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Birdwatching on the Rio Guadalquivir

This 5 kilometre route starts at the Hermitage of the Holy Martyrs and the Molino de Martos

By Nick Nutter | Updated 15 Mar 2022 | Córdoba | Birdwatching | Login to add to YOUR Favourites Favourites Icon or Read Later

This article has been visited 7,219 times A heron on the Rio Guadalquivir at Cordoba A heron on the Rio Guadalquivir at Cordoba

A heron on the Rio Guadalquivir at Cordoba

This 5 kilometre route starts at the Hermitage of the Holy Martyrs and the Molino de Martos, in the heart of the town and very close to the Natural Monument of the Sotos de la Albolafia.

The path alongside the Rio Guadalquivir The path alongside the Rio Guadalquivir

The path alongside the Rio Guadalquivir

Head south to the path alongside the Rio Guadalquivir. The area here is lightly wooded but you have good views across the river. The rest is easy, simply follow the path. It stays alongside the river as it first takes you under the Puente del Arenal bridge then under the Autovia de Andalucia and then negotiates a long loop through more open country, mainly olive trees, to the south of the city and swings back north. Towards the northern end of the route the tree cover reduces somewhat until you reach the Molino de Carbonell and a concrete walkway across the river.

Views of the Rio Guadalquivir Views of the Rio Guadalquivir

Views of the Rio Guadalquivir

For bird watchers there is no advantage to crossing the river, for walkers however there is a very pleasant, clearly marked route on the south side of the river that takes you back to where you started.

Molino de Carbonell Molino de Carbonell

Molino de Carbonell

During the occupation by the Moors and later expanded by the Christians a number of flour mills were established alongside the river. A series of weirs directed the water and helped to prevent flooding when the river was in spate. Many of these works, now ruined, can still be seen. El Molino de Carbonell was built in the early 19th century on the ruins of a 16th century mill. Molino de Martos is older, dating back to the early 13th century. The remains you see today are dated to the mid 16th century.

You should see a good variety of water fowl; little grebes, coots, moorhens, various species of duck, herons and egrets. The bushes and trees are full of thrushes, warblers and finches. Keep your eyes open for the hopoo.



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