Hiking and living history of the Sierra Norte

Madrid not only has urban green areas such as the Retiro Park, in just over an hour you will be enjoying nature in the Sierra.

The day begins with a leisurely hike from the Madrid village of Robregordo. To start the Ruta del Acebo you can park your car near the Área Recreativa El Plantío, next to the Madarquillos River. Follow the signs indicating "Dehesa de Robregordo".

This route is of low difficulty (140 meters difference in altitude), circular and you will walk a distance of less than 6 kilometers. The route will take you approximately an hour and a half.
Consult this map to avoid getting lost as some of the signs may not be visible.
Enjoy a unique and valuable ecosystem as well as the splendid panoramic views of the mountains of Madrid. When you see a mini dark green forest you have reached your destination.
Enter the best preserved holly tree in the Community of Madrid and marvel at the contrast between the intense red of the berries (in autumn) and the green of its leaves. In the surroundings there are also other species such as melojos, lime trees, cherry trees and birch trees.

Return to the El Plantío Recreational Area where the car is parked to restart the route to the next destination.

To visit the Montejo Beech Forest, one of the attractions of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve, you must purchase a ticket in advance at this website. It is essential to be able to access the beech forest. In this area you will also see beautiful century-old oak trees.
Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve Information Center Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve Information Center. Telephone: 91 869 70 58 Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This beech forest is a World Heritage Site since 2017. For hiking amateurs, families with children or older people it is advisable to follow the Senda del Río, of less difficulty, which runs parallel to the well-known Jarama. As there are shaded areas -also in summer- it is not superfluous to bring something warm if you are cold.
Elevation gain: 115 meters. Distance: 1.450 meters. Length: 3.200 meters.
During the walk it is totally forbidden to eat, smoke or bring pets.

After two hikes in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, our appetite takes us directly to this restaurant with incredible views of the Atazar reservoir. The wine list is very extensive and they offer the customer a wide variety of menu options.
To wake up your stomach, some recommendations from their menu: lobster croquettes with spinach, Iberian sirloin with Pedro Ximenez reduction or scrambled eggs with black pudding, piquillo peppers and pine nuts.
Timetable 13:00 to 16:30 and 19:00 to 22:00 Tuesday closed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday only lunch shift
Book a table at their website

The sites of Calvero de la Higuera, in Pinilla del Valle, were discovered in 1979. Of great paleontological interest, the remains found in the excavations are between 300,000 and 40,000 years old. You will learn how our first ancestors lived in these lands of the Upper Valley of the Lozoya River.
A worldwide landmark of this ancient place: the first two molars of Homo neanderthalensis were found here.
Guided tours schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00 hours.
Reservation of tickets for groups and individuals at their official website

This fabulous monastery treasures six centuries of history, art and spirituality. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1876 and, to this day, it is inhabited by a community of Benedictine monks.
Located in the heart of the National Park of the Sierra de Guadarrama, this monastery is surrounded by charming natural areas for walks such as the trail to the Cascada del Purgatorio or closer as a walk through the Finnish Forest.
Buy your ticket online or by phone (91 869 19 58). If you arrive by car, remember to include the license plate number in the reservation. Next to the monastery, on days when it is not too crowded, there is also usually space for parking.
Opening hours Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Mornings: 11:00-14:00h Afternoons: 16:00-19:00h
Visiting hours may change according to the season. Check the updated information at their official website

Opposite the Monastery of Santa María de El Paular you will see a stately 18th century stone bridge over the river Lozoya. Previously there was another one in medieval times from the 13th century.
This bridge connected the monastery with the mill of Los Batanes, now in ruins. Here the monks made paper - an important source of income - on which the first part of "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de La Mancha", by the internationally acclaimed Miguel de Cervantes, was printed in 1605.
Cross it on foot and let your imagination run wild to recreate what it was like in times gone by.

Travel to Finland without leaving Rascafría. The picturesque forest El Potario, which is popularly known as Finnish Forest, is so named because of its resemblance to the forests of Finland.
Walk a few minutes until you come across a small wooden cabin with red windows and a small pier on the banks of one of the dams of the Lozoya River. In the past it was a sauna that is no longer in operation. If you do not visit it in winter, imagine the snowy stamp and, even if you do not know Finland, you can get an idea of how the landscapes of this Nordic country are.
Walk back to the Monastery of El Paular to get in the car for the last time and finish the day in the village of Rascafría.

After this day full of nature and history, you deserve a rest in a rustic and cozy hotel. Here everything has history. "El Rincón de Rascafría" was built with the beams of an 18th century Brittany convent.
Before dinner, you can go for a walk through the center of Rascafría, have a wine/beer and remember everything you have experienced in this intense day of road trip.