From the Hills of Obejo to the Foothills of Sierra Morena
After leaving behind the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park, the route continues to wind through Sierra Morena. Yet the landscape begins to shift: woodland starts to blend with patches of olive trees scattered across the steep hillsides.
From El Vacar to Obejo, crossing the Las Latas pass, we encounter numerous estates of centuries-old olive trees.
Harvesting olives during the winter months becomes more demanding and complex due to the steepness of the terrain.
Tracks Through a Sea of Olive Groves
Although Balutia does not venture deep into the largest olive-growing area of the province of Córdoba, it brushes against its edges, offering riders a taste of what it feels like to pedal through a labyrinth of these essential trees for rural —and not so rural— Andalusia.
The sense of immersion is complete as you gauge the distance between bends.
After all, this is still mountainous terrain, with winding descents that demand full attention to navigate safely.
Rows of Olive Trees for Greater Productivity
As the terrain softens, the track turns into road, and the olive trees begin to appear in neat rows, a layout that increases farm productivity while also shortening the lifespan of each tree.
We are between Adamuz and Montoro, both towns deeply tied to the land and agricultural life. Between them lies Algallarín, a settlement village created in the 1950s to promote irrigation farming and keep families working the land.
The village’s distinctive architecture is clearly visible. The track runs straight through it along its main artery.
Text and photography: David Molina @davidmolinagrande
On the bike: Inmaculada C. Cantero @inmaculadaccantero
If you want to take part in Balutia: