial boundary.
Across into Guadalajara
Beyond Ambite, the greenway continues towards Mondéjar and Pozo de Almoguera. Castilla-La Mancha’s tourism authority describes the Mondéjar section as compacted earth, with a more pronounced climb after leaving Ambite. Mediterranean oak woodland and historic railway viaducts mark a change from the cultivated valley landscape farther west.
The railway once carried agricultural produce and sugar beet as well as passengers. Ambite’s town council recalls that the line reached the town in 1916; its former infrastructure now gives visitors a way to explore the area by bicycle or on foot.
Planning a ride
The route lends itself to a selected section between towns as well as a longer outing. Arganda is served by Madrid metro line 9; check the operator’s current bicycle rules when arranging the journey. At La Poveda, the railway museum offers a related visit, with operating details available from its managing association.
Take care at road crossings. The Vías Verdes guide also identifies a short roadside connection beyond Perales and a stretch towards Tielmes shared with vehicles accessing neighbouring properties. It notes sharp dips in places between Morata and Perales. The accessible greenways guide describes individual sections separately, which is useful for anyone assessing a ride for specific mobility needs.