Secrets of the Sierra (day by day)

Arrive in Hoyos del Espino

We meet you in Madrid and take you to El Milano Real, your base for the next four nights, nestling in the northern foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. Here, Teresa greets you with champagne and chats through the week’s walks.

La Gargantilla and the Seven Springs 14km/8mi/4hr

Ascending gently past wild strawberries and pink crocus, you reach the Gargantilla gorge with incredible views to the mighty Almanzor (2592m) – the Gredos’ highest peak. Ibex goats cluster in the verdant pastures peppered with springs and fountains. Returning to the village, yellow finches flit overhead – time for a drink in one of the friendly local bars before a gourmet dinner in the spectacular dining room.

Rivers and Villages Walk 17km/10m/6hr

Today you follow the GR10 as it meanders above the limpid River Tormes until you reach the evocative 13C Roman bridge at Pozo de las Paredes. An idyllic picnic spot - perhaps dip you feet into the soothing water, as buzzards, bee-eaters and blue bunting soar overhead?

Forty Pines Walk 10km/6mi/3.5hr

Striking out north from the hotel today, first visit Hoyos’s lonely stone chapel before following a spectacular path with views of the whole Gredos range dominating the horizon. Red kites swirl above meadows carpeted with yellow narcissus as you reach the ancient forest of the forty pines. Alternatively, Salamanca, arguably Spain’s most graceful city with its dual Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals, is just 90 minutes away.

Hoyos del Espino to San Esteban 17km/10mi/6hr

A breathtaking track leads alongside babbling streams and fragrant pines with the mighty El Torazo mountain (2026m) framing the panorama. From Puerto el Pico you follow an ancient stone Roman road, which links the two halves of the Gredos; you can almost feel the warmth of the sun increasing with each step as you leave Alpine vistas behind. You follow a Mediterranean scented path, brimming with figs, olives and chirruping yellow finches to reach San Esteban del Valle and the Posada de Esquiladores, home for the next three nights.

Villages of the South 12km/7mi/4hr

Today’s relaxed walk first follows a wonderful path flanked by olives, almond and hazelnut groves before reaching tiny Santa Cruz, dominated by its traditional bullring. Then onto Mombeltran along the ancient track linking the two hamlets. A crumbling 15C castle of the Dukes of Alberquerque evocatively overlooks the magnificent square, where locals gather to while away the hours. Back to San Esteban through orchards and streams, perfect for a paddle.

Tiétar Valley Vistas 17km/10mi/6hr

A truly spectacular walk today, you climb gently through chestnut, walnut and pine forest to reach the breathtaking mirador viewpoint, where balcony views spread for 50km across the patchwork valley. After a panoramic picnic, cuckoo song accompanies your descent with the Gredos peaks and five villages forming a beautiful backdrop. Time for a well deserved glass of cava before dinner.

Leave San Esteban del Valle

A private taxi takes you to Madrid airport after a final gourmet breakfast. How about spending a few extra nights exploring Spain’s vibrant capital – our hotel is right in the centre!