We are in the middle of spring and the whole world begins to find places to hike, natural spaces of great beauty that you have to know. As there are also some bridges before the holidays, we can take the time to visit places like Castañar del Tiemblo, a protected area in Castilla y León.
El Castañar del Tiemblo is a forest of great beauty which is usually visited in autumn, because the colors of the autumn leaves turn everything into pleasant warm tones that create a picture worth seeing. But if you don't want to wait to see this place, you can also go in spring, a time when the forest is in all its splendor, with a lot of life, although perhaps not with the great charm it has in autumn.
The trembling
The Castañar del Tiemblo is located precisely in the population of El Tiemblo in the province of Ávila. This chestnut grove is only 90 kilometers from the city and 46 kilometers from Ávila. The chestnut tree is located within the Iruelas Valley Natural Reserve, belonging to the Central System. This reserve is very important, since it is a protected area for birds. Among the species that there are, the Black Vulture and the Imperial Eagle stand out. Within the reserve there are many other species, such as the Griffon Vulture, the Golden Eagle, Roe Deer, Wildcat or Gineta. Among the list of flora we can find Silvestre Pine, Peonies, Holly, Chestnut or Yew.
To get to the chestnut grove we will have to put the GPS to get to the town of El Tiemblo. Once in the town, you must continue on the road we entered and turn right when you pass the gas station, going up through that area we find the place of access to the reserve where they will inform us of everything and the applicable rates at that time . Upon entering you must travel a track of several kilometers that is only paved in the first kilometres. It does not have good conditions for cars but it is a long enough journey to do it on foot if we are not in shape, because later we would have to visit the chestnut grove. In addition, in autumn they offer the possibility of picking chestnuts.
Information about the Castañar del Tiemblo
This is a natural reserve and we have to take into account that there are months when the influx is large, especially in autumn, so it is common for in certain seasons they charge tickets. They do not always do it, and therefore we must first check online what the reservation rates are at all times. Keep in mind that they charge per vehicle and per person, even sometimes if cyclists enter, but it depends on the season and the influx, so it is somewhat flexible. In general, rates can range from two euros per person to six euros per car. That is, in cars they charge each person and also the entrance of the car, so there are those who think that it can be somewhat expensive in this sense. As we say, this changes and you have to consult it year after year to be sure of what the ticket costs.
Route in the chestnut grove
When visiting the Castañar del Tiemblo we start the route in the recreational area of El Regajo, which is the point where the car park is located. It is a fairly easy circular route that can be done quietly as a family. From this point you walk to the Majalavilla Refuge, passing a wooden bridge. This refuge has young chestnut and pine trees. Follow the route and arrive at El Abuelo Chestnut. This chestnut tree is the oldest specimen in the forest and the most valued, being very important and the main attraction on visits. It is 25 meters high, with a diameter of about five meters and an age of 500 years.
After the famous chestnut tree, the route continues passing a stream until reaching the meadows of the Garganta de la Yedra. It is a very beautiful place where visitors sit down to rest after the walk, especially since families with children usually make the route who have to stop along the way. It is from this point that the return to the El Regajo recreational area begins. This last pass of the Garganta de la Yedra is another of the most beautiful points of the forest, where we have a good place to stop before making the return.
Everyone recommends that the route be done in autumn, because it is the moment when the leaf falls and the trees have various shades that fill everything with a beautiful color. The disadvantage of this is that at this time and when there are bridges and holidays it is full of people, so it is not so quiet.