The Camino del Cid (Way of El Cid) is a route that follows in the legendary footsteps of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as the Cid Campeador. This famous 11th-century Castilian knight became a hero long after his death, thanks to the poem ‘Cantar de Mio Cid’, an epic that recounts his adventures. It traces his journey from banishment from Castile to his death as Prince of Valencia.

The route takes you through a medieval kingdom left almost untouched by time. You'll pass by the historic sites where the Cid Campeador's exploits and battles took place. The adventure begins in his home town of Vivar del Cid and follows the last years of his life up to his greatest exploit: the reconquest of Valencia. It takes in eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, 40 towns declared to be of historic and artistic interest, more than 200 castles and 70 nature reserves. You'll also have the chance to enjoy the rich and varied gastronomy of Castile, Aragon and the Valencian Community.

In this Collection, I present five large sections themed around the Cantar de Mio Cid that you can tackle as different adventures. The length of each of them varies, but they all begin and end in locations that are easily accessible by public transport. The idea is that you divide each section into shorter routes depending on your fitness and the time you have available. However, remember that the Camino del Cid is a mostly rural route that runs through unpopulated areas: the towns are small and their infrastructures are limited. Therefore, I recommend that you plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance.

Bring comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, water and food. Due to the lack of facilities, you must carry enough food and water to sustain you on each Tour. Most villages have water fountains, but always carry a bottle with you, just in case.

Aside from the last section, these trails are best walked in spring and autumn, as winters in the Castilian lands are very cold and summers are very hot. The last section can also be completed in winter, as it runs entirely in the Valencian Community, which enjoys mild temperatures at that time of year.

Finally, you only need a couple more things to get going. The first one is your safe-conduct, a personalised ‘passport' that you can get stamped in many towns along the Camino del Cid. It's free and you can get discounts on accommodation and other offers. You can ask for it at the tourist offices along the route or at the Camino del Cid Consortium. The second is, of course, a copy of the Cantar de Mio Cid. Can you think of anything better than recreating the passages of the poem en route?

The Camino del Cid is a journey into the past, an adventure of legends and a solitary feat. It is a path only for the bravest, for those who dare to walk through the vast natural spaces with nothing more than their backpack and their thoughts as company. Now, saddle up your horse (or, in modern times, lace up your trainers) and set off on one of the most introspective and special adventures of your life.

The Camino del Cid can also be completed by bicycle. For more information, see the following Collections:

El Destierro by gravel bike: komoot.com/collection/1969184
Tierras de Frontera on a gravel bike: komoot.com/collection/1971475
The Three Taifas on MTB: komoot.com/collection/1919689
Conquest of Valencia by gravel bike: komoot.com/collection/1985766
Defence of the south on MTB: komoot.com/collection/1929755