Route 5: La Peñota

This route is divided into two main parts: a difficult climb with several alpine passages up to the Peñota over the first five kilometers; then a long descent of 17 kilometers.

Once again, you discover an emblematic mountain of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the granite summit of Peñota. After the climb partially in the forest, you spend almost the entire outing in a mineral universe which requires a lot of technique. The long descent that awaits you does not promise to be easy.

Navigating between rocks, often without a path, requires skills that can only be acquired through practice. But when you get there, what a joy it is to twirl from one stone to another, letting yourself be caressed by the wind which sweeps the ridge path. This sensation follows you along the entire GR 10 trail which leads to Puerto de Guadarrama.

This last pass then marks a U-turn to return to Cercedilla. The route gradually becomes smoother again, guiding you up the mountainside to see the Peñota climbed a little earlier from below. Your stride lengthens. The beauty of the open landscape in which you move is increased tenfold by the adrenaline provided by the speed.

Just before arriving at Cercedilla, a final small bump cuts your legs. Easy at first, it can seem like torture at this point in the journey. That's it, you've crossed it, a well-deserved rest awaits you.