We leave Ávila, where the medieval history of its impressive walls represents the best preserved defensive architecture in the world. We rested at the cozy Mirador de Santa Ana hotel, right next to the walls, recharging our energy for the exciting trip to Segovia.

Segovia, a historic city northwest of Madrid in the Castilla y León region, has an impressive architectural legacy: medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and a Gothic cathedral. We visit the majestic Alcázar of Segovia, palace of the Kings of Castile, and contemplate the beauty of the famous Segovia Aqueduct. This civil work, one of the most important and beautiful on the peninsula, continues to surprise 2000 years after its construction. An example of Roman hydraulic engineering, the aqueduct joins 800 meters of stone on stone, supported by 120 pillars and 167 semicircular arches without mortar, forming the monumental support necessary to support a 30-centimeter water channel. This “stone waterfall” was connected 17 kilometers away with the Guadarrama mountain range, allowing the supply of running water in Roman Hispania and promoting the urban development of Segovia.

We continue our trip to Pedraza, where the imposing castle transports us back in time. Built in the 13th century on the remains of Roman and Arab fortifications, Pedraza Castle has been the scene of legends and witness to historical moments, such as the prison of the children of King Francis I of France, given as hostages to ensure compliance with the Treaty. of Madrid with King Carlos I, being liberated in 1530.

The route continues towards the Pinilla Reservoir, inaugurated in 1967. Located in the valley of the Lozoya River, in its upper course, it is part of the Canal de Isabel II network, supplying drinking water to Madrid and a large part of the community. Carp, barbel, bogues and trout abound in its waters, although the latter are mostly repopulated.

Admire the tranquility of Buitrago de Lozoya, a municipality located at the foot of the Guadarrama mountain range. With a population of 1,967 inhabitants, it receives its name from the Lozoya River, which surrounds the town. The Buitrago de Lozoya castle, built in the 15th century on an Arab fortress and Visigoth settlements, stands out for its Gothic-Mudejar style and its imposing structure with a large central parade ground.

Continue your route to the El Atazar Reservoir, enjoying impressive landscapes along the way. Located in the Lozoya River basin, south of the town, it floods 2,347 hectares and impounds 426 million cubic meters of water. Opened in 1972, its construction began in 1962, using the most modern means and a diverse workforce, including workers from all over Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. On the eastern slope of Las Cabezas, houses were built to house workers, as well as shops, schools, playgrounds and a church. On the access road to the town, there are several viewpoints to observe its grandeur.

Our route continues to Sigüenza, but not before making a stop in Jadraque, where we will eat at the Cuatro Caminos Hostel to enjoy its cuisine and recharge our batteries for the final stretch.

Sigüenza, a medieval city located in the Sierra Norte of the province of Guadalajara, was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1965. It is the second tourist destination in Castilla-La Mancha, strengthened in recent years with its election as the capital of rural tourism in 2017 and the celebration of the European Year of Heritage in 2018. Its cultural and natural heritage form a perfect symbiosis.

The Sigüenza Hotel will be our resting place in this final destination.