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Gredos - two centre Trek |
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Two centre
Trek in the Gredos mountains |
This a two
centre holiday where you walk from one hotel to the other on transfer
day.
The Area
The Gredos mountains
are a spectacular range with wild scenery and abundant wild life with
the highest peak at 2592 metres. We have put together a two centre
holiday where you experience the contrasts of the two sides of the
Gredos. The north side is the more rugged and remote of the two, the
area being criss-crossed by fast flowing mountain streams which also
flow through the small villages inhabited mostly by farmers. Cross the
ridge to the south and the scenery is softer with larger villages set
amongst orchards and vineyards still with the backing of the impressive
ridge of the Gredos.
The walking,
scenery and wildlife are more than enough reason to visit this beautiful
area. However, combined with two delightful hotels they make the whole
proposition irresistible. The hotels are both family run havens with
food of the highest quality and rooms of excellent individual décor and
finish. You have 4 nights in the Milano and 3 nights in the
Esquiladores.
 This
is one of the truly special places in Spain which few visitors ever have
the privilege of knowing - with a magnificent natural environment and
everyday sights of goatherds and their flocks wandering the
mountainsides, farmers harvesting by hand and carrying their produce in
panniers on donkeys' backs, all reflecting a culture still rooted in an
age long past. Most of the area falls within the Gredos Regional Park
covering some 213,098 acres - a natural paradise. Majestic, horned,
mountain goats abound and tawny vultures, golden eagles, brightly
coloured woodpeckers and red kites are to be spotted in this bird
watchers paradise.
The Walking
The walking is of an
easy to moderate nature with a few challenges for the more adventurous.
Many walks are available from the hotels, whilst some are just a short
drive away. If you do not have your own car, the hotel will gladly
arrange transport for you, payable locally.Your first few days are spent
on the northern side of the Gredos where
 you
will walk through a wild, open, sparsely populated expanse with sweeping
views that will have you staring for ever! You will come across fresh
mountain streams possibly still fed by the melting snows on the higher
peaks and follow them down through flower filled valleys. You then walk
to your second hotel (5 hours) on the other side of the Gredos range,
your baggage being transferred for you. You limb up to and then along a
mountain ridge and descend an ancient Roman road; the only one we know
of with hairpin bends as it winds down the mountain side to your second
hotel! Here there are fragrant lemon trees, olive groves and vineyards
reflecting the warmer south facing slopes. The contrast is most
definite! Visit some of the villages of this lovely valley along mule
tracks, bridle paths and sections of an ancient Roman road. Yet you can
still walk into the high mountains where the scenery is more jagged with
spectacular waterfalls.
Self Guided
We provide detailed
walking notes showing paths and tracks. Walk at you own pace and
linger at whichever of the many viewpoints you wish.
The hotels and food
Hotel Milano Real
(4 nights)
This hotel is akin to
a UK country house hotel but firmly rooted in Spain. Theresa and Paco
the owners and hosts left the bustle of high flying careers in Madrid to
create a haven of
 tranquility
in stunning surroundings. Each of the 21 rooms, individually themed,
provide a comfortable ambience in every room. The fabrics, polished
wooden floors and antique prints mix harmoniously with the serene views.
All bathrooms (except one) have baths the superior rooms and suites have
balconies and jacuzzi bathtubs. Each is equipped with a TV, DVD and
minibar. The restaurant has fine views over the Gredos mountains to
complement your table- served four course dinner and hot breakfast. Paco
is head chef and uses the best of local seasonal ingredients to create a
truly gastronomic experience.
Hotel Esquiladores (3 nights)
A large 19th century
house located in the central plaza of San Esteban del Valle is now the
carefully restored hotel Esquiladores. Owned by Alumudena Garcia-Drake
and husband Miguel they have retained many features reflecting its
history as a ‘Colonial’ store and wine cellar - now a small museum. All
rooms are original in design with exposed original beams and rich,
polished furniture. Most rooms have baths (some are Jacuzzis) and air
conditioning. All have mini-bar, TV and tea making facilities. Dinner is
served in the original ‘store’ and is a real pleasure as Senora
Garcia-Drake produces a gourmets’ delight each evening from the abundant
produce available locally.
Baggage transfer
Your bag will be
transferred to your second hotel on the transfer day so that you can enjoy the walking
with just a day pack.
How to get there
Madrid, the nearest
gateway, can be reached from most major UK cities by scheduled or no
frills airlines. Valladolid with a single service from London is also
within easy access. The drive time to your first base and from return
from the last hotel is 2 1/2 hours to Madrid and 3 hours to Valladolid.
We include a weeks group A car hire in the price or we can arrange a
transfer for a small supplement.
When to go
Spring and Autumn are
the best time to visit this area, avoiding the winter snow and the high
summer heat.
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