Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra De Guadarrama

Home , Guadarrama (river), Pyrenees, Sierra de Guadarrama

Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra de Guadarrama

Naturetrek Tour Dossier

Outline itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Madrid; transfer Segovia

Day 2/4 Wildlife excursions from Miraflores de la Sierra

Day 7 Transfer Madrid; sightseeing

Day 8 Fly UK

Sierra de Guadarrama from Puerto de Lozoya

Departs April

Focus Flowers and other natural history

Grading A. Easy day walks only

Dates and Prices See website (tour code ESP36) or brochure Narcissus triandrus subsp. pallidulus Highlights  Look for Narcissus rupicola & N. triandrus subsp. pallidulus  Fascinating mixture of Mediterranean & Pyrenean flora  Look for eagles & vultures in the Parque Natural de las Hoces de Rio Duraton

 Include’s day’s sightseeing in Madrid & visit to the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia  Led by expert botanist guide

Narcissus bulbocodium var. graellsii Canyon de Rio Duraton Images by Derrick Donnison-Morgan

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK

T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Dossier Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra de Guadarrama

NB. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse weather & other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather conditions available.

Introduction

The Guadarrama Mountains extend for 80 kilometres, from south-west to north-east, across the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Rising to north and south above the mesetas (the central plateaux) they bisect, this is a range of mountains where grassy alpine meadows and swathes of natural pine forest cover high peaks, and where crocuses, narcissi and lavenders are among the scented blooms that perfume the spring air. Formed at the end of the Cenozoic era about 65½ million years ago, the granite rock underlying this massif is older than that of many well-known mountain ranges such as the Alps, Andes, Pyrenees and Himalaya. Consequently, many of the highest peaks have undergone significant erosion, resulting in the formation of distinctive, flattened summits known as ‘cuerdas’. Extending to the province of Madrid in the south, the Guadarrama can be very busy during the winter ski season and high summer, earning the range the title of ‘Madrid’s playground’. However, at other times of the year, and during the spring months especially, the mountains are almost deserted, with only the fresh sights and smells of an alpine spring to assail the senses. For the naturalist, and for the botanist in particular, the range’s appeal is largely threefold: its diversity of montane habitats, the relative ease of access to key sites, and the area’s fascinating mixture of Mediterranean and Pyrenean species.

Our tour begins with a short flight to Madrid. From there we drive north for an hour to our comfortable hotel in the beautiful village of Miraflores de la Sierra. According to popular legend, the town was given the name of Miraflores in 1627 by Elisabeth of Bourbon, wife of Philip IV of Spain, who, whilst walking to the monastery of Santa María de El Paular, saw the village surrounded by flowers in full bloom and exclaimed ‘Mira! Flores!’ (‘Look! Flowers!’). The village, where we will be based for six nights, is still surrounded by flowers and so provides the perfect base for this new flora-focused holiday to the region! We will make daily excursions into the surrounding habitats, exploring at a leisurely ‘botanising’ pace the peaks, passes, valleys and forests, as we look for the region’s special plants and animals — the timing of our visit chosen to coincide with the peak flowering period of the many species of early spring flowers that can be found in the area.

The high slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama are used to graze cattle and are characterised by the predominance of alpine grasses. Here we should find species from several genera of bulbous plants, in particular Narcissus, Crocus, Brimeura, Gagea and Romulea. Some of the more interesting species include Narcissus rupicola, Narcissus triandrus (subspecies pallidulus), Crocus carpetanus and Gagea pratensis. Below this level are some of the finest natural Scots Pine forests in Spain, while at middle elevations we will find evergreen oaks, Strawberry Trees and shrubby plants such as junipers, Cistus and lavenders. To the western end of the mountain range the distinctive umbrella-shaped Mediterranean species of Stone Pine predominates. As well as their special flora, these mountains are home to a wide variety of other wildlife. Spanish Ibex roam the steepest of mountain slopes whilst other mammals such as Roe Deer, Iberian Wolf and Wild Boar are present in the forests, together with birds including Citril Finch, Short-toed Treecreeper and Crested Tit. The Sierra’s deep limestone gorges such as those found in the Parque Natural de las Hoces de Rio Duratón, which we will visit, are home to many species of birds of prey and we will keep a look-out above us during our time in the Guadarrama for Spanish Imperial,

Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra de Guadarrama Tour Dossier

Short-toed and Booted Eagles, and for both Griffon and Eurasian Black Vultures. In addition, we should see Red-billed Choughs, Blue Rock Thrushes and Rock Buntings in these mountains.

A stay in this area would be incomplete without visiting two important places of cultural interest: the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, and Madrid, Spain’s attractive and bustling capital city. Constructed in the 1st century AD, the Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the greatest of all Roman remains in Spain and, together with the old town of Segovia, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a week of botanical walks, fresh mountain air and delicious local food, it will be time to leave the Sierra de Guadarrama and drive to Madrid. We will spend a day in this great city, and there will be an opportunity to visit some of the capital’s museums, galleries and other places of interest before we head to the airport for our short flight home.

N.B. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse weather and other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather conditions available.

Day 1

Fly to Madrid We depart London Heathrow this morning on our scheduled flight to Madrid. Upon arrival in the early afternoon we will drive north for about an hour to Miraflores de la Sierra. Formerly known as Porquerizas, Miraflores was established by Segovian farmers in the thirteenth century.

En route north away from Madrid we might see our first raptors in the air as the Sierra de Guadarrama looms into view.

In the afternoon we will check in to our pleasant village hotel, our base for the next 6 nights.

Day 2

Navacerrada via El Boalo, return via Cerceda. Today we will visit the lower, south facing slopes of the Sierra, stopping in suitable areas to discover terrestrial orchid species amongst the Cistus shrub, together with Narcissus bulbocodium var. graellsii and N. rupicola. If we are lucky we may find hybrids between these two plants.

Day 3

Pto. de Canencia to Lozoya del Valle to Rascafria. Return via Pto. de la Morcuera. Travelling north from our base at Miraflores, we will stop at the Puerto de Canencia and again at the Puerto de Morcuera, where we will find the pale yellow form of Narcissus triandrus subsp. pallidulus and more N. rupicola. The hybrid N. x rupidulus could also

Narcissus rupicola

2 © Naturetrek January 2015

Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra de Guadarrama Tour Dossier

be seen. More Narcissus bulbocodium will be seen both var. graellsii and var. nivalis, together with various Gagea species that are difficult to differentiate and identify. Crocus carpetanus and Crocus vernus will be seen in clearings amongst the short alpine turf.

Day 4

Santa Maria de la Alameda Today we travel west towards the Puerto de Guadarrama and the Alto de los Leones, the gateway to Segovia. We can spend many hours in the vicinity of the pass, looking at the myriad of alpine flowers and the marvellous views across the provinces. At Santa Maria we will find the only known site in the Sierra de Guadarrama of Narcissus confusus. This camera-shy flower is extremely rare in the wild, although many now believe that it is a variety or subspecie of the better known N. hispanicus. We will stop at El Escorial and perhaps, if time allows, see something more of the famous Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial . It is a historical residence of the King of Spain, in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school.

Day 5

Pto. de Lozoya & Pto. de Navafria Puertos (passes), are particularly good places to find a variety of alpine plants and the Puertos of Lozoya and Navafria are no exception. Under pines we will find Hepatica nobilis in various shades of white through to deep blue, together with alpine buttercups and more Narcissus species.

Day 6

Parque Natural de las Hoces de Rio Duratón This morning we will visit the Parque Natural de Las Hoces del Rio Duraton (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and perhaps walk some of the 15kms along the riverside track, where we will see many interesting plants such as Muscari neglectum, a small toadflax with its roots buried deep within the surrounding rock face. Many birds especially birds of prey frequent this area, including large numbers of Griffon Vultures. Rock Thrush is also present, and it is a known site for the extremely elusive Dupont’s Lark, although we won’t be specifically looking for it. After a rest and picnic we will continue to Segovia to see another UNESCO World Heritage Site; the famous Aqueduct built during the Roman occupation of 1st and 2nd Centuries AD.

Day 7

Miraflores to Madrid for Cultural enjoyment (Free Day?) Today we take our leave of the Sierra de Guadarrama and head for the bright lights of Madrid.

Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra de Guadarrama Tour Dossier

Our hotel for the night enjoys a prime location in the heart of Madrid’s old quarter, opposite the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera Theatre, situated in the famous and distinguished district of Los Austrias.

Just moments from our hotel, you’ll find Plaza de Oriente square, the Royal Palace, Convento de las Descalzas Reales convent, Convento de la Encarnacion, Plaza Mayor (main square), the Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol and the main shopping areas. It is also at close proximity to the Triangle of Art: The Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums.

The Royal Botanic Garden is also within easy reach, for those who would like to accompany our tour leader here. Otherwise, the time is yours to spend as you see fit. Dinner will be in the hotel restaurant.

Day 8

A further opportunity this morning to continue your exploration of Madrid, before our afternoon flight back to Heathrow.

Trek grading

This tour is graded A, consisting of easy day walks only, and is suitable for those of all ages and degrees of fitness.

Weather

Spanish weather in April is very similar to that experienced in the UK. By late-spring the weather is generally becoming settled and we can expect fairly warm and sunny days. The evenings can be fairly chilly, however, and there is always the chance of some rain.

Food & accommodation included in the price

All food and accommodation are included in the price of this holiday, except lunches on days 7 and 8. Picnics will be taken each day at suitable points en-route. Many of the Puertos (passes) have picnic tables and facilities. Breakfast will be at the hotel and evening meals in Miraflores at any one of the excellent local restaurants.

Mammal, bird & plant lists

Where available these are automatically provided on booking, and will gladly be sent to you before, if you wish for a more detailed preview.

Your safety & security

You have chosen to travel to Spain. Risks to your safety and security are an unavoidable aspect of all travel and the best current advice on such risks is provided for you by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In order to assess and protect against any risks in your chosen destination, it is essential that you refer to the Foreign Office website – www.fco.gov.uk/travel or telephone 0870 6060290 regularly prior to travel.

Spain - Spring Flowers of the Sierra de Guadarrama Tour Dossier

How to book your place

In order to book your place on this holiday, please give us a call on 01962 733051 with a credit or debit card, book online at www.naturetrek.co.uk, or alternatively complete and post the booking form at the back of our main Naturetrek brochure, together with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost plus any room supplements if required. If you do not have a copy of the brochure, please call us on 01962 733051 or request one via our website. Please stipulate any special requirements, for example extension requests or connecting/regional flights, at the time of booking.

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