dossier

Secrets of the Sierra

Day 1 - Arrive in Hoyos del Espino 

We meet you in Madrid and take you to El Milano Real, nestling in the northern foothills of the Sierrade Gredos. Here, Teresa greets you with champagne and briefs you on the week’s walks.

Day 2 - La Gargantilla and the Seven Springs 8 mi/14km/4hr

Ascending gently past wild strawberries and pink crocus, you reach the Gargantilla gorge withincredible views to the mighty Almanzor (2592m) – the Gredos’ highest peak. Ibex goats cluster inthe verdant pastures peppered with springs and fountains. Returning to the village, yellow finches flit overhead – time for a drink in one of the friendly local bars before a gourmet dinner in the spectacular dining room.

Day 3 - Rivers and Villages Walk 10mi/17km/6hr

Today you follow the GR10 as it meanders above the limpid River Tormes until you reach the evoca-tive 13C Roman bridge at Pozo de las Paredes. An idyllic picnic spot - perhaps dip you feet into thesoothing water, as buzzards, bee-eaters and blue bunting soar overhead?

Day 4 - Forty Pines Walk 6mi/10km/3.5hr

Striking out north from the hotel today, first visit Hoyos’s lonely stone chapel before following aspectacular path with views of the whole Gredos range dominating the horizon. Red kites swirl abovemeadows carpeted with yellow narcissus as you reach the ancient forest of the forty pines.Alternatively, Salamanca, arguably Spain’s most graceful city with its dual Gothic and Romanesquecathedrals, is just 90 minutes away.

Day 5 - Hoyos  del  Espino to SanEsteban 17km/10mi/6hr

A breathtaking track leads alongside babbling streams and fragrant pines with the mighty El Torazomountain (2026m) framing the panorama. From Puerto el Pico you follow an ancient stone Romanroad, which links the two halves of the Gredos; you can almost feel the warmth of the sun increasingwith each step as you leave Alpine vistas behind. You reach Cuevas del Valle, one of the “FiveVillages”, with its lovely geranium-decked houses and lively plaza, before following a Mediterraneanscented path, brimming with figs, olives and chirruping yellow finches to reach San Esteban del Valle and the Posada de Esquiladores, home for the next three nights.

Day 6 - Villages of the South 7mi/12km/4hr

Today’s relaxed walk first follows a wonderful path flanked by olives, almond and hazelnut grovesbefore reaching tiny Santa Cruz, dominated by its traditional bullring. Then onto Mombeltran alongthe ancient track linking the two hamlets. A crumbling 15C castle of the Dukes of Alberquerqueevocatively overlooks the magnificent square, where locals gather to while away the hours. Back toSan Esteban through orchards and streams, perfect for a paddle.

Day 7 - Tietar Valley Vistas 10mi/17km/6hr

A truly spectacular walk today, you climb gently through chestnut, walnut and pine forest to reachthe breathtaking mirador viewpoint, where balcony views spread for 50km across the patchwork valley. After a panoramic picnic, cuckoo song accompanies your descent with the Gredos peaks andfive villages forming a beautiful backdrop. Time for a well deserved glass of cava before dinner.

Day 8 - Leave San Esteban del Valle

A private taxi takes you to Madrid airport after a final gourmet breakfast. How about spending afew extra nights exploring Spain’s vibrant capital – our hotel is right in the centre!