Mountains of Palencia
There are plenty of comarcas and valleys in the North of Palencia. This vast area is known as the Palentina Mountains. It borders León to the west, Cantabria to the North, and Burgos to the East. It is a privileged zone with many attractions and resources. You can find the highest peaks in the province here: Curavacas, Espigüete and La Lomas. Here is where some rivers rise, such as the Carrión River and the Pisuerga River, and they flow through reservoirs (Camporredondo, Compuerto, Requejada and Ruesga) and wetlands. The wealth in oak and beech forests, areas of excellent grass, lichens and mosses, ensure the quantity and quality of hunting and fishing in the cleanest rivers of the area.
It is a region particularly appreciated by nature lovers and here they can reserve a rural accomodation next to natural hiking routes like the ones of Pantano de Almansa, Tejeda de Tosande or Ruta de Ursi. In the river Carrión one can fish large rainbow trouts as well as native trouts of an extraordinary quality. Enjoy the rural tourism in Palencia. The rural house La Majada Palentina is the ideal place to stay when finishing a stage of the Old Way of Saint James, also called here Camino de la Montaña , Camino Olvidado de Santiago or Camino de Santiago primitivo .
San Román de Entrepeñas Monastery
The San Román de Entrepeñas Monastery is located in the Palentinas Mountains canton, north of the province of Palencia. You will find the ruins along a small river by venturing into a forest less than two kilometers north of the center of Santibañez de la Peña.
The monastery of San Román de Entrepeñas is very old, the first written mention of its existence goes back to the year 940 when it was restored and enlarged by Count Diego Muñoz de Saldaña. It was a Benedictine monastery of great importance and was also th... more
The San Román de Entrepeñas Monastery is located in the Palentinas Mountains canton, north of the province of Palencia. You will find the ruins along a small river by venturing into a forest less than two kilometers north of the center of Santibañez de la Peña.
The monastery of San Román de Entrepeñas is very old, the first written mention of its existence goes back to the year 940 when it was restored and enlarged by Count Diego Muñoz de Saldaña. It was a Benedictine monastery of great importance and was also the cradle of the Reconquista in the canton.
Sold to an individual during the "Confiscation" of 1836, its state of preservation has only worsened. Today only remains the ruins of a tower, ruins on registered on the red list of endangered heritage.
The Cave of Guantes. Villanueva de Arriba
The summer is very dry in our village, and therefore, it is the best season to visit this cave, since it is extremely wet the rest of the year, due to the snow and the rain. You should wear old clothes if you want to visit the cave, because you can get dirty. You should also take boots that are suitable to walk through the mountain. And do not forget a good torch. This marvelous cave is only 1 kilometre away from our cottage.
Climb to Cristo Sierra
People who are fan of jeeps, quad bikes, and bikes can here enjoy a nice route to the Cristo Sierra shelter. You can take your vehicle and go to The Virgen del Brezo Sanctuary, in Villafría. A few meters before getting there, there is a sign that leads you to the shelter. It is 12 km far from our cottage.
The Yews of Tosande
Thousand years old yews that are 5 or 6 metres high await us at the end of this path which begins in the parking next to the road that connects Cervera and Guardo (C-624). It is 25 km away from our cottage.
Villafría marsh
There are a some places where you can bath in the summer, and they are very close to our cottage. One of them is called Villalbeto reservoir, or Villafría marsh. From the rural house, go towards Cervera, and divert the course in a crossing that is a few kilometres after Tarilonte. The reservoir is 10 km from Villanueva de Arriba approximately.
Compuerto marsh
This marsh is between Velilla del Río Carrión and Otero de Guardo. You can find it at 12 kilometres from our cottage.
Camporredondo Reservoir
It is located at 20 kilometres from our cottage, in Camporredondo de Alba, and very close to the Compuerto dam. It was inaugurated by the King Alfonso XIII in 1930.
Ruesga Reservoir
It was opened in 1923 and it is one the smallest reservoir which water is used as drinking and irrigation water in Spain. There is another one that is smaller than this one (Pontón Alto), which is in the province of Segovia, and it only provides running water to the city of Segovia.
Requejada dam
It was built in 1940 and provides water to the whole Pisuerga system. You can find it in Arbejal, village that belongs to another municipality (Cervera de Pisuerga). It is 42 kilometres far from our cottage.
Aguilar de Campoo dam
This dam is in Aguilar de Campoo and it was built in 1963. It is the biggest dam in the province of Palencia, and belongs to the Pisuerga system. If you decide to do the Reservoirs Route, this is the last one you will find, after the one of Compuerto, Camporredondo, Ruesga and Requejada. It is 55 kilometres far from our cottage.
Fuentes Carrionas Natural Park
You will find the highest peaks of the Montaña Palentina in this park: Curavacas (2525 metres), Espigüete (2450 metres) and Las Lomas (2451 metres). This park takes up 11 municipalities: Velilla del Río Carrión, Aguilar de Campoo, San Cebrián de Mudá, Cervera de Pisuerga, Triollo, Palentinos, Brañosera, La Pernía, Castrejón de la Peña and Dehesa de Montejo. It is 4 kilometres far from our cottage.
The Brezo Mountain Range
It stands up from Cantoral de la Peña to Guardo. These mountains have a very small amout of trees and are mainly covered with bearberries and heathers (brezo in spanish), because of their limestone composition. All the villages of this area are around 1000 metres high, such as Pisón de Castrejón and Villafría de la Peña, where there is an important sanctuary that is called Santuario de la Virgen del Brezo. Here is where they celebrate a pilgrimage on September 21st.... more
It stands up from Cantoral de la Peña to Guardo. These mountains have a very small amout of trees and are mainly covered with bearberries and heathers (brezo in spanish), because of their limestone composition. All the villages of this area are around 1000 metres high, such as Pisón de Castrejón and Villafría de la Peña, where there is an important sanctuary that is called Santuario de la Virgen del Brezo. Here is where they celebrate a pilgrimage on September 21st.
Valle de Pineda Route
It is 20 kilometres long and it has a slope of 500 metres, it usually takes about 12 hours to walk this route. You can do it during the whole year, but you should be more careful and prepared in winter due to the unfavourable meteorological conditions. The route crosses a stunning moutainous area.
La Fuente del Cobre Route
It is 10 kilometres long and the round trip takes about 5 hours. It has a slope of 400 metres. You can do this route during the whole year but it might be more difficult in winter and spring due to the snow and the water.
El Roblón de Estalaya Route
It is approximately 4 kilometres long and it has a slope of 100 metres. It is the quickest and easiest route to do around here since it only takes about 90 minutes to walk it.
Valdecebollas Route
It is 12 kilometres away from Brañosera, and it has a slope of 300 metres. It takes about 5 hours to do this route. You can do it during the whole year and its tracing makes it a rather easy route. Do not forget to take water with you.
Fuente Los Mures Route
The route begins in Villanueva de Arriba. You have to leave behind the village to the North West and continue walking to the North, through the valley.
Go through the oak forest until you get to a vast grassland. Then take a path on your right that leads to the east between two mountain ranges. Here really starts the ascent, to the north, until you get to El Fraile Peak which is 2007 metres high.
Castro de la Loma
The fort of La Loma is located in Santibañez de la Peña and is the greatest example in terms of knowledge about the Cantabrian wars. To this day, it is the most important fort discovered in the region of the High Carrión, and it is known that it was occupied during the Iron Age by a community of a certain importance. The large number of vestiges found there, as well as the archaeological value of the whole site, make this place a unique enclave.
Pinewood of Velilla
It is the only autochthonous pine forest that is being preserved in this large region, and it shelters a wide variety of trees, flora and fauna, which does not happen in the pine forests of repopulation, exempt of vegetation. It is located between Velilla del Río Carrión and the Compuerto reservoir.
It is a route suitable for anyone, without any difficulty, with a duration of 4 hours and a length of 6 km. We must enter the settlement of Sierra del Brezo, and on the right we find a path that leads... more
It is the only autochthonous pine forest that is being preserved in this large region, and it shelters a wide variety of trees, flora and fauna, which does not happen in the pine forests of repopulation, exempt of vegetation. It is located between Velilla del Río Carrión and the Compuerto reservoir.
It is a route suitable for anyone, without any difficulty, with a duration of 4 hours and a length of 6 km. We must enter the settlement of Sierra del Brezo, and on the right we find a path that leads us to the pine forest.
Sanctuary Virgen del Brezo
The march starts from the west side of the sanctuary and leads through the "Fountain of the Virgin" by a path which merges with a good track to the hermitage-shelter of the Christo Sierra. Here we will find a junction, with a path down, which is the one that goes to Valcorbero. There we find large plantations of fir trees and brooms that cover the high slopes of the foothills of the Sierra de Canales and the ones of Reguilón and Cueto Palomo. It continues north towards Camporredondo.... more
The march starts from the west side of the sanctuary and leads through the "Fountain of the Virgin" by a path which merges with a good track to the hermitage-shelter of the Christo Sierra. Here we will find a junction, with a path down, which is the one that goes to Valcorbero. There we find large plantations of fir trees and brooms that cover the high slopes of the foothills of the Sierra de Canales and the ones of Reguilón and Cueto Palomo. It continues north towards Camporredondo.
Resoba-Puente Pucherín-Santibáñez de Resoba Route
The route begins in the village of Resoba, located in a deep valley from where we will ascend to its sheepfolds before reaching the Alto de las Doncellas where we will contemplate the wide Pineda Valley and the foothills of the Curavacas. We will then descend to Puente Pucherín to reach the Alto del Lugar and go from there to Santibáñez de Resoba. The journey lasts 6-7 hours and the path is suitable for everyone.
Cardaño de Arriba-Pozo las lomas-Alto Tres Provincias-Peña Prieta Route
The route known as Peña Prieta - Pico Tres Provincias - Alto de Fuentes Carrionas - Lagos Pozo las Lomas - Camino de las Lomas - Cardaño de Arriba is a very good one. It is 12 Kms long and allows us to get to know a special environment. With output in Cardaño de Arriba, it is a route for which you have to be prepared since it is quite long. Nevertheless it is a great trail with lots of charm for mountain lovers.
Otero de Guardo - Valverde de la Sierra Route
The route begins in Otero de Guardo, northbound, along a sloping track that runs parallel to the road and dam for a long time. It then turns left and reaches the lower part of Cerro de la Tabla, which forms a gate between rocks that serves as a natural passage to the valley of Abiaos . As soon as we get over the Hill, the gigantic mass of the southern slope of the Espigüete peak appears before us. On the opposite side of the stream of Abianos and above, runs a track that passes through the Valde... more
The route begins in Otero de Guardo, northbound, along a sloping track that runs parallel to the road and dam for a long time. It then turns left and reaches the lower part of Cerro de la Tabla, which forms a gate between rocks that serves as a natural passage to the valley of Abiaos . As soon as we get over the Hill, the gigantic mass of the southern slope of the Espigüete peak appears before us. On the opposite side of the stream of Abianos and above, runs a track that passes through the Valdelloso municipality, belonging to Camporredondo. From here already in permanent descent, we go toward our destination, Valverde de la Sierra.
Peña Mayor Route
In Velilla del Río Carrión we must take the P-210 road to the village of Compuerto. From there starts a path that leads us into the pine forest. We must continue ascending to a small dump. The track runs a stretch parallel to the stream until it ends, becoming a stony path that merges into sections with the dry riverbed. The heart of the pine forest is on our right, although some notable trees flank the road on both sides. We left the forest, the craggy rock of Peña Mayor becomes visible before us. We a... more
In Velilla del Río Carrión we must take the P-210 road to the village of Compuerto. From there starts a path that leads us into the pine forest. We must continue ascending to a small dump. The track runs a stretch parallel to the stream until it ends, becoming a stony path that merges into sections with the dry riverbed. The heart of the pine forest is on our right, although some notable trees flank the road on both sides. We left the forest, the craggy rock of Peña Mayor becomes visible before us. We are already about the hill. The path almost disappears. The pine forest is now replaced by shrubby vegetation. Once reached the hill, whoever wants it can easily ascend to the top of Peña Mayor.
Valdetriollo-Puente Agudín Route
We left the source of the Plaza de Triollo, to the NW by the route of the Párdigo. Just 300 m away starts a track to the right in direction of the depot. We continue to the left. We keep on straight ahead ascending little by little through this valley of rich pastures and always leaving the Valdetriollo stream to the left. Further on, on the left, on the other side of the river, there is a shelter with a sheepfold. At 3100 m. we will find several crosses, one on the right and two on the left. We c... more
We left the source of the Plaza de Triollo, to the NW by the route of the Párdigo. Just 300 m away starts a track to the right in direction of the depot. We continue to the left. We keep on straight ahead ascending little by little through this valley of rich pastures and always leaving the Valdetriollo stream to the left. Further on, on the left, on the other side of the river, there is a shelter with a sheepfold. At 3100 m. we will find several crosses, one on the right and two on the left. We continue straight ahead to begin the more grassy track that leads us to an old zinc mining site. We go straight down 2 km. to the NW, on a road that is continually lost in the brooms but that is the most comfortable path between the valley to the Lamas stream track. From here we head towards Pino Llano, until we reach Puente Agudín.
Espigüete Peak Route
This road departs from the small refuge located under the north face of the peak and which is accessed in about 45 minutes by crossing the path of the right bank of the Mazobres stream from the road that connects the two Cardaño localities. We left the refuge in front, going up the grassy slope that leads to the wall. Our route is called the North Corridor, located on the western edge of the eastern peak's mountainside. It is a logical route; it runs by a kind of step under the aforementioned spur.... more
This road departs from the small refuge located under the north face of the peak and which is accessed in about 45 minutes by crossing the path of the right bank of the Mazobres stream from the road that connects the two Cardaño localities. We left the refuge in front, going up the grassy slope that leads to the wall. Our route is called the North Corridor, located on the western edge of the eastern peak's mountainside. It is a logical route; it runs by a kind of step under the aforementioned spur. There are no notable obstacles. Above, under the falls of the eastern summit, a steep slope is to be flanked in search of the pass (2,390 m), to complete the ascent to Espigüete (2,450 m).
Pico Murcia Route
The route starts from Cardaño de Arriba. From the car park we follow a dirt road for scarcely 2 kilometers, just after the sign that marks the route to Peña Prieta. We will arrive at a bridge that deviates to the right, in the direction of Peña Prieta, the highest peak of Fuentes Carrionas, but we will continue straight ahead, entering a leafy valley. From there, one can start catching glimpses of the Murcia Peak, just at the end of the valley. We begin to climb the steep ramps, which are very easy since... more
The route starts from Cardaño de Arriba. From the car park we follow a dirt road for scarcely 2 kilometers, just after the sign that marks the route to Peña Prieta. We will arrive at a bridge that deviates to the right, in the direction of Peña Prieta, the highest peak of Fuentes Carrionas, but we will continue straight ahead, entering a leafy valley. From there, one can start catching glimpses of the Murcia Peak, just at the end of the valley. We begin to climb the steep ramps, which are very easy since you simply have to follow a perfect zig zag that leaves you at the top.
Pico Curavacas Route
Starting from the small village of Vidrieros, we will go up the valley where the Cabriles Stream flows. A large quarry and then the following passage through the Callejo Grande until reaching the summit, will make this beautiful ascent a very demanding day, since it accumulates a strong vertical drop in a short length. It is not a signposted route but it is easy in its follow-up, the most complicated part in this regard being that of the final section from the quarry, from where a trail of ribbo... more
Starting from the small village of Vidrieros, we will go up the valley where the Cabriles Stream flows. A large quarry and then the following passage through the Callejo Grande until reaching the summit, will make this beautiful ascent a very demanding day, since it accumulates a strong vertical drop in a short length. It is not a signposted route but it is easy in its follow-up, the most complicated part in this regard being that of the final section from the quarry, from where a trail of ribbons will provide us with the best path. Although it is not an especially complicated peak without snow, it is advised to be in good physical shape and used to moutain climbing. Vidrieros - Arroyo del Cabriles - Majada Cabriles - Pedrera - Callejo Grande - Curavacas Peak.
Valdenievas - Valle Cardaños Route
The route begins in Vidrieros, beyond the Cabriles stream that we leave on the right. The Environment Department of Castile and León has built a refuge for mountaineers in a beautiful place, which is accessed following the course of the Postil de Soña stream, upstream. We reach the Hormigal Col, meeting point in summer of numerous livestock. We descend inevitably to cross the Hormigal stream and start ascending towards the pass that forms the great V made by the Ojeda Fields and the Vallejo Peak, and ... more
The route begins in Vidrieros, beyond the Cabriles stream that we leave on the right. The Environment Department of Castile and León has built a refuge for mountaineers in a beautiful place, which is accessed following the course of the Postil de Soña stream, upstream. We reach the Hormigal Col, meeting point in summer of numerous livestock. We descend inevitably to cross the Hormigal stream and start ascending towards the pass that forms the great V made by the Ojeda Fields and the Vallejo Peak, and to look up to the Cardaños Valley. From there the descent to Cardaño de Arriba is long and tiring and we must choose the path well to avoid the heather and the very loose stones that abound. As we descend, we cross the Vallejo stream, which springs at an incredible height and with a copious flow. Next to Cardaño de Arriba appears first the white spot of a refuge of mountaineers and, in the narrowest of the valley, the mountain village.
Fuente de La Reana
With its three stone arches, a curious phenomenon occurs here because at its feet a spring intermittently flows without any criterion of climatology or whatsoever that determines the absence or abundance of water. The legend says that if the first time you visit water abounds, it is a sign of good luck.
The Roblon of the Monastery
The Roblón de El Monasterio route is located 6 km from Velilla del Rio Carrión. The start of the route is at the Areños hermitage.
We have to enter the Valdehaya Valley. It is convenient to take the mountain taxi route due to the large number of forest tracks found in the valley. The distance of the round trip route is approximately 12 km and it is a route of low difficulty if we do it walking.
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, if possible in bright colors, as a precaution in... more
The Roblón de El Monasterio route is located 6 km from Velilla del Rio Carrión. The start of the route is at the Areños hermitage.
We have to enter the Valdehaya Valley. It is convenient to take the mountain taxi route due to the large number of forest tracks found in the valley. The distance of the round trip route is approximately 12 km and it is a route of low difficulty if we do it walking.
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, if possible in bright colors, as a precaution in hunting seasons. The route takes place through the following points of reference: Our Lady of Areños Hermitage- La Maderada Bridge- Valdehaya Valley- El Abuelo Group- Besande Washhouses and Curva de Senda al Roblón- Roblón de El Monasterio- Monastery.
El Roblón de El Monasterio is located in the municipality of Velilla del Rio Carrión. Its common name is sessile oak and the scientific name is Quercus petraea. It has a trunk perimeter of 5.04 m and a total height of 17 m. It is a centenary tree.
The roblon is found at a height of 1,446 m and is a reason for singularity due to its large dimensions.
As a curiosity we can say that it is in an enclosed area and at its feet there is a nativity scene.
Just 200 m away we can find the very scarce remains of stones from a Benedictine monastery for which no data is available.
Throughout the tour we will find junipers, oak, beech and holm oaks. The path is perfectly signposted and in the monastery area you can see Velilla del Río Carrión and several nearby towns.
The estimated time of the walking tour is 3 hours 30 minutes and the distance between roundtrip 12km. The off-road tour lasts approximately 1 hour and a half.
On our return to Velilla we can find a large number of junipers in the Peña Lampa juniper.
Mazobre waterfall trail
To do this route, we will leave the car in the parking lot on the road that connects the towns of Cardaño de Abajo with Cardaño de Arriba, in the Pino Llano area. The route is 7 kilometers (round trip) of medium difficulty and is done along a path that runs parallel to the Mazobre stream, which will bring us closer to the viewpoint from which we will see the waters of the stream falling over the cliff that in turn make up the well-known and visited waterfall.
Antiques fair in Aguilar de Campoo. September
Antiques and Almoneda Fair. Aguilar de Campoo. In the Municipal sports center of Aguilar de Campoo. Especially relevant is the large display of antique objects for exhibition and sale. They are generally rustic furniture, porcelain, glass, paintings, bronzes, books, ceramics.