Now yes
We need to lose ourselves nature like if tomorrow does not exist. We still haven't figured it out yet Madrid everything that nature is capable of teaching us. Today we propose five natural getaways from a somewhat more unusual Madrid.
THE SANDHEAD BUNKER
The Sierra de Guadarrama is undoubtedly the natural paradise of the Community of Madrid, a favorite destination for nature and outdoor lovers . There are thousands of hidden places in this mountain range that would well deserve a book, but perhaps the most peculiar is sanding head . This mountain has one of the most curious and photographable hiking trails that exist, the one that culminates in its top , converted into one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the mountains.
Sandhead bunker
walk the path to the top is to take a trip to the past , more specifically at the ** time of the Civil War **, through the remains of different buildings that deserve a stop along the way. Starting from Port of the Lions, This route through the mountains will take you about three hours, with some complicated sections. At the top is an old bunker from the Civil War with an amazing lookout . It is time to take out the camera and immortalize the moment. The sunsets from the bunker are simply priceless, but to make the way down in low light it is better to have some experience in trekking.
THE WATERFALL OF CHARCO DEL HERVIDERO
The encounter with nature in Saint Augustine of Guadalix It's almost like a fairy tale. Keeping the river company can become a extrasensory excursion , you will almost have the feeling of having teleported to a medieval forest or a video clip of Enya . There are barely 5 kilometers from San Agustín to the waterfall, on a route where there are no shortage of wooden bridges and even the remains of an old mill.
The river is giving away different jumps on your way . Access cauldron puddle It is done through a stone staircase that seems taken from a Dracula's castle , not suitable for indecisive feet. The waterfall is spectacular, even more so at this time of year when there is more flow and nature is exhibited without any shame. There is space to spend the day and enjoy the sound of the water and the birds. Yes indeed, it is important to go equipped with food and water because there is no supply of anything there.
The Charco del Hervidero waterfall
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF PELAYOS DE LA PRESA
Those who live in Madrid know well Pelayos of the Dam since it is the closest town to the Pantano de San Juan, the beach of Madrid . But there is life beyond the swamp, much more life. Many of you have not yet dared to discover the natural environment of Pelayos de la Presa, a real gem for nature lovers who, on the other hand, are looking for a little more in their getaway.
The starting point is the recreational area of the Picadas Reservoir , located on the banks of the Alberche and which is accessed from the same M-501. This area is perfect for practice sport fishing or canoeing but, despite the fact that people are seen bathing in the reservoir, bathing is not allowed . To escape the crowd it is better to rediscover the area. Several routes start from there following the course of the river to be done on foot or on two wheels, touring the route that the Tiétar railway had in its day, which was called "Train of oblivion".
Between Picadas and the San Juan Reservoir, all that can be appreciated is the peaceful haven of the river, the fragrance of the pine and rosemary almost fighting, and the elegant flight of birds of prey such as the black vulture. Although it might look like Gredos or Monfragüe , here the rockrose and the peony take over the color of the ground. And the bustle of the Pantano de San Juan has finally ceased to be heard.
Picadas Reservoir
ASHES: THE GREDOS MADRILEÑO
The excursion to Pelayos de la Presa can become a complete getaway with a visit to ashen , just twenty minutes from the Picadas Reservoir. In order not to leave Madrid, you have to Make a road through Cadalso de los Vidrios . Here the scenario changes completely, as we enter a piece of the Sierra de Gredos although we are still on Madrid soil.
The nature that surrounds this town, the westernmost in the Community, is one of the best kept secrets in Madrid. We are in the place where the Tiétar River is born, between two rocks where protected and highly endangered species such as the black vulture or the imperial eagle nest. Several routes to these places leave from Cenihundos of what they call Peña Grande and Peña Chica , which, being almost integrated into the Sierra de Gredos, are known by hiking lovers as the "Gredos de Madrid".
Without a doubt, we are in a perfect place to disconnect, in an area of Madrid with hardly any pollution . Vineyards can be found among oaks and junipers, because Cinderella is also a land of wine. And there is no better way to end this experience than with a drink.
In the surroundings of the Angostura stream
ANGOSTURE VALLEY
Rascafría is an area well known by adventure lovers as it has a thousand places to practice sports in nature. The El Paular Valley It hypnotizes with its beauty, although there are many places in the vicinity of Rascafría that, being less known, may well leave you speechless. An example is the Angostura Valley , a place where you have to go well equipped to meet a nature never seen before.
The river that accompanies now is the Lozoya, which runs through the Sierra de Guadarrama with a certain melancholy. Starting from Port of Cotos we follow the Angostura stream, source of the Lozoya river, in its upper course. At this time of year, with the thaw, the riverbed is furious and energetic, making its way through pines, junipers and blackberries and leaving stops along the way in the form of spectacular pools and waterfalls such as the one in the Pradillo Dam . From there a path opens through the forest that leads to the Sierra de Penalara , although that is better left for another expedition.