Empty string
Section B
·The itinerary runs to the left, along the rope which we follow for about 30 m, until locating somecatchment network manholesand water distribution, where we find a path that ascends directly. We continue this ascent through an eroded area using a large rock as a reference. Further up, we reach a fork, where a wooden stake will serve as a reference to take the right-hand branch.
·This path runs through resin pines to the road, after crossing a fenced area called“vivero de los Gallegos”.The terraces cultivated with cherry trees can be seen. This is what remains of a small orchard, some of which were granted to forest agents for their use and enjoyment, cultivated through terracing in beds. Continuing along the path, we will arrive at an area with recent reforestation of pine and holm oak.
·Immediately afterwards we will reach the road at a point close to theConcha fountain.Our path continues straight ahead, following the power lines to the resting area and the San Juan de Malagón pass. We are in an area where the dominant vegetation will be the Scots pine, and along the streams some willow, brambles, and wild roses. Continuing along the road to the left, towards the pass, we will find theLuis Ceballos Arboretum.If we decide to refresh ourselves in theFuente de la Concha,before embarking on the final stretch of the journey, we must descend to the right along the road.
·Before reaching it, we will see a path to our left, next to a fire risk sign, which will lead us to a place where we will see a large beech tree (Fagus sylvaticus), Spanish firs (Abies pinsapo), and even larches (Larix decidua). Above theConcha Fountainit highlights the silhouette of two giants, magnificent specimens of Spanish fir. All these species were introduced in old reforestation projects. The surrounding environment is the result of centuries-old transformations that natural vegetation has undergone. Potentially, it would be represented by a Quercus pyrenaica grove.
·Furthermore, the solana situation favours the settlement of holm oaks (Quercus ilex subsp. Ballota), which rise to these heights alongside species associated with high-altitude oak forests (supramediterranean). However, we would be at the upper limit of this formation. For these reasons, in the Arboretum, one can observe young shoots of Pyrenean oak and holm oak – given that livestock can no longer browse them due to the closure of the enclosure – alongside woody species such as gum cistus (Cistus ladanifer), laurel-leaved cistus (Cistus laurifolius), Florida gorse (Genista florida), common broom (Cytisus scoparius), Spanish topping lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. Pedunculata), spurge daphne (Daphne gnidium), lavender cottony aster (Santolina rosmarinifolia), common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Miera juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. Badia), dog rose (Rosa canina, R. micrantha), blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius), etc.
·On the other hand, along the stream of the Arca del Helechal, the only watercourse that crosses the Arboretum, the grey willow (Salix atrocinerea) and the narrow-leafed ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) grow spontaneously, their crowns forming a magnificent tree canopy.
·Opposite the entrance to the Arboretum, at the far end of the vehicle car park, there is also a path that climbs up the hill towards the El Malagón pass. It is aancient path of Peguerinos, which will lead us as an alternative path to the resting place and the port of San Juan de Malagón.
·At the top of the pass, at 1,537 m altitude, lies the resting area: a clear zone where mountain brooms appear. From this point, we will have magnificent views over the Tobar reservoir and the Sierra de la Paramera, the final foothills of the Sierra del Guadarrama, from which the Alto de Cartagena with its wind farm stands out. In the distance, the first foothills of the Sierra de Gredos: Cerro Guisando, Cabeza de la Parra and even on clear days the peaks of the central part of the Sierra de Gredos with Galana and Almanzor as the highest points of this range.
This section ascends towards the San Juan de Malagón pass amidst pine trees, old forest nurseries, the Fuente de la Concha and the Luis Ceballos Arboretum, with views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and Gredos.