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Average daily distance: 18-28km
Average Ascent/Descent: 800 – 2000 m
Group size: 5 – 8 persons
Language: Spanish, English, Dutch
Price: From 790 €
DESCRIPTION
The “Alto Ruta de Guadarrama” is a new initiative for the advanced hiker in search of the ultimate challenge in central Spain. Under the professional guidance of an UIMLA certified Dutch-speaking mountain guide, we will cover 127 kilometres and climb almost 7,000 metres altitude in 7 stages. On the way, we will sleep in simple hostels and mountain cabins, whilst our baggage will be delivered for us part of the way. To round the trip off, on the last day we will climb the largest granite rock of the Yelmo massif to see the breathtaking view over the surrounding area. This is an intense trip that you won’t quickly forget, challenging and surprising! As well as this unforgettable experience, you will receive a T-shirt, card and stamp book as evidence of the trip.
An advanced hiking walking holiday in the National Park of the Sierra de Guadarrama is an excellent trip for those that want to discover a somewhat unknown and untouched mountainous area in the heart of Spain close to the capital Madrid. The Sistema Central mountains is 40 km north of the Spanish capital and is a region of respectable size, where the highest mountain peaks are pushing the 2500 metre mark. The valleys and mountain slopes are lush with oaks and conifers; a perfect combination of Mediterranean and alpine vegetation with a very rich variety of fauna and flora. It is no wonder that, after many years of negotiation, the area was finally declared as a National Park in 2013.
PROGRAM
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO MANZANARES EL REAL
Arrival at Madrid airport and transfer to Manzanares el Real, a small village at the foot the of the Sierra de Guadarrama. In the afternoon, we will wander through the village and along the reservoir to stretch the legs in preparation for the long trip the next day. There is also an option to visit the castle, built in the middle ages, the castle towers overlook the village. We overnight in the rural El Mirador de la Maliciosa hotel a warm sensuous hotel built in a Canadian wood style.
Accommodation: El Mirador de la Maliciosa, Manzanares El Real
DAY 2: MANZANARES TO PUERTO DE NAVACERRADA
A trip along the Manzanares river towards its source which extends through the Garganta de la Camorza where the water has formed natural swimming pools in the granite. Enjoy the fantastic forms and waterfalls. We climb through beautiful valleys to the treeline near La Bola del Mundo. From here, we will have a wonderful view of the highest peak of the Sierra, Peñalara summit at 2428 m and the Castilian plateau with Segovia in the distance. Then we descend to the pass and the ski resort El Puerto de Navacerrada.
Length: 16 km; climb: 1350m, descent: 350m duration: 7 hrs.
Accommodation: Albergue Peñelara, Albergue Peñalara
DAY 3: PUERTO DE NAVACERRADA TO RASCAFRIA
The longest stage awaits us today; 28kms along the northern flank of the Cuerda Larga, the ridge that forms the Sierra de Guadarrama. First we climb again to close to the mountain Bola del Mundo (2.262 m) and then we descend to the Cotos pass, precisely located between the two main massifs with the Cuerda Larga to the south and to the Peñalara, the highest mountain of the massif. Then comes a long but wonderful descent through the valley of Angostura river where, in the hot summer months, water flows under the dense coniferous forests.
Length: 28km, climb: 650m, descent: 1320m, duration: 9,5 hrs.
Accommodation: Hotel Rural El Valle, Rascafria
DAY 4: RASCAFRIA TO LA GRANJA
The climb of today leads to the Reventon pass (2039 m). On the way, we will walk through a rich forest area that hosts the largest population of vultures in the community of Madrid. We may well meet one of these birds and be able to see their 3-metres wing span. After this, follows a steep but spectacular descent to the village of La Granja de San Ildefonso built round a summer palace called “La Granja”. This palace is modelled on Versailles and we will see the beautiful gardens and fountains as we descend from the height of the mountain.
Length: 18km, climb: 1035m, descent: 1010m, duration: 7 hrs.
Accommodation: Albergue Camino de Lis, La Granja de San Ildefonso
DAY 5. LA GRANJA TO PUERTO DE COTOS
Waiting for us again, is an exciting day with a climb to the highest mountain of the massif, de Peñalara (2429m). After a long climb of almost 1,500m, we reach the roof of the Sierra de Guadarrama, where we will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the provinces of Madrid and Segovia. With clear weather, both cities can be seen lying in the distance. Even in the warm summer months, it can be cold at this altitude and the massif is notorious for hard winds and mist. We descend via the southern slope in the direction of the Cotos pass where we will cross the route taken 2 days ago and sleep in a real Spanish mountain cabin.
Length: 20km, climb: 1443m, descent: 810m, duration: 7 hrs.
Accommodation: El Pingarón Mountain Cabin, Puerto de Cotos
DAY 6: PURTO DE COTO TO MIRAFLORES
Again a spicy but impressive day awaits! After a hefty climb over the north side, we arrive at the high point of the Cuerda Larga, the mountain Cabeza de Hierro Mayor (2381 m). Beneath us is the granite of La Pedriza and the village of Manzanares from where we departed 5 days ago. We walk east following the ridge of the Cuerda Larga and on the way conquer more peaks of over 2000 metres. After the last peak, La Najarra (2123 m), we descend via the Morcuera till the edge of the Miraflores village where we will once again spend the night in Spanish mountain cabin.
Length: 23km, climb: 990m, descent: 1580m, duration: 8,5 hrs.
Accommodation: El Colladito Mountain Cabin, Miraflores de la Sierra
DAY 7: MIRAFLORES TO MANZANERES
Our last day is a magnificent round trip leads us over the warmer south flank. Here the forest type is different from on the northern side and we will see many stones and mountain oaks on the way. The best-preserved ecosystems of the National Park of Sierra de Guadarramaa, a mountain oak forest of high ecological value, are found in the Hueco de San Blas. We climb up to the pass Collado de la Ventana (1784 m) and enter the granite labyrinth of Pedriza, a huge massif with innumerable of climbing routes and hiking trails. Our last refuge of this tour is hidden in the dense forests and remains hidden from view until the very last moment. At this point we have the Alto Ruta de Guadarrama route accomplished and our stamp booklet will be full!
Length: 19km, climb: 1140m, descent: 1175m, duration: 7 hrs.
Accommodation: Giner de Rios Mountain Cabin, La Pedriza
DAY 8: LA PEDRIZA AND YELMO SUMMIT
The last walk today is not part of the trek but is a suitable finish. We climb through a small entrance in the rocks, hidden for all those who do not know the terrain well.
From the top we have a great view over the Pedriza and with clear weather we can see the towers of Madrid in the distance. A steep descent brings us back to the starting point of our trip and here we will be picked up by the owner of the Mirador de la Maliciosa Carlos hotel, who will make us a well-earned extra delicious dinner.
Length: 12km, climb: 500m, descent: 800m, duration: 5,5 hrs.
Accommodation: Mirador de la Maliciosa, Manzanares El Real
DAG 9: BACK HOME
Return to the airport in Madrid with the minibus and flight back home.
WHAT´S INCLUDED?
• Guide EspírituNATURE (UIMLA), English speaking
• All transfers during program
• Full room and board
• Walking map of the Sierra de Guadarrama
• Accident insurance
• Alto Ruta Guadarrama T-shirt and stamp book
WHAT´S NOT INCLUDED?
• Personal costs
• Flight or other transport to and from Madrid
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