The best MTB trails around the Esla

A little before La Mata de Monteagudo, we turned off towards the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Velilla, which awaits on a clearing halfway up the mountain. Surrounded by oaks, beeches, and holly trees, the much-venerated Virgen de la Velilla has the privilege of residing in a truly beautiful place. In the 16th century, a small and humble sanctuary was built, where pilgrims came to worship the Virgen de la Velilla. By the end of the century, this Virgin was very well-known and famous due to her many miracles and favors, for which she received abundant donations and alms.

Beautiful bridge in the Leonese mountain.

The Mercadillo Bridge is a historic civil structure located over the Esla River, near Sorriba del Esla, within the municipality of Cistierna (province of León). It likely has Roman origins, forming part of the ancient Esla road or Via Saliámica. It is mentioned in medieval documents, including records from the Monastery of Gradefes and the will of Countess Doña Sancha in 1234, confirming its existence and use during the Middle Ages.

A stopover town that knows exactly what it is: a necessary pause. There's no artifice here, just routine, backpacks, bikes leaning against the wall, and glances exchanged without questions. San Martín doesn't try to impress you; it welcomes you, helps you clear your head, and lets you move on. And that, on the road, is worth more than a thousand promises.

Located beside the Torío River, this modern church marks the southern entrance to León with a simplicity that contrasts with the mountains in the background. It was built on the site where locals used to gather to cross the river when the old bridge overflowed. Every year, during the neighborhood festival, the bells ring at dusk, their sound mingling with the echo of the water. A small church that preserves the peaceful spirit of the river people.

The church tower of Valverde de la Virgen is visible from several rural roads in the area, ideal as a landmark and cultural stop on MTB or gravel routes. Its slender and sober silhouette stands out among the open landscape of León. Access by bike is easy, with paved terrain or compacted tracks depending on the approach to the route. It's a good excuse to stop, take a photo, and recharge your batteries before continuing on to destinations such as La Virgen del Camino or San Miguel del Camino. A good place to combine culture, easy riding, and plateau scenery.

A beautiful, lively square right at the entrance to the old town of Leon.

EL LEÓN DE SALEAL: We go back to Roman times to understand part of the theme of this sculpture. Cloacina, in Roman mythology, was the goddess who ruled over the Cloaca Máxima, the sewer system of Rome. The sewer name comes from the name of this goddess, because thanks to the origin of sewer systems, a quality of life was achieved in terms of sanitation of urban environments and public health from the beginning to the present day. It should be remembered that the origin of the name of this city and province of León comes from the word legio ("legion"). Legio VII Gemina was the Roman camp that settled here and with it the origin of the city of León. A lion with strength and claws as a symbol of the sanitation system (the modern version of Cloacina Máxima) in constant renewal and maintenance. The goal was achieved: to do something symbolic and reflect the efforts and human work of so many years, to give solidity to our public health and the health of the environment.