What to see

This structure is one of the most remarkable Neolithic remains on the central plateau. It consists of a polygonal funerary chamber, delimited by large granite slabs that formed the walls of the tomb

Extensive livestock farming, especially cattle, has shaped the landscape for centuries with low-impact systems that use natural resources sustainably

In this area near the river, green, fresh, and sometimes flooded environments thrive, offering a perfect habitat for birds in search of food

We begin the route on the outskirts of Aldeagordillo, a small rural settlement that still preserves its traditional essence, representative of Ávila’s rural heritage

Ávila Cathedral stands as both church and fortress and its apse, known locally as the cimorro and set in the walls, is the most imposing turret of the east wall

This ash grove has a low density of trees, allowing the presence of various species on the edges and clearings of the stand such as hawthorns, blackthorns or brambles.

At this starting point, the Mediterranean woodland takes center stage, with the holm oak as the main actor, but with an important presence of aromatic undergrowth species

As we gain altitude, the landscape begins to transform, and one of the most emblematic plant formations of the Central System appears: the piornal

At the end of the route, a stand of stone pines stands out, once exploited and now partly deteriorated, hosting various bird species, especially nests of booted eagles.

In this final stretch, the holm oak forest regains prominence, with large specimens that have stood for centuries. Some serve as vantage points for birds to watch over their hunting grounds or build their nests.

Besides the archaeological evidence that suggests an original wall from the late-antiquity period (fifth century), set around a small area, the walls date from the Middle Ages

The Adaja River is the backbone of this space, and around it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems found in the city and its surroundings thrives.

We are now in the surroundings of the Caserío de las Encinas, a group of rural buildings that reflects the traditional way of life linked to agriculture and livestock

In this section, we cross a denser and better-preserved holm oak forest, a true refuge of biodiversity and a living example of the Mediterranean ecosystem in its most mature state

At the end of the route, a berrocal stands out: a set of large rounded rocks shaped by erosion. A singular landscape, unchanged for centuries, ideal for observation and imagination.

The church was built on the house in which Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada was born and is part of the Carmelite convent

This area stands out as the only one with accumulated water along almost the entire route, making it a key refuge for wildlife, especially in summer.

At this point, we leave the path slightly to reach a natural balcony that allows us to contemplate the dehesas of Gansino and Aldeagordillo and the rest of the valley

We come across a series of constructions intended to serve the agricultural and livestock uses that have developed in this area for decades.

The Dominican Monastery of Santo Tomás was built under the patronage of Hernando Núñez de Arnalt

We are surrounded by rocky outcrops shaped by the action of wind, rain, ice, and temperature changes over millennia, creating peculiar structures that stand out in the landscape.

We are at one of Ávila’s spiritual, cultural, and scenic landmarks, with great devotional value and privileged views of the rural landscape and the walled city rising on the horizon

The old railway halt, a vestige of a network once key for transporting goods and people, reminds us of the importance of the railway in rural areas

As we advance, we find a construction of possibly medieval origin, built upon a traditional ford already used since earlier times.

Although they may appear poor spaces, dry-farming fields and pastures host valuable steppe fauna. With respectful agricultural practices, they harbor species that are discreetly adapted but with striking songs

These granite formations, increasingly present since the beginning of the route, are called berrocales and are an example of granite relief shaped by long-term geological processes

We begin this route near Urraca Miguel, a small village located at the foot of the first slopes of the Sierra de Ojos Albos

We are in an environment of great ecological value: an important colony of storks and grey herons, which have found refuge in this stone pine grove and which currently holds the maximum possible number of nests.

This environment is made up of traditional crops such as barley and wheat, alternated with grazing lands, along with fallow or uncultivated fields, which are very interesting for the biological communities they host.

The Adaja River is the backbone of this space, and around it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems found in the city and its surroundings thrives.

These stands of Scots pine, the result of reforestations in the 1980s, lack forest management but add uniqueness to the landscape and host diverse fauna such as raptors, birds, and mammals

El Soto is the great green lung of the city. In this initial area, a great mix of tree species stands out, with the native species that we will find throughout the entire space combining.

This ecosystem arises as a result of the modification of the environment after years of livestock exploitation and is characterized by the interspersed presence of open pasture areas with other plots of old crops.

This rural environment has been shaped over the centuries by human activity, yet it preserves features characteristic of Mediterranean ecosystems.

We are in an area of great natural richness: to the north, holm oak groves with Mediterranean scrub species and mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum; to the south, riparian forest and biodiverse pastures.

This section of the route crosses extensive areas of natural grassland, traditionally used as grazing areas for livestock, mainly cattle and to a lesser extent sheep

This group of buildings located near the Vaquerizos stream forms part of a farming estate, including constructions clearly intended as housing for owners or workers

Outside the walls, the Basilica of San Vicente was built in Caleno granite in a way that was greatly conditioned by the lie of the land and in the place where tradition situates the martyrdom and burial of Vincent, Sabina and Cristeta

The route culminates at Pico Valdihuelo, one of the highest points in the area and a true natural balcony overlooking a vast landscape of valleys, dehesas, villages, and mountains