The Mountains of Central Spain

SPRING AND AUTUMN ITINERARY Day 1. Outbound - Avila

Fly to Madrid and transfer to Avila, gateway to the Gredos. Explore its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, walk atop its perfectly preserved 12th century walls and rest in a shady courtyard cafe - a fascinating introduction to central Castile in an atmosphere of mediaeval spirituality.

Days 2 and 3. Northern Gredos - Tormes Valley and Alpine Zone

Transfer to Hoyos del Espino, then walk beside the Tormes River to the spectacular "Walled Pool" and Roman bridge. Next day, hike to Candeleda Pass (2017 metres) and the ruins of a royal hunting refuge. You will find superb views into the provinces of Toledo and Caceres at this spot where ibex and vultures are frequently observed.

Days 4 and 5. Traverse to Southern Gredos - Cinco Villas Valley

A centuries-old Royal Livestock Trail leads to the pass at 'Puerto del Pico', then down a Roman road into the scenic 'Valley of the Five Villas', where ancient local paths - through chestnut and pine forests, and terraced fruit orchards - take you to your lodgings in pretty San Esteban del Valle. The next day you follow a circular route to visit other villages of this fertile valley

Days 6 and 7. Traverse to Arenas de San Pedro and the Arenal Valley

Climb among fig and cherry orchards, cross a forested ridge, then descend to the Monastery of San Pedro de Alcantara, on the outskirts of Arenas de San Pedro. Next day, follow an old ridge-top track to El Arenal, the highest village in southern Gredos, sitting in a sea of white blossoms in Spring.

Day 8. Homeward

Transfer back to Madrid to connect with your flight home.

SUMMER ITINERARY Days 1, 2, 3 and 8

Same as Spring & Autumn Itinerary, see above.

Days 4 to 6. The Gredos Cirque

An easy ascent through alpine meadows, broom and granite slabs brings you to the summit of Morezon (2340 metres) for unparalleled views of the glacial lake and jagged panorama of the Gredos Cirque, an immense arete-ringed granite amphitheatre dominated by Almanzor. Then it's a simple scramble down to Elola Hut, beautifully situated next to the lake. The following day you walk to the Portilla del Rey, overlooking the upper tarns of the Cinco Lagunas Cirque. The vertically inclined might opt to ascend Almanzor instead. After a second night at the hut, you descend to the rarely-visited Gredos Gorge, through wild terrain with numerous pools and waterfalls.

Day 7. Ridgewalk to La Mira or Tormes Valley Walk

On your final day, you may walk along the main ridge to the summit of La Mira (2341 metres) for unmatched 360 degree views into four Spanish provinces. A gentler alternative follows the meandering Tormes River to lovely slick rock pools.

Mountains of Central Spain Long Weekend

This self-guided short break explores one of Iberia's secret jewels, Castile's Sierra de Gredos - the wildest mountains in Central Spain, with numerous glacially-sclupted peaks including Almanzor (2592m), one of Spain's most prestigious ascents. This is truly great walking terrain, in a magnificent environment that few non-Spaniards have yet experienced, where ibex, multicoloured lizards and soaring birds of prey jostle for the walker's attention with spectacular views, myriad lichens, wildflowers and butterflies. An added bonus for those used to crowded paths in the UK or even in the Alps, is that you will likely find yourself alone on most of the best walks.

This late spring to early autumn itinerary is based at a comfortable family run hotel in the typical mountain village of Hoyos del Espino. There is also the option of staying in upgraded 'In Style' accommodation using the 5* parador in the nearby village of Navarredonda. A guided alternative is possible.

Price: From £495 (land only)

Click here for Weekend Dossier.