I followed the cycle path along the river which was excellent for three miles, but then it turned right onto a major road and there seemed no way to cross it. Eventually, I did cross it at a roundabout and I followed a small rough road, which led underneath the motorway and on towards San Jose De La Rinconada where I picked up a road heading Northeast and a few local riders went past on their morning ride which gave me confidence the route would be good. The countryside was flat and the road was very straight making progress seems slow. After 28 miles, I reached Guadajoz where a canal appeared on the right hand side of the road, it was a very industrial concrete looking structure and the road now followed the canal, nice and flat crossing back and forwards across the canal until I reached Palma del Rio. As I cycled into town there were crowds everywhere. It became apparent there was some sort of Festival on. I found a restaurant with outdoor seating and sat down at one of the few tables not taken. After trying to get served for about 10 minutes, I was eventually told that all tables were reserved, so I had to leave. Several more failed attempts followed and two laps of the town, I eventually had to settle for a sandwich and a soft drink bought at a petrol station on the way out of town and I sat beside the road two miles further up the road and had my lunch. The long straight road continued and after 70 miles I reached the town of Posadas Where I crossed the train line and still following the Guadalquivir. I spied a castle on a hill ahead as I approached the town of Almodovar Del Rio, The castle looked very impressive sitting above the town and dominating it, the road went left around the castle and into the town and seemed to disappear into the back streets. I eventually picked my way through them and left town on what seemed like the steepest street in the world. I was heading down a small Street, which was at least 15 percent gradient pressing heavily on the brakes for dear life ! I picked up the main road and cycled out of town. Looking back you could see the castle sitting on the hill for miles. Soon, I was on the outskirts of Cordoba passing the airport on the way into the city via long Avenues, which led eventually to the small streets of the old town, where I followed the city walls to my hotel right beside the Mesquita.