General
The only road into the central Sierra de Gredos leaves the main road at Hoyos del Espino so the house is ideally situated to allow access to the "Plataforma de Gredos" which is the road head from which one can access the main peaks. The highest mountain in the Sierra de Gredos is Almanzor with a height of 2592 meters. There are a number of other peaks between 2000m and 2500m interspersed with river valleys and lakes.
The Sierra de Gredos, "one of Spain's most overlooked mountain ranges" (Trail Magazine, June 2004), boasts a wide range of fauna and flora with some species being unique to the area. In Autumn, the southern slopes abound with a wide range of mushrooms and fungi.
The Gredos, which form part of Spain's Sistema Central, are approximately 140 Kms in length running from Cerro de Guisando in the east to the Sierra de Bejar in the west.
Avila (63km), Segovia (126km), Toledo (148km), Monfragüe (122km) and the Jerte Valley (60km) are all within reach by car, as are a vast number of other tourist destinations.
We have provided some links to relevant Spanish web sites and we are currently working on providing more information in English. If you have problems regarding the information available in any of these sites please feel free to contact us. We have provided a glossary of common terms used in Spanish maps and guides as well as a bibliography and map list.
Many of the activities listed below can be organized and arranged via locally based Turactiv. They have some English speaking staff but if required we can help with the language. You can also ask us for suggestions and information regarding the many activities available locally. We are also willing to make bookings on your behalf at the Refugío Elola which is an ideal place to sleep if you fancy doing a longer walk or an ascent of Almanzor.
Walking and Trekking
The Sierra de Gredos, described in Trail magazine, June 2004, as ..... "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 and scrambles 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. For those who wish we can provide detailed route descriptions and maps as well as suggested itineraries. The GR10 walking route (from Valencia to Lisbon) passes through Hoyos del Espino.
For full details of what we offer walkers and trekkers click here.
Birdwatching.
The Sierra de Gredos has a wealth of bird life, especially birds of prey. One can easily spot Red Kites, Eagles and Vultures. This is a list of the most common birds that can be spotted in Gredos.
The Monfragüe National Park, which boasts a very large colony of vultures, is within driving distance as are other bird watching locations such as Extremadura, La Vera, Candeleda and the Tietar Valley.
Claire Graham, English speaking birdwatching guide, based in the Sierra de Gredos offers guided trips, with loan of binoculars, in Gredos, the northern Meseta of Castilla y Leon, Monfragüe and Extremadura. She is happy to provide specific day trips with people staying at Casa Tio Juan. She can be contacted via vivagredos or visit her site gredosvivo.
Guided bird watching trips are also availabe with locally based Turactiv.
For a complete list of Spanish birds visit the SEO website (Sociedad Española de Ornitología).
Nature.
The Sierra de Gredos Regional Park is home to an amazing variety of animal, bird and plant life. Take a look here for some inspiring photos taken by Jo Pinate - one of the visitors to our house. A locally based English speaking guide offers guided nature walks and can be contacted via vivagredos. He has expertise in botany, micology and zoology but also provides information on the local geography and geology.
Guided walks to spot the wild mountain goats or to identify and collect fruits and mushrooms are also provided by Turactiv. For courses and other events associated with micology see Amagredos.
Cycling
For road cyclists who like climbing, Hoyos del Espino is ideal. The Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) has passed through the village a number of times - and often passes close by - and there are some famous climbs - eg. Puerto de Serranillos, Puerto del Pico and Puerto de Mijares, Peña Negra within a days ride. There is plenty of space in the corral at the rear of the house for secure storage of bikes. Track pump and work stand available.
For more detailed information visit our cycling page.
For those who want to cycle to the house from either Madrid or Valladolid we can help with baggage transfer.
The 2007 Vuelta route has now been published. Stage 18 on september 20th climbs Puerto de Mijares. To see the official Vuelta site click here.
Mountain Biking.
Mountain biking is very popular in Spain and there is no shortage of tracks to suit all abilities. There are a couple of places nearby offering mountain bike hire. Turactiv - based in neighbouring Barajas - will organize guided mountain biking for groups (bikes included).
Climbing.
We are not climbers ourselves but there are countless climbs in the area. From the guide books that we have seen there are climbs in the IV+, V, V+, VI- categories some of which are on walls of up to 500 metres. There is a specialist climbing shop in the village with an English speaking owner (see Walking and Trekking above). Turactiv organize guided climbs on rock and on an artificial wall.
For details of some of the climbs on El Torozo (20 minute drive from Hoyos del Espino) look at the following links:
Ice Climbing.
As above, we have no personal knowledge but ice climbing in the Circo de Gredos is very popular in Winter.
Horse Riding.
There are a number of local businesses offering horse riding - group rides of half or whole day duration. These rides take one through fantastic scenery, crossing rivers, passing through woods and over rough mountain country.
The following is a list of local horse riding:
Hoyos del Espino
Rafa 0034 920 349085 0034 615 946026 www.gredoscaballo.com
Navacepeda de Tormes
www.lapasailla.com/caballos.html
Barajas
Navarredonda
Gredos a Caballo, Jesús Manuel 0034 920 348013
Guías de Gredos www.es-gredos.com 0034 920 348045
Paragliding.
There a two or three places in the Sierra de Gredos which are popular for paragliding and hang gliding. Coaching (not for beginners) and tandem flights are available in Piedrahita with English speaking coaches. Take a look at this link.
Swimming.
In the countryside surrounding Hoyos del Espino there are numerous rivers to swim in and picnic by. There are plenty of shallow pools ideal for children to paddle and play in. To get an idea of some of what is on offer take a look at the swimming page.
Sightseeing.
Four World Heritage Sites - Avila (63km), Salamanca (117km), Segovia (126km) and Toledo (148km) - are all within reach by car, as are a vast number of other tourist destinations, such as Monfragüe (122km), the Jerte Valley (60km), Candeleda, Plasencia, Trujillo (the city of the Conquistadores) and many others.
Skiing.
There is a ski station in the Sierra de Bejar (54Km) with 2 green and 4 blue runs. There are also a number of "extreme" descents in and around the Circo de Gredos. Cross country skiing, mountain skiing and snow shoeing are all available for groups with Turactiv.