Walking The Spanish Heartland

Day 1
Fly to Madrid and transfer to Covarrubias (approx. 2½ hours).

Day 2
We set out from Covarrubias and walk by the Arlanza river to the village of Puentedura for elevenses and then into a gorge to the village of Ura. After lunch we climb out of the gorge and make our way to a hermitage, Ermita de Redonda, and then back to Covarrubias

Day 3
We climb out of Covarrubias to another hermitage, Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Mamblas, for elevenses, followed by lunch on the ridge looking north. After lunch we complete the circuit of Muela and return to Covarrubias down a wooded valley

Day 4
We take hired transport along the Arlanza river and then climb gently onto the plateau for elevenses at the Tenadas de Valcarcel with a second break at Tenadas del Campo and lunch on the top of the ridge facing the spectacular mountain of San Carlos. We descend to Silos with time to visit the Cloister museum (optional) before being collected by our private transport for the return journey to Covarrubias, taking in a short visit to La Yecla gorge on the way back.

Day 5
A suggested day is to take the 09:00 public bus to the cathedral city Burgos and its many sights. Return on 13:00 bus to Covarrubias for tapas lunch at our hotel. The choice of a siesta or short afternoon walk before taking a tour of the town, provided by the tourist office, including a visit to the church museum.

Day 6
We leave Covarrubias by the Arlanza river and climb through vineyards on the way to the first village of Retuerta. We then climb over the ridge and descend to the second village of Castroceniza. Lunch will be taken in this beautiful valley on the way to the third village of Ura. Another climb out of the valley takes us through forest and farmland to a highpoint overlooking Covarrubias, before descending back to the hotel. An optional evening visit to Silos for vespers is possible before dinner.

Day 7
Another steady climb out of Covarrubias brings us through the dense forest to a limestone edge. After lunch we continue along the edge with wonderful views to the Sierra de la Demanda, before descending back to Covarrubias. An optional visit to a bodega (winery) is possible before dinner.

Day 8
To Madrid; fly to London.