Castilla y Leon information
Cañadas
Six of the nine Cañadas Reales which
have existed in the Iberian Peninsula since the Mesta, pass through
the region of Castilla y León. These cattle tracks, considered
cultural heritage, are only to be found in Spain.
All except the Cañada Real Conquense and the Cañada
del Reino de Valencia, pass through many of the region's provinces.
These silent paths leading off into the mountains, cross valleys,
meadows and sheepfolds and legal authorisation allows them to
pass through the city streets. They are the true reflection of
farming and agricultural tradition which has survived to this
day.
These natural migratory tracks or paths connecting north and south,
have helped maintain the Peninsula's rich bio diversity. Known
as the Pasillos Verdes ("Green Pasages") they enable
the spread of many different species of fauna and are still used
by large herds. Hikers, tourists and nature-lovers will find these
cattle tracks in Castilla y León.
Source: Web server of Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA.