The Kadagua Greenway, which runs along the watercourse of the same name, is a wonderful route that begins just 8 kilometres from Bilbao.

A little-known itinerary that follows the old route of the La Robla train, between the Arbuio neighbourhood (Alonsotegi), in metropolitan Bilbao, and Balmaseda, in the heart of Las Encartaciones.

The good thing about this greenway is that it can be reached by train from Bilbao, getting off at the station in La Quadra, a small town halfway along the route, or in Sodupe.

If you travel by car to the Arbuio neighbourhood, take Exit 10 of the BI-636 road or Cadagua corridor. You can park in the industrial estate opposite the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Guía, where the path to the greenway begins. Right here there is also a fountain to fill our water bottles before leaving. 

This greenway has hardly any slopes, except at the beginning of the route. This section does not run along the old railway line but along the shoulder, which has been prepared for cyclists and pedestrians, of the old BI-636 road that has little traffic. Please note that there is a long, steep slope here.

After the section next to the old road, along the aforementioned bidegorri (cycle lane) of around km 2, a new non-motorized section begins and the greenway’s appearance changes. You will be able to see some overpasses crossing the route of the old railway.

From the first steps the route is very wooded, featuring the undergrowth along the Cadagua River on our right. It seems incredible that we are so close to Greater Bilbao! To our left, but at some distance and hidden by the forest, is the BI-636 dual carriageway or Cadagua corridor.

The first town we will cross will be the neighbourhood of La Quadra, which belongs to the municipal district of Güeñes. Some vestiges of its historical importance remain, such as the Tower House, which still features its two coats of arms, and the Church of San Pedro.

It is worth pointing out that there is a rest area in La Quadra with a fountain, swings and even a bio-health circuit.

From here, the itinerary continues placidly and very pleasantly along a wild and beautiful stretch next to the river. The rest areas or the occasional overpass will be the only thing that breaks the uniformity of this comfortable greenway section.

A little more than 1 km away we will see a dam featuring a waterfall. And without further elements to mention, we will continue peacefully along the river until we reach the end of the greenway in the town of Sodupe.

We can enter town along one of the streets leading to the Iartu neighbourhood, where there is carpark. Continuing along this street you will reach the old Sodupe Station, which has been converted into a cultural centre.