MTB routes in Sierra de Gata Published by ADISGATA Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral de Sierra de Gata Technical Coordination SYLVESTRIS Environmental Consultancy ADISGATA Texts SYLVESTRIS (Routes). Guadalupe Morcillo (Nature). ADISGATA (Villages and practical information). Angel Barrena (Foreword) Design, layout and prepress IM˘GICO Translation María Bravo and Juan Manuel Cañas (Digital Portuguese and English versions) Photography SYLVESTRIS . ADISGATA . @nher. Francisco Barrena Printed by EFEZETA . Graphic Arts. Badajoz D. L. BA-295-2015 FREE COPY This publication is 80% co-funded by the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund For Rural Development: “Europe invests in rural areas”) in the framework of the LEADER project (axis 4), measure 313 “development of touristic activities” within axis 3 “quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy”, Rural Development Program Extremadura 2007-2013 – Regional Program for Rural Development of the Local Action Group ADISGATA. ADISGATA C/ Obispo Álvarez de Castro, nº 2. 10.850 Hoyos (Cáceres) Tfno: 927 51 41 10 - Fax: 927 51 42 13 [email protected] www.sierradegata.org Mountain Bike Routes in Sierra de Gata Foreword. To pedal through Sierra de Gata 2 Route map 4-5 Bike Route 1 A Fala 6 Bike Route 2 Militar Orders Trail 8 Bike Route 3 Transjálama 10 Bike Route 4 Royal Cattle Tracks Trail 12 Bike Route 5 La Fatela Trail 14 Bike Route 6 Ruta de las Fuentes 16 Bike Route 7 Gata Brook Trail 18 Bike Route 8 Las Jañonas 20 Bike Route 9 Árrago Trail 22 Bike Route 10 Tralgas Trail 24 Nature in Sierra de Gata 26 Resources directory 30 Track for GPS in www.sierradegata.org To pedal through Sierra de Gata l noroeste de la provincia de Cáceres, haciendo frontera con tierras por - tuguesas (por el oeste) y salmantinas (por el norte), se extiende uno de A los territorios más bellos y auténticos de Extremadura, la Sierra de Gata. Perteneciente al Sistema Central, esta comarca montañosa está comprendida por 20 municipios y 2 pedanías, diseminados por un territorio con algo más de cien mil hectáreas de extensión y con núcleos de población que no sobrepasan los mil habitantes por municipio. Sierra de Gata está bendecida por una diversidad paisajística y natural difícil - mente comparable a otros entornos geográficos extremeños. Una variedad tan am - plia como exuberante de flora y fauna, unos recursos hídricos abundantes y dispersos por toda la comarca, unas condiciones atmosféricas suaves favorecidas por la abundancia de precipitaciones que, a su vez, redunda en el mantenimiento de una masa vegetal rica y extensa, una arquitectura popular típica de serranía... Son factores que a lo largo de los siglos han ido cincelando una forma de vivir sos - tenible y respetuosa con el entorno, basada en el aprovechamiento inteligente de los recursos y productos de la zona –principalmente vid, castaña y olivo–, y en la preservación de una cultura serrana con identidad propia. Tan auténtica que algunas 2 Foreword de sus poblaciones conservan aún una forma lingüística hablada denominada „A Fala‰ que · procedente quizá de su carácter fronterizo · aporta una gran riqueza cultural a la comarca y a toda la región. The landscapes and the people of Sierra de Gata are undoubtedly two of the main reasons to visit these lands, walk and pedal through its valleys and climb its highest peaks. Here hiking and cycling are a delight, both for casual hikers and demanding athletes. The hiking resources this region has to offer are increasing as the number of people interested in this modern sport is increasing too; a healthy, cheap and environment-friendly activity. This guide is an invaluable resource to know how to get lost through the wide network of trails Sierra de Gata has to offer to the biker, a GPS not to lose your way, a support to know all the possibilities and attractions you will find in your hiking adventure properly. In this guide you will find a total of 10 routes or trails for bikes, going from east to west and north to south. All with detailed descriptions, illustrated contour plans with clear information about distances, gradients, difficulty and contours. A guide, informative panels and, in general, the whole signposting process, description and homologation of the routes are part of the great effort made by ADISGATA ( Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral de Sierra de Gata) to mark the thick network of trails in the region and add value and favour the practice of this sport that can be done by people of all ages. A new environment-friendly way to visit a place. Foreword 3 his linear round trail starts in the beautiful T San Martín de Trevejo, at the end of Puerto Street, by the school. You will share the same route with the PR-CC 184 until you reach Valverde del Fresno. Go north towards Santa Clara Pass along the cobbled road until its end. At the beginning you will face a steep climb among olive trees and vi - neyards to test your strenght on the bike. Get into the vast Ojestos chestnut grove to pass two majestic chestnuts known as Los Abuelos. Later on, the trail will cross the Vega Brook through an old stone bridge, and soon will reach the highest point in the route at Santa Clara Pass (1,020 m). Get ready for short but steep elevation stretches. Then turn left to the west to follow a path known as „Camino del Puerto‰, which goes through the slopes of Cancho Peñaflor, a breathtaking granite rock field that will catch your attention. From this slope you will have terrific views of the Ojestos chestnut grove in the foreground and Monte Jálama (1,492 m) in the background. Also in this area, you can find the Cancho del Cuervo and the so called Hernán Centeno Towers, perfect sites for sport climbing. Get into an oakwood and follow down a switchback path that will take you to the picturesque village of Eljas and its street maze. Pass the church and go down to the ˘lamo Fountain and then cross the River Eljas through a ford by the ruins of an old mill. Amidst crop fields you will get to the Castaño Brook, cross it using some stones. The path will turn into a dirt track but you will soon get to Valverde del Fresno. To finish this strenuous route, with very technical sections, get back to San Martín de Trevejo using the paved country road that connects both villages. 6 Bike Route 1 A Fala 7 his route starts in San Martín de Trevejo (620 m), Site of Artistic and Historical Interest. T First we will have to go up towards the road. To do so, after crossing the bridge next to the Tres Caños Fountain, in los Caños Street we will go up to the left taking the cobbled Chafaril Avenue, the route will get to a path - also followed by the GR 10 - among orchards and olive groves that crosses the road coming down from Santa Clara Pass. Taking the paths on the left twice - less signposted - you will find steep climbing stretches. Through a beautiful chestnut grove we will keep on climbing until we reach the road that goes from Villamiel to San Martín de Trevejo. In this section we can marvel at some hundreds-year- old chestnuts. The route starts going down along the path that begins on our right, and after passing a stone cross, gets to Villamiel. Cross Villamiel through Soledad Street and go down to the road. Cross the road and turn left, keep on for a few metres and then turn right to follow a trail between two houses. The steep descent is made through an old cobbled path that goes along between the stone walls that separate vineyards, olive trees and chestnut trees. A delight for bikers. Once the Lagares Brook is crossed, a steep ascent beginst to end up crossing the road again. The route goes along the left edge of a hill and finishes at an open area where Trevejo is. The route, following the GR, crosses the medieval village of Trevejo, first in the direction of the castle and then, turning to the left. After zigzagging through its streets, leave the village along a cobbled path passing the Chapel of Cristo towards Cilleros. You will have olive trees, chestnuts, oaks and some fig trees along the route, as well as Tre- vejo's castle on your right. The path turns into a dirt track and crosses the Montalvo Brook twice. After entering an area full of enormous granite rocks and oaks, you will get to the EX-205 road if you pay attention to the crossroads signs. Cross the road and take a dirt track. This stretch is continuously going up and down through dehesas and cattle fields and, after 4,5 km you will get to a forgotten paved road. Turn left and when you get to the road, cross it and follow a gravel road that will later turn into a path after turning left again. After a descent amidst lush vegetation and after crossing the Tejar Brook – a frequently flooded area – you will get to a new track. The route continues with strenuous climbing to the left and then reaches again the road you had previously crossed. Then it passes by a communi- cation antenna and a new pronounced descent begins towards Cilleros. 8 Bike Route 2 Militar Orders Trail 9 his route starts in San Martín de Trevejo (620 m), Site of Artistic and Historical T Interest. First you will have to go up towards the road. To do so, after crossing the bridge next to the Tres Caños Fountain, in los Caños Street you will go up to the left taking the cobbled Chafaril Avenue, the route will get to a path - also followed by the GR 10 - among orchards and olive groves that crosses the road coming down from Santa Clara Pass.