Canencia Pass Route

Canencia

This village, located in the valley that shares its name, has a long tradition of livestock farming. It dates back to the time of the re-conquest of the north of the province by Alfonso VI. Although small, Canencia has various places of interest which are well worth visiting, such as Santa María del Castillo parish church, built in the 15th century in Gothic style, or Cano bridge, an example of 14th century medieval construction.

If you are looking for a hike to do with children, or if you are not a regular walker, Puerto de Canencia (Canencia Pass) is a good option to introduce young and old to the fascinating world of nature.

Mojonavalle Forest

Between Canencia and the nearby village of Miraflores, you will find the track, where there is a recreation area, the starting point for various hiking routes into Mojonavalle Forest. The route we suggest here is just over 5 kilometres long. It is easy and can be done on foot or by bike. Following the route that appears on the information posters in the recreation area, we start the so-called Botanical Trail. Just a few metres ahead there is a shepherd’s hut, a traditional construction in this area that was used by shepherds crossing the valley with their herds, to shelter from bad weather.

Continuing along the marked trail, little more than a kilometre further on, you will come to the El Hornillo hostel, which has now been converted into an environmental education centre. Here there are more information posters where you can see the itinerary to be followed, as well as other variants available, according to the distance you want to walk and how tired you are.

The next stop on the route, about two and a half kilometres from the start, is the La Chorrera (waterfall) Viewpoint, whose name comes from the waterfall that flows down towards the stream, which you will have to cross later in order to continue back to the Canencia Pass. You do not go back the same way you came - but rather on a trail that runs around the outside of the forest. In this way you can enjoy the area’s wonderful woodland to the full.

Protected species [+]

The best time of year to do this route is definitely the autumn – the leaves of the birch, hawthorn and oak trees turn shades of orange, red and yellow. During the walk, you will enjoy the sight of holly trees - a protected species in the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains - as well as the birches, oaks and pines that you will find along the way.

If you hope to do this route in winter, you should bear in minds that Canencia is a mountain pass and is usually subject to heavy snowfall. Nevertheless, seeing as the route has easy access and is not too difficult, it can be done using snowshoes if necessary, depending on the amount of accumulated snow.

And should you arrive tired after the route, then nothing better than recouping strength with lunch or dinner in Canencia. As we mentioned, the village has a long tradition of livestock rearing, and its roast meats and stews are a real delight for the palate.