Cicerone Guides: Walking the Sierras of Extremadura 32 Half and Full Day Walks in Western Spain's Hills

About this book

Cicerone Guides: Walking the Sierras of Extremadura showcases 32 walks exploring the sierras of Cáceres and Badajoz, one of Spain's least known regions and a gem for walkers and nature lovers. Walks range in length from 6 to 20km are suitable for any reasonably fit walker. They can be done from a number of bases in the area including San Martín de Trevejo, Gata, Hervás, Jerte, Jarandilla de la Vera, Montánchez, Guadalupe, Almoharín, Mérida, Alange, Hornachos and Monesterio.

Each walk is accompanied by a sketch map and detailed route description, as well as notes on the terrain, refreshments available and access. Background information about the area and the many interesting sites passed along the route combine to give an invaluable guide to an unspoilt and peaceful region.

Extremadura is one of the most untouched regions of Spain, a delightful mix of rugged mountain ranges, gently rolling hills, deciduous forests, deep river valleys, olive groves and shady pastures, all criss-crossed by thousands of paths. Superb birdlife and a variety of heritage sites, from cave paintings to monasteries, add to this region's charms.

Contents

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 Martín de Trevejo and the Sierra de Eljas
Walk 2 Pico Jálama
Walk 3 Puerto de Castilla and Pico Jañona
Walk 4 Castillo de Almenara and the Sierra de las Jañonas
Walk 5 Robledillo de Gata and Ovejuela
Sierra de Béjar
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 Sacristán
Walk 11 Jerte to Puente Nuevo in the Sierra de Tormantos
Walk 12 Puente los Papúos in the Montes de Tras la Sierra
Walk 13 The Jaranda valley
Walk 14 Guijo de Santa Bárbara and El Trabuquete

The Central Sierras: The Montes de Toledo
Sierra de Montánchez
Walk 15 Arroyomolinos
Walk 16 Torre de Santa María to Montánchez
Walk 17 Torre de Santa María and the mills
Walk 18 The oak woods of Zarza de Montánchez
Walk 19 Almoharín 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 Cabañas de Castillo to Navezuelas
Walk 25 Navezuelas to Guadalupe
Sierra de la Pela
Walk 26 Orellana de la Sierra

The Southern Sierras
Sierra de Peñas 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 Tentudía and Pico Tentudía
Walk 31 Forest circuit in the Sierra Tudía y Sus Faldas
Walk 32 Alto de Aguafría and the Sierra de Aguafría

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

Customer Reviews

Biography

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 a website 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.