Patones - Cancho de la Cabeza Circular

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The walk begins in Patones Abajo (see additional information), from where we climb steadily the senda ecologica to the lovely village of Patones Arriba, passing many display boards with a good deal of interesting information about the history of water supply from the region, as well as the local flora and fauna. The village has much interest and the CITECO cultural centre has a display tracing the history of the area. There are many pleasant cafes and restaurants - Patones Arriba can be very busy at weekends.

From the ancient communal wash-place we make our way generally northerly, following the sometimes difficult course of the Arroyo de Patones through an amazing variety of flora. Later we emerge into open country near Pena Escrita, where travellers and shepherds were alleged to have inscribed their names.

Next we make the stiff climb to the 1264-metre-high point at Cancho de la Cabeza, from where we are rewarded with magnificent views, with Madrid visible on clear days. Later we return in a generally southerly direction towards Patones Arriba following tracks and footpaths that can be tricky in places and with some loose scree.

On our return to the village and after well-earned refreshment, we return down the same senda ecologica we started up.

Spain - Central Spain - Madrid - Sierra de Guadarrama

Features

Birds, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Museum, Restaurant
7/6/2022 - Jim Arymar

I was pleased to be able to walk this route again in May 2022 nearly 14 years after I first submitted it. The walk has been revised and updated and there is a new and accurate map. Please note that Patones Arriba is a very popular place, particularly at weekends. There is very little parking available there. Jim Arymar