Manzanares el Real walks

A circular route starting and finishing in Canto Cochino. A testing route, but spectacular views. There is limited parking here as it's in the National Park Sierra de Guadarrama. For safety reasons, as well as to avoid the damage that this transit causes to natural resources, there is an entry control at the barrier located in the La Camorza area, which allows the entry of vehicles up to the maximum quota of 270 vehicles per day. Weekdays are normally fine, but at weekends it's best to get there early.

A circular route that starts and finishes in the small village of Mataelpino, at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, with plenty of parking in the village, and the 672 bus from the bus depot at Moncloa goes through Mataelpino.

A circular route from the Tranco del Berrueco, into La Raja (a popular rock-climbing place, especially in the summer), along the GR-10 to the Gran Cañada in the Pedriza to find the Senda Maeso.This is the PR M-1 and is a real scramble through the rocks, typical Pedriza terrain, to reach the Cuatro Damas.From there, the route weaves through the rocky Peñas Sordas to reach the three mysterious pyramids.An easy descent to the forest track that borders the stream Arroyo de Santillana takes us past the Jaralón Youth Hostel and back to the car.

A circular route that starts and finishes at the small car park above the Palancares Reservoir in Soto del Real. On this route, you will cross multiple streams, some of them even several times. On your way, you'll enjoy the Hoyo Cerrado and El Hueco de San Blas.

This is a pleasant stroll up to the lower regions of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Once in the pine forest, the walk is pleasant and the gradients are comfortable as the route hugs the hillside until reaching the Parada del Rey. The route back to Soto del Real is pretty straightforward. A good distance to stretch the legs without any major climbs.

A challenging route due to the length, but not complicated technically. Although it finishes in a different place to where it starts, there is a bus that connects Manzanares el Real to Soto del Real (720). The Pedriza is an area popular with walkers but especially with rock climbers.

The Puerto de Cotos is easily accessible from Navacerrada or from Rascafría, and there is ample parking space. The route is simple at the beginning, but becomes complicated after crossing the Arroyo de los Cerradillos. The path is almost invisible in the overgrown vegetation but is easily navigated as it's mostly low heather, rock rose (cistus) and Pyrenean broom (Cytisus oromediterraneus). Although the map doesn't show any path, there are animal trails through the vegetation but you will have to navigate over the terrain, using the track to keep you on the route. There are also a number of National Park signs that will guide you along the edge of the Guadarrama National Park. The descent follows a stream, the Arroyo de Hierro, to reach the forest track. From there, the walking is easy and returns along the rushing stream Arroyo de las Guarramillas, passing by the Socrates Pool.

A circular route that starts and finishes at the car park Fuente del Cur in Miraflores de la Sierra. There's usually plenty of spaces in the car park and buses (725) run regularly from Madrid to the village.

The small rural village of Bustarviejo offers plenty of places to explore, but the highest peak is Mondalindo (also known as Cabeza del Cervunal). This circular route begins with a straight forward climb to the rocky outcrop that is the Cancho del Mondalindo and La Almohadilla. The route down is a bit less clear, next to the stream de las Ferminas.

This is a simple walk in one of the most beautiful areas of the Sierra de Guadarrama, beginning and ending in the historical town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The route is designed to go past the old snow wells that were created in the 17th century and go around the Pico de Abantos.

A circular route that starts and finishes near the Convento de San Antonio, just outside the village of La Cabrera. There is usually enough space to park, and there are buses that go to La Cabrera from Madrid.

The Sierra de Guadarrama, north of the capital city Madrid, is part of Spain's Central Mountain System. The highest point is Peñalara, standing at 2,428 metres (7,966 ft) above sea level. This is a collection of walks that reveals the diverse nature of this range of mouintains, partly within a National Park, sometimes climbing to the highest peaks, sometimes meandering through the villages and valleys. Most routes are circular and many can be reached with public transport.

Madrid has all the trappings of a great capital city: museums and masterpieces, including Picasso's famous Guernica, beautiful avenues, the royal palace, parks and economic dynamism. But paradoxically and fortunately, it hides other treasures, village atmospheres, charming neighbourhoods, and the beautifully redeveloped banks of the Manzanares River. Madrid is full of energy and is as lively at night as it is during the day. But in the morning, it will reveal itself to runners, who will almost feel as if it is there just for them.