Heading North – There's Always Somewhere New to Discover

On The Road Again — Heading North

Day 20 – Friday 23 October 2026
🇪🇸 Riópar to Robledo, Albacete – Spain

After much deliberation, we decided to hit the road this morning. We’d thoroughly enjoyed our three nights in this wonderful area, and I felt a little sad to be leaving. But it was time to start inching northwards. There’s always the next place to discover!

The first half of our journey was delightful, although rather more testing for Richard, who had the job of driving Matilda along the winding mountain roads. It was a long, steady climb, twisting and turning through some fabulous scenery, with the added bonus of spotting mountain goats along the way.

Eventually, we left the mountains behind and joined a main road, where the miles quickly flew past.

Our stopover for tonight is a free aire at Robledo, right beside a Vía Verde, one of Spain’s old railway lines that have been transformed into walking and cycling routes.

It’s a lovely spot, with wide open spaces and a picnic area offering some welcome shade beside Matilda.

After lunch, we unhooked the bikes and set off to explore.

The route followed a lovely tarmac track through the countryside, with several tunnels along the way. I must admit I was rather nervous cycling through them at first. Although I could see the track ahead, it still felt rather like riding blind! Thankfully, I gradually got used to the darkness and began to relax and enjoy the experience.

Interestingly, this old railway never actually carried trains. Now transformed into a Vía Verde, it also forms part of the famous Don Quixote Route, inspired by Cervantes’ celebrated novel. A lovely new purpose for a railway that never fulfilled its original one.

The scenery was beautiful, especially the poplar trees in their glorious autumn colours, standing out against the deep green of the pines. Autumn really is showing off at the moment.

We kept our eyes open for wildlife as we cycled along, enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. We were rewarded with a large herd of deer - too far away for a decent photograph.

Eventually, we reached a village and stopped for a well-earned iced coffee and something to eat before turning around and heading back.

The return journey was rather more challenging, with a gradual uphill climb that seemed to go on forever! Still, we took our time and enjoyed the surroundings.

Back at Matilda, it was lovely to put our feet up after another enjoyable day.

We’ve been so fortunate with the weather on this trip, and it’s certainly making our journey through Spain all the more enjoyable.

Another day, another little adventure, and another new corner of Spain discovered.

Heading North And An Unexpected Pub Crawl!

Day 21 Saturday 24 October 2026

🇪🇸 Belmonte, Cuenca – Spain

After a peaceful night, we hit the road just after 10, with blue skies and the promise of another gorgeous day.

Today’s journey was only about 75 miles, taking us to another free stopover. These are ideal for a one-night stay, giving us a chance to relax and explore somewhere new.

We travelled through pancake-flat countryside, where the olive trees had given way to enormous expanses of vines. There were signs of new trees being planted everywhere, while solar panels and wind turbines featured strongly in the landscape. Eventually, the hills appeared on the horizon.

Today’s wildlife highlight was the kites. We saw so many as we travelled across the plains, flying much lower than the buzzards we usually see. We had wonderful views of their rich reddish-brown colouring and those striking forked tails. Such beautiful birds to watch as they glided effortlessly across the countryside.

We’re definitely heading north now, hoping to find somewhere nice to settle for three nights before reaching Santander. I can’t believe how quickly these three weeks have flown by. With the weather back in the UK, it seems such a pity to be heading home, although I think we’re pushing our luck with all this sunshine!

We arrived in Belmonte early afternoon and, with the shopping done and Matilda parked up, I headed off to explore while Richard enjoyed some time to himself. I wandered through the quiet town and up the hill to the castle before making my way back to the van.

Later, we headed out together and discovered that the sleepy town had come to life. Music was playing, the streets were packed and the bars were buzzing. We’d arrived in the middle of Belmonte’s Cañas Musicales!

Now in its 18th year, this local event brings music, drinks and tapas to the streets, with musicians entertaining the crowds and local bars joining in the celebrations.

Well, that was our evening sorted! We enjoyed a fabulous early doors pub crawl around the local bars.

Eventually, hunger sent us back to Matilda. Spanish restaurants don’t seem to get going until around 9 pm, and we’d be well past wanting to eat by then!

What a transformation we’d witnessed, from a deserted town to one absolutely packed with people enjoying themselves. Watching the younger generation partying, it struck me that Spain is much the same as the UK in that respect. Everyone out having fun, enjoying the music and making the most of the weekend.

It’s been a fabulous day, and certainly not the quiet stopover we’d expected.

I suspect there’ll be a few sore heads in Belmonte tomorrow morning!