SEGOVIA: CYCLE THE SPANISH HEARTLAND

Starting from the small alpine village of Guadarrama we follow a southern arm of the famous Camino de Santiago, crossing the Guadarrama mountains, through pine forests and shrub-filled pastures, as far as the stunning city of Segovia. The Sierra de Guadarrama is a rugged mountain range stretching 80km from the province of Madrid to Segovia and Avila, with its highest peak being Peñalara (2,430m). Segovia is most famous for its impressive Roman aqueduct which transported water into the city, whilst beautiful Moorish, Christian and Jewish buildings date back to the Middle Ages. The route follows ancient grazing routes and pastureland used by shepherds for more than 800 years, and passes through the enchanting mediaeval villages of Pedraza and Sepulveda. For 5000 years people have taken refuge in Sepulveda and their influence can be seen in the landscape, traditions and buildings of this impressive area. The final day's ride takes us deep into the Duraton Canyon, a protected nature reserve famous for its birdlife, providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and wildife.

Episodes Newsletter - Andrew Buswell, Exodus' Spain Product Manager, writes about Cycling the Spanish Heartland (September 2009).