Information on the Sierra de Gredos, Central
Spain
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Walking Climbing Cycling Mountain-biking Horse-riding Birdwatching Paragliding Skiing Swimming Although the Sierra is relatively unknown to foreigners it is a popular retreat for the Spanish and is well supplied with tourist facilities such as rental houses, hotels and hostals, restaurants, bars, medical and banking facilities, and outdoor activity centres. However, as it covers such a large area and really only has two main roads running along its length (M/CL 501 or EX 203 on the South and AV 941 on the North) it is still an area of peace and tranquillity. For the walker, hiker or climber from the overcrowded island of Britain it is a haven and it is possible to explore the Sierra without meeting anyone else. For the cyclist the roads remain quiet and are generally of good quality. There are also numerous tracks that can be explored by mountain bike. The countryside is open to the horserider. Birdwatchers will find many more unusual species here, and be treated to a magnificent display of raptors. There are crystal clear rivers and pools to cool off in during a walk or to spend the day relaxing, swimming and picnicking by, some with barbeque facilities and chiringuitos (similar to beach bars). Walking and Trekking The Sierra de Gredos, Trail magazine, June 2004, said of the Sierra de Gredos: "This region to the north-west of Madrid, is shockingly overlooked by British walkers. And that's a shame, because it's crammed to the rafters with wildlife and offers some stunning and extremely accessible mountain terrain." Although there are high peaks for the mountain enthusiast there are also plenty of walking and trekking routes which avoid excessive climbing and which are suitable for walkers of all abilities. The GR10 walking route (from Valencia to Lisbon) passes along the entire length of the central Gredos. For details of some possible walks take a look at these links: Files in Adobe PDF format
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The following walks are not yet available in PDF. Walks 1,2 and 3 are designed as individual walks but the routes can be linked together. They all use La Plataforma as a starting point.
For a guide to the possible dangers click here.
For road cyclists who like climbing, the Sierra de Gredos is full of challenges. The Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) passes through the Gredos most years - and there are some famous climbs - eg. Puerto de Serranillos, Puerto del Pico ,Puerto de Mijares and Peña Negra (these are all category 1 or HC). The roads in central Spain, and particulary in the sierra are normally very quiet and motorists treat cyclists with respect.
The Gredos Mountains have a rich and varied bird community. Although located in central Spain, their altitude and the influence of Atlantic winds confer it a continental characteristic in contrast with the surrounding plateaux. In addition, the dramatically different conditions on the Northern and the Southern slopes make for an increased diversity of habitats. These characteristics account for the great diversity of birds to be found here, with a mix of species at the Southern limit of their range, others at the Northern limit of their range, as well as mountain specific species. Many raptors such as the golden eagle, short-toed eagle, booted eagle, goshawk, sparrow hawk, red and black kite, as well as griffon, black and Egyptian vultures breed here and are fairly easy to spot. Besides the raptors, bluethroats and ortolan buntings will greet you from the top of broom bushes during an easy walk through the higher grounds of the gently sloping Northern face. Dartford warblers will appear for a few seconds before hiding again in the bushes. Rock buntings, common accentors, northern wheatears, alpine pipit, red-billed choughs are common. The alpine accentor also breeds here but is to be found on the higher rocky areas of the mountains. Down in the valleys where pine and oak woods grow, typical forest species including citril finch, crested tit, cross-bills, great and lesser spotted woodpeckers, Bonelli’s warblers and many other species can be found. Along the mountain streams, dippers, white, grey and yellow wagtails are abundant. For a list of the most common birds that can be spotted in Gredos take a look a look at this link. The Gredos Mountains are an attractive birding destination in themselves but the fact that they are surrounded by other birding hotspots such as the plains of Extremadura, the Tietar Valley and Monfargüe to the South, or the Northern Plateau to the North make them an even greater attraction.
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