Gravel from Colmenar Viejo to Manzanares el Real and Soto del Real

Gravel loop through the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares, starting and finishing in Colmenar Viejo, which has a Cercanías commuter train station (line C-4) and parking near the centre. You head north on dirt tracks through ash and holm oak pastures, cross the stream near the Puente del Grajal and carry on along wide tracks to the shore of the Santillana reservoir, with La Pedriza right in front of you. In Manzanares el Real you'll find fountains, bars and the castle for your photo. The way back heads to Soto del Real, another good coffee stop, and drops towards Colmenar on drove roads and livestock tracks with the odd stretch of loose stone. The surface is mostly hard-packed track, with short ramps and the occasional gate: close it behind you, as there's livestock. The best time is October to May; in summer set off very early, as there's hardly any shade. You're inside a regional park: ride only on tracks and paths, give way to walkers and respect the farm fences.

Track designed by our team on OpenStreetMap (ODbL).