Hiking trails in the Jerte Valley

It is a circular route of approximately 5.5 km and lasts 2-2 hours and a half. It is a little longer because it is common to stop to take pictures during its 4 waterfalls. We can make it a little longer if we go up to a last waterfall, the fifth, (it is worth it if you go with enough time). We will find this last one if we reach an asphalted track and continue up the path (it is perfectly indicated).

If you enjoy the clear landscapes of high mountains, I advise you to visit this geodesic point located at about 1400 meters. The official route is circular, being this point the highest point of the route. But we can cheat if we go with small people or a little older. I tell you a little.

Casas del Castañar is a small village located on the mountainside. For this reason this route can have a triple purpose. The first is to enjoy a nice walk through nature (and breathe pure mountain air). The second is to enjoy the views (many of the waypoints of the route offer a beautiful view of much of the valley). The third thing, of course, is to get to know the centenary chestnut trees with their magnificent dimensions. Surely you will take many photos.

Two more things: This route is ideal to do in autumn. The wooded landscape in some points, thanks to the color of the season, will be really evocative. We must also talk about the difficulty. At first the climb is continuous and a little tiring, but being a short route, it is nothing that anyone can not do, even the little ones or people a little older. As it is logical, everything that we go up then we have to go down. The return is very restful.

Finally, it is important to take care of this wonderful natural environment. We must try not to alter the environment or cause discomfort to the animals. In the case of the Chestnut trees, it is important not to step on or damage their roots (we will try to get as close as possible when we take a picture).

The ascent to the Pilones is something that every visitor should do, at least in some of his visits to the Jerte Valley. Los Pilones is a natural accident and occurs when the gorge passes through a granite area on its way to the Jerte River. This stream has caused a deep erosion over thousands of years on the granite rock, sculpting large pools that visitors use as a bathing area in summer. But it is also a spectacle at any time of the year, especially when it rains and the water hits the rocks with such force that it causes fear.

This route that we propose takes advantage of a small section of another much larger route, called Route of the Gorge of Hells (which is just the gorge where the Pylons are located). Therefore, we will park in the area designated for this purpose at the entrance to the nature reserve of the Garganta de los Infiernos (which is paid, by the way), and we will follow this route, in a climb of about 3 km, to the area of the Pilones. Once we have seen the Pilones and have taken lots of photos, instead of continuing the other route, we will return by the same path to our vehicle, totaling a total of approximately 6 km. Next we see the data of the route.

At the top of the mountain of Piornal (it is the highest village in Extremadura), the passage between the Jerte Valley and La Vera offers us a different hike to what you can find inside the Valley. High mountain landscapes, small oak groves, low scrubland and countless viewpoints with infinite views that provide us with the large rocky areas that we will find along the way.

This is a long round trip route (more than 17 km in total). For experienced walkers. And the final prize of the route is the biggest rock of all, known as PEÑA NEGRA. A colossal granite tower that if we are bold enough, we can crown (yes, with all the caution in the world). The views from there are incredible.