Guidebook to one of Spain's most unspoilt regions, comprising the provinces of Caceres and Badajoz. 32 varied walks of between 6 and 20 km explore the sierras of the region and are suitable for any reasonably fit walker. The book covers The Northern Sierras/System Central (including the Sierra de Gata, Sierra de Bejar, Sierra de Gredos), The Central Sierras/Montes de Toledos, and the Southern Sierras (including the Sierra Morena).
There are detailed route descriptions for each walk, along with clear sketch maps, and information on terrain, refreshments, access and parking. There are also notes on natural and historical information and what to look out for along the way. Walks can be done from a number of bases in the area including San Martin de Trevejo, Gata, Hervas, Jerte, Jarandilla de la Vera, Montanchez, Guadalupe, Almoharin, Merida, Alange, Hornachos and Monesterio.
Lying west of Madrid and east of the Portuguese border, Extremadura is an unspoiled gem perfect for walkers, lovers of nature and seekers of peace. The region brings together rugged mountains, rolling hills, deep river valleys, huge forests and thousands of kilometres of paths, perfect for walking. Apart from its natural wonders and superb birdlife, Extremadura boasts a variety of heritage sites including castles, cave paintings and monasteries.
The Sierras of Extremadura : 32 half and full-day walks in western Spain's hills
Description
Table of Contents
Map key
Overview map
INTRODUCTION
Geography and geology
Animals and birds
Flowers and plants
Human history
Getting there
Getting around
When to go
Bases and accommodation
Food and drink
Language
Money
Communications
What to take on a walk
Waymarking
Maps
Health and emergencies
Using this guide
THE NORTHERN SIERRAS: THE SISTEMA CENTRAL
Sierra de Gata
Walk 1 San Martin de Trevejo and the Sierra de Eljas
Walk 2 Pico Jalama
Walk 3 Puerto de Castilla and Pico Janona
Walk 4 Castillo de Almenara and the Sierra de las Janonas
Walk 5 Robledillo de Gata and Ovejuela
Sierra de Bejar
Walk 6 La Garganta and El Nevero
Walk 7 La Muela and the forest track
Walk 8 The valley route to La Muela
Sierra de Gredos
Walk 9 Cascadas Nogaleas in the Montes de Tras la Sierra
Walk 10 Los Pilones and Puente Sacristan
Walk 11 Jerte to Puente Nuevo in the Sierra de Tormantos
Walk 12 Puente los Papuos in the Montes de Tras la Sierra
Walk 13 The Jaranda valley
Walk 14 Guijo de Santa Barbara and El Trabuquete
THE CENTRAL SIERRAS: THE MONTES DE TOLEDO
Sierra de Montanchez
Walk 15 Arroyomolinos
Walk 16 Torre de Santa Maria to Montanchez
Walk 17 Torre de Santa Maria and the mills
Walk 18 The oak woods of Zarza de Montanchez
Walk 19 Almoharin and the Sierra de San Cristobal
Walk 20 The Sierra de los Alijares
Walk 21 The Sierra de Santa Cruz
Sierra del Campillo and the Sierra de Juncaldilla
Walk 22 Garganta de Cuernacabras
Sierra de Guadalupe
Walk 23 Garciaz and Pico Venero
Walk 24 Cabanas de Castillo to Navezuelas
Walk 25 Navezuelas to Guadalupe
Sierra de la Pela
Walk 26 Orellana de la Sierra
THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS
Sierra de Penas Blancas and Sierra de Juan Bueno
Walk 27 La Zarza
Sierra Grande de Hornachos
Walk 28 Hornachos
Sierra Morena
Walk 29 Cabeza la Vaca and the Sierra de Buitrera
Walk 30 Monasterio de Tentudia and Pico Tentudia
Walk 31 Forest circuit in the Sierra Tudia y Sus Faldas
Walk 32 Alto de Aguafria and the Sierra de Aguafria
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Link route summary table
Appendix C Additional waymarked routes in the area
Appendix D Useful contacts
Appendix E Glossary
Author Description
Gisela Radant Wood is a walker, writer, photographer, avid reader and passionate about Extremadura. She has lived in the Sierra de Montanchez for the past 10 years, walking there on a regular basis. Home is a finca outside the village of Almoharin with a husband, a dog, seven sheep, occasional lambs, four hens and 150 olive trees. Ten years ago Gisela set up the website www.walkingextremadura.com and is actively involved in promoting the area as a walking paradise. This is her second book about walking in Extremadura. To her astonishment she has gained the reputation for knowing more about the best places to walk than the locals. Gisela loves the social side to walking with friends in the Almoharin walking group, but, really, prefers the quiet of walking alone in the countryside she loves.