Walking in the Sierra de Gredos

Just west of Madrid, the Sierra de Gredos is Spain's secret heartland; a vibrantly contrasting montage of mountainous peaks, thundering waterfalls, verdant plains, fragrant fruit orchards and glacial lagoons.

This region offers a wealth of varied walking routes from your base in the northern half of the Sierra in the tiny village of Hoyos del Espino, nestled on the edge of the Gredos Regional Park and against a breathtaking backdrop of jagged granite peaks. Choose from gentle meadow strolls through the flower-filled river valleys, or comfortable higher level hikes (the park is at 1800m), where you're likely to meet wild goats and spot huge griffon vultures soaring overhead. In order for you to really get to know the entire region, we have included detailed route notes for optional day walks in the southern half of the Sierra; a contrasting cluster of tiny Mediterranean-like villages tucked away among terraces of olives, figs and vines. The beautiful historic cities of Avila, Toledo and Salamanca are also easy day trips.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccination

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

The cuisine of Gredos is simple but tasty. Local specialities include roast lamb (cordero asado), haricot beans cooked with chorizo sausage (judías del barco) and cochifrito, which is a pork stew with aromatic herbs. On this holiday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a combination of traditional local and Spanish dishes and more elaborate international creations. Fresh seasonal produce is the prime ingredient so menus change depending on what is in season and available locally.

Spain is renowned for the quality of its wine and this includes those from the Castilla-Léon region, although not much of it comes from the area surrounding the Sierra de Gredos. Castilla-Léon is predominantly known for its red wine, which includes D.O. Ribera del Duero produced using the tempranillo grape. The flavours range from fruity young reds to fuller-bodied aged wine. Another robust local wine is the D.O. Toro (meaning ‘bull’). White wine produced in the area includes D.O. Rueda, cultivated in the Valladolid province based on the local grape, Verdejo. Rueda is the main white that you will find in the Madrid area and prices are reasonable. You will find an extensive wine list at the hotel offering a wide selection of local, regional and international wines. We have included wine on your first evening to introduce you to those available.

Weather

In April and October expect temperatures in the 40-60°F/5-15°C with high chance of rain showers though it could also be simply partly cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May, June and September tend to be about 10°F/5°C warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm (60-80°F/15-25°C). Occasionally in summer there can be very hot days so it is always important to make sure you have enough water.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance on move on days: 12.6km (8 miles). Please note that these are the average distances for the shorter walks , however on three of the days there is the option to extend the walk.
No. of days Walking: 5
Terrain: The walks are on varied terrain (Variable; rocky, stony paths and walks through forest on tracks). Walking boots are essential, and walking poles are reccommended as there are several long descents. The itinerary page describes just a selection of the many excellent walks possible in this area. Some of the higher walks may not be possible in early season due to snow.

This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. 

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it in an emergency. Car Hire is essential (included when booking a flight-inclusive package).