Madrid: Pino de la Cadena

In the Navalmedio Valley there are stories hidden behind its pines, oaks and streams. From an abandoned arsenic pyrite mine, to one of the oldest trees in the area, which was curiously saved by a person’s death. Bizarre, isn’t it? Well, that’s just the beginning. Come with us to discover Ecotourism in Madrid with this jewel encased in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Join us!

As part of our Ecotourism experiences in Madrid, we enter the Navalmedio Valley, a highly important area of great ecological and conservation value with several protected natural spaces. To one side, we find the Peripheral Protection Zone of the Sierra de Guadarrama Park, a buffer zone of the protected area to safeguard the space against ecologically harmful impacts from outside. To the other hand, we have the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park, the largest protected area in the Community of Madrid. And finally the Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Basins of the Manzanares, Lozoya and Guadarrama Rivers.

This is a loop trail, approximately 3.72 miles long, with an elevation gain of a little over 600 feet. We will make several background-talk stops. Historical and environmental
surprises await us, and there is even a bit of legend in this marvellous Navalmedio Valley.
Most of the route is on a forest pathway, so the trail is not complicated at all. Only the ascent to the abandoned mine requires a certain level of physical fitness, but you may opt
out of this section if you wish.

WILL YOU JOIN US?

LENGTH

3.72 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

660 feet

Duration

4h

Trail type

Loop

Difficulty

Easy

Details of the Trail

We will make several background-talk stops along the way. One of them will take 25 minutes, so we can also have a snack and rest a bit.

There is only one section that is slightly more complicated due to a considerable difference in terrain elevation within just 15 minutes. The rest of the trail is very gentle, with hardly any gradients.

Important information

We are in a mountainous area, so the use of suitable footwear for the terrain (trekking or mountaineering shoes/boots) is compulsory. It is also necessary to carry at least one and a half litres of water or other valid hydration. There are no fountains along the route.
It is recommended to bring warm clothes and a mackintosh. Don’t forget to bring sun cream and a hat. It is advisable to carry some food in your backpack: fruit, nuts, chocolate… whatever you need to boost your strength at any given moment.

Some of our activities in Madrid can be combined with each other. For more
information, please contact us.