• The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reissues the brochure on Nature Trails and Greenways of Spain
• The new edition contains extensive information on the two non-motorized route networks.

To this end, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), in collaboration with the Spanish Railways Foundation , is reissuing the brochure on Nature Trails and Greenways in Spain, the latest edition of which was published in 2017. The new brochure has been published in two languages – Spanish and English – and from it you can access the “Nature Trails” and “Greenways and Natura 2000 Network” virtual applications, as well as more complementary virtual information, via QR codes.

What are Nature Trails?

There are more than 10,300 kilometers of old transport infrastructure currently used for hiking and cycling, spread across approximately 130 routes . Former railways, canals, towpaths, cattle trails, footpaths, and even former public paths are once again being used by a population that increasingly demands contact with nature and peaceful spaces in which to engage in recreational, tourist, and sporting activities away from motorized traffic.

The Nature Trails are being restored by the MAPA (National Parks and Parks Authority) in collaboration with other territorial administrations, which are responsible for their maintenance and management. This management is part of the Nature Trails Program , in place since 1993, with more than €250 million invested to date.

And what are greenways?

These are trails developed by reusing old railway platforms . Of the 10,300 kilometers of Nature Trails, more than 3,100 kilometers are Greenways: old, disused railway lines repurposed as easy, safe, and accessible routes for cycling tourists and hikers.

51% of all Greenways in Spain have been implemented by the MAPA (National Park of the Autonomous Community of Madrid), while the remaining 49% have been made possible thanks to the collaboration of other local and regional governments.

The updated brochure and the promotion of these Nature Trails and Greenways serve the purpose of continuing to bring people closer to the natural environment while simultaneously promoting sustainable rural development .