The Sierras of Extremadura

This land over which this walk goes has new owners. They are not continuing with the decades-old concession for walkers to use the footpaths. The land is now fenced, gated and locked and has be declared a hunting reserve. A shorter version of the walk can be done by following the turning described in paragraph two on page 156 but really, the best part of the walk — the views from Pico Venero and the walk through the chestnut woods — can no longer be enjoyed. The shorter version is 10.2km.

This walk is now signposted but there seems to be some work underway on the path. As for refreshment choices in the village of La Garganta; the small bar that lies just off the parking area serves good tapas and nice cold drinks but is only open at weekends now. If you plan to walk the two La Muela routes you will need to take some supplies from Baños de Montemayor before you drive up to La Garganta as there really is no guarantee anything at all will be open in the week.

The tiny turning to visit the Castle Tower and see the stunning views from near the top of the Sierra de Aguafría is signposted courtesy of the Tourist Office. It is a public right of way.

The problem is that the owners of the land do not want people to walk on their land. They pull up the sign and throw it into the hedge every time the Tourist Board puts the signpost back, which can make it hard to find.

The turning is on the right, going down, and the GPS is: N38° 02' 57.68" W06°15' 59.97"

Optional addition to Walk 5 Robledillo de Gata and Ovejuela

Start from Walk 5 Start/Finish point (N40°19’20.53" W06°28’24.78”W)

Total distance: 4.50km

Altitude lowest/highest: 560m/685m

Start from the small car parking area to the west of Robledillo de Gata where Walk 5 starts and finishes. Walk away from the village and westwards along a concrete lane marked by a red and white flash (it is part of the GR10) to pass some information boards on the left. Keep on the concrete lane for 580m to take the second right junction signposted Ermita de San Miguel. Pass the hermitage which is on the left and 70m later leave the concrete lane to take the dirt track on the left.

The dirt track passes through olive groves on the left and is wide and easy to walk. It is used by olive farmers to access their trees. The going is very slightly up. Reach a vague clearing which is where the olive farmers turn their vehicles around. From this point, the track becomes an earth footpath with occasional small slates underfoot but nothing of any consequence.

The views are all on the left overlooking a valley created by the Arroyo de la Garganta. The opposite valley wall is covered with trees especially pines but also some deciduous oaks and junipers. The flowering bushes are varieties of broom including Spanish Heath. Mediterranean Daphnie grows abundantly. Wild flowers are not profuse but when I walked in July, foxgloves were plentiful.

The footpath winds along the valley side and starts to descend gently. Reach where someone has cut five steps into the footpath to make a small but steep descent more accessible. The footpath ends overlooking the head of the valley and out towards the bigger valley created by the Árrago river. It is quite spectacular considering the altitude is not very high. At the end of the footpath is a dolmen — a Neolithic burial chamber. It is unusual in its construction but the menhirs used within the structure give it authenticity. In any event, it is worth the delightful walk to see it.

The return is simply a retrace of steps back to Robledillo de Gata.

One important point to notice is that the walk is on the east side of the river valley. In high Summer, it is possible to start the walk as late as 9.00 and dawdle looking at the view and spotting raptors overhead and finish at 11.00 and the sun is still not high enough to strike the path or the east side of the valley. The sun is all on the west side and very pretty it looks there. It means this walk can be done very comfortably, year-round.