In the heart of the peninsula, where the provinces of Madrid and Avila converge, the Gredos mountain range It emerges as a world apart, a sanctuary of unique nature and impressive beauty. Waterfalls, mountains sculpted over time and endless meadows welcome those who seek to disconnect from the urban bustle and come face to face with majestic landscapes. Gredos is also a paradise for hiking lovers, with routes that wind between peaks and valleys, taking the traveler to such magical corners as Laguna Grande.
Of all the wonders that this massif offers, the Great Lagoon of Gredos It is, without a doubt, one of the most celebrated and photographed. Located in the heart of the glacial cirque, it is the soul of the mountain range and a convergence point for emblematic routes that go up to the Almanzor Peak, The Galana, Snowy Head either The Casquerazo. For those who want to focus their excursion on this lake with crystal-clear waters, there is its own route that allows you to admire the enclave in all its splendor.
The circular route adds up to 14 kilometers and presents a moderate level requirement, partly due to the length and partly due to an accumulated positive slope greater than the 700 meters. However, completing it is within the reach of those who walk at a leisurely pace and are well equipped. Even families can enjoy the journey, as long as they combine patience, appropriate footwear and the desire to be surprised for about five hours.
It all starts in the Gredos Platformnatural gateway to the park and parking area located next to the town of San Juan de Gredos. The adventure begins along a marked path that soon invites you to cross the Pozas stream over a stone bridge, leaving behind the port of Candeleda on the left. The next milestone on the path is the Reguero Llano Refugewhich is reached after avoiding a well-marked intersection.
The path continues to gain altitude and, after crossing the idyllic Pozas Meadowonce again challenges the walker with the constant climb towards the Alto de los Barrerones. In the Fountain of the Diggers water is refilled before facing the most demanding part of the journey, already 2,190 meters altitude. From here, the effort is greatly rewarded: the Peña el Rayo viewpoint offers extraordinary panoramic views of the Gredos circuswith the Laguna Grande embedded in the rock and geological formations that tell the story of ancient glaciers.
The route descends gently to the very edge of the lagoon, where the hiker finds a cozy refuge. Here you can take a break, enjoy a hot meal, book accommodation or simply gaze into the reflections of the water. He return It is done by going up to the Barreones and descending along the same path to the Platform.
The Gredos Platform regulates the entrance to this protected area. Road access is restricted and controlled by a ticket office, especially to avoid agglomerations and preserve the park’s delicate ecosystems. From Hoyos del Espino, at kilometer seven, vehicles pass through a checkpoint. Between October and June, access hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; in summer, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Current prices set the rate at 3 euros for passenger cars, 5 euros for motorhomes and 12 euros for buses.
From Madrid, the Platform can be reached in just over two hours via the AP-6, and from Ávila, in just over an hour. The regulation of the space and its careful sense of a natural park guarantee that the visitor enjoys an intense, exclusive and respectful experience with the environment.
