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Montes Universales The 'Universal Mountains' are the heart of Spain, the watershed from which spring rivers that flow to the seas that surround the peninsula. Of all Spanish regions this remote corner of Castile symbolizes the links of the ruling central cities with the outside world. From here the Júcar meanders south and east to the Mediterranean, whilst just a few miles away the Tagus begins its long journey west to Toledo and Lisbon and the open ocean. This wild and beautiful region is as isolated as any in Europe, a vast spread of mountains that envelopes whole provinces, cut deeply by the rivers it spawns. Great pine forests and open grassy meadows, filled with wildlife, are punctuated by deep crumbling gorges with chaotic falls of rock. The wilderness seems endless, the little mountain villages come as a surprise amongst all this crude nature; yet Man has lived here for many millenia in rock shelters, stone villages and ancient towns. Albarracín is as near to a Moorish town as Spain can boast; Cuenca remains one of the undiscovered jewels of Castile. ITINERARY Day 1. Arrive at Madrid airport and travel by minibus to the beautiful moorish town of Albarracín, once capital of an independent state. Overnight Albarracín.
Day 2. A gentle full day’s walk leads from Albarracín through typically mediterranean country to the isolated farmhouse outside the village of Tramacastilla which is our base for the next three nights. Morning 3hrs, afternoon 2.5hrs.
Day 3. We turn South to cross the Sierra before lunching at the entrance to a dramatic gorge. After lunch there is a chance to continue high above this exciting scenery of crumbling rock and isolated farms. Total time 5.5hrs. Overnight Tramacastilla.
Day 4. We head west through a deep and wild gorge before lunching alongside the stream bed. In the afternoon we cross another ridge of land before arriving at the tiny village of Guadalaviar. Return to Tramacastilla by road. Morning 3.5hrs afternoon 2.5hrs.
Day 5. Starting from the end of the previous day's walk our route leads west again and climbs over the Montes Universales, the source of many Spanish rivers, before descending along a dramatic cliff edge to the mountain village of Tragacete. Morning 3.5hrs afternoon 3hrs.
Day 6. The path passes through some high wild mountain scenery as it winds south over the Peña Halcón. After lunch we continue past isolated farms to the village of Uña. Morning 4hrs afternoon 3hrs. Return to Tragacete by road.
Day 7. A long final morning walk takes us to the lovely village of Valdecabras across the bare scenery of weird rock formations. Morning 3.5hrs. After lunch we drive on to the city of Cuenca with free time to explore the cathedral, the extraordinary hanging houses and the world famous museum of contemporary art. We spend the night at the wonderful Posada de San Jose in Cuenca, overlooking the Huécar gorge in one of the famous hanging houses.
Day 8. Return to Madrid airport. The altitude varies from about 3500ft in the villages to the higher passes at about 6000ft. Climbs and descents are normally straightforward and although some days are quite long (up to 18 miles) the route in general is not as strenuous as some other high mountain walks. Albarracín - 3 star hotel. Tramacastilla - delightful 2 star hotel. Tragacete - 1 star hotel. Cuenca - the lovely Posada de San Jose. Maximum number of walkers 15.
There is excellent accommodation and cuisine along the way with good mountain cooking in the traditional style predominating.
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