Ciclamadrid is an initiative developed by the Madrid Regional Government for those wishing to enjoy the beautiful local countryside by bike. This circular path covers many of the towns in the Madrid region, and is divided into sections to make it easier to follow. San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the reference point for two stages. There is also a circular urban route available here covering San Lorenzo de El Escorial and its surroundings, beginning and ending at El Escorial train station.

Stage 10: Moralzarzal to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This stage enters San Lorenzo de El Escorial via the Colada de Collado-Villalba as far as the Historic-Artistic Complex declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1971.

Stage 11: San Lorenzo de El Escorial to Robledo de Chavela. The route leaves San Lorenzo de El Escorial along Paseo de Carlos III, entering the La Herrería Woods (belonging to the Natura Network, and a Site of Cultural Interest known as the “Abantos Pine Woods and La Herrería Area”), and reaches the Seat of Felipe II before heading to Zarzalejo and Robledo de Chavela, skirting the Machotas mountains.

Urban route around San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Ciclamadrid also offers an urban tour for those visiting by bike.

This is a circular route beginning at El Escorial train station. From there head up Paseo de los Álamos, which runs parallel to the fence edging the park around the House of the Heir Apparent, entering the Historic-Artistic Complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial by crossing Calle del Rey, Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Floridablanca, and heading down Calleja Larga, crossing through the La Herrería Woods as far as the M-505 Highway.

Follow the highway to the El Batán Gulley, and there take the earth track which crosses through another part of La Herrería as far as the Ávila Highway, which then becomes Paseo de Carlos III. This section passes in front of the House of Prince Gabriel. The route follows Calle Timoteo Padrós, Calle Conde de Aranda and Avenida de Carlos Ruíz as far as the Euroforum Felipe II building.

From there it heads down Carlos Arniches, Maestro Alonso and Leandro Rubio before rejoining Paseo Carlos III, with the House of the Company, now home to the Royal University Centre of Escorial María Cristina, off to the left. Nearby is the viewing platform for the southern façade of the Monastery, with an entrance beneath the arches leading to the Friars’ Garden.
Once you have passed through the arches surrounding the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, head along Avenida de Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, passing the House of the Princes and the Queen on the left, the House of the Secretary of State (known as the Third House of Offices), the Second and First House of Offices, the last of which is home to the Tourist Office (at Calle Grimaldi 4). Continue as far as Plaza de la Virgen de Gracia.

From here head down the station road as far as Paseo de los Álamos, which will take you to the town of El Escorial, where you can visit the Church of San Bernabé and the famous “Borrowed” Monastery, before returning to the train station.

From the days of Felipe II and throughout the Royal Residences in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the kings spent much of their time hunting in the Royal Forests.

They were surrounded by a number of dry stone walls built in the era of Felipe II, one of the functions of which was to protect and preserve the game inhabiting the woodlands for the monarch’s enjoyment.

The walls make up a great Royal Enclosure, which was completely sealed off by Carlos IV. Sections can today still be seen at various locations around the town. (*)

Like almost all Spanish monarchs, Carlos III was a keen huntsmen. To a great extent because he feared falling prey to the madness that had affected his father Felipe V his brother Fernando VI. Long walks, physical exercise and sunlight helped the monarch to flee his haunting visions.

Carlos III’s hobby was illustrated by Francisco de Goya in a painting featuring the monarch against a landscape which could be El Escorial or El Pardo, with his arquebus and one of his dogs.

The Royal Site is now looking for 21st-century hunters. Alone, with your partner, family or friends, in an organised tour group… In short, however you like.

Grab your camera or mobile and head over to the El Romeral Estate along the Horizontal Path of San Lorenzo de El Escorial:

There you will find figures of the animals that Carlos III used to hunt in the Royal Forests.

Take photos of yourself with at least 7 different animals and present them at the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Tourism Office and Visitor Centre to claim a local gift.

Both the prizewinner and the “hunted” animals must be recognisable in the photo to qualify. If there are several of you, each individual must present “their own photos”. Group photos don’t count.

Take note:

• There’s no need to be a king to take part.
• Only the first 500 people to present their “trophies” can claim a reward.

Information about the forested area of La Herrería and the Abantos Pine Woods can be found on seven explanatory panels on the terrace of the El Seminario Spring office, allowing visitors to find out for themselves using the videos accessible via QR codes on the panels, or the explanations of the office staff.

A scientific and cultural education centre offering the chance to discover startling micro-fauna that will be unknown to many. A universe in miniature!

Insectpark is an Environmental Education Centre located in the Abantos Pine Woods and La Herrería Area, with an impressive collection of micro-fauna comprising living and naturalised species (colourful butterflies, spectacular beetles, enigmatic spiders and the rest).

They stage activities for children, families and schools.

Located on the slopes of Monte Abantos, the centre provides an insight into the regional ecosystems, traditional forestry practices and the interrelationship between the mountains and their surroundings. Those wishing to walk there should follow the signposted route of barely 2.2 km.

The Luis Ceballos Arboretum is a living museum covering 3.8 hectares, with over 250 different species of trees and shrubs native to the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. It has areas focusing on forestry culture and flora, as well as thematic self-guided tours.

Visitors are free to enter whenever the Centre is open. Scheduled activities are also staged.