Rambling in the Sierra de Guadarrama - San Lorenzo de El Escorial

A testing circular route that starts and finnishes in the car-park of La Barranca (Navacerrada village). The climb is tough and without respite but as the tree cover thins out there are some great views looking towards La Maliciosa and behind, looking down to Navacerrada with it's reservouir and the village of Becerril de la Sierra. There's a detour to have a look down from the Paso de la Cagalera and an interesting passage through the Ventana de las Buitreras (the vulture's window). On the approach to La Maliciosa there might well be snow and ice (November to April) so crampones are recomended. Likewise, crossing over to the Alto de las Guarramillas there might be some snow but the terraine is quite accessible as the route reaches the head-waters of the river Manzanares (that flows through the city of Madrid). The descent is fairly straightforward once past the Collado de los Emburriaderos but the Camino de la Tubería might have some snow in the winter months.

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 tough circular route, starting and finishing in the car park at Canto Cochino. The route goes clockwise along the "Circular de la Pedriza", following the PR-M1 yellow and white markings through rocky landscapes and scenic viewpoints.

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.

This is a circular route starting and finishing in El Tranco (Manzanares el Real). There isn’t a lot of parking space at the start of the route, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to secure a spot nearby. If the main parking area is full, you can usually find additional spaces a little further up the road towards the village.

A circular route that begins and ends at the car park next to the Puente de la Cantina, which spans the gorge over the river Eresma. A demanding mountain route with a steep ascent to Peña Citores, rewarded by panoramic views, historic civil war remains, alpine scenery, and a scenic descent along forest paths and mountain streams.

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 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.