The best road cycling routes around Laguna del Barco

The Old Bridge of El Barco de Ávila, also known as the Medieval Bridge, is one of the most representative symbols of this town in Ávila. It crosses the Tormes River and connects the historic center with the old communication route to Castile and León. Although its current structure is medieval (12th–13th centuries), it is believed to have been built on Roman foundations.

Valdecorneja Castle, located in El Barco de Ávila, is a medieval gem that dominates the Tormes River valley from a strategic, elevated position. It is one of the most emblematic monuments in the province of Ávila and a must-see for history and architecture lovers.

17 kilometers of mountain pass (on both sides, Ambroz Valley from Hervás or Jerte Valley from Cabezuela del Valle). From Cabezuela del Valle, the first 12 kilometers average an average gradient of 7%, with some 10% gradients, and from the 12th kilometer onward, there are some rest stops with wonderful views. This side has a gradient of approximately 900 meters, up to 1,430 meters.

Built on a Vettonian fort that was destroyed by the Romans, it was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 14th century. After being conquered from the Arabs, King Alfonso VI donated the Lordship of Valdecorneja to his daughter and son-in-law, Ramon de Borgoña, for repopulation. At the beginning of the 14th century, Henry II of Trastamara donated these lands to the House of Alba in the person of Don García Álvarez de Toledo. The House of Alba was responsible for building the castle. Grand Duke Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo had his second residence here. During the Peninsular War, it suffered significant deterioration, not only due to the war itself but also because its stones were used to build private homes. The old interior arcade (which apparently formed a double gallery on the inside of the tower) was dismantled and rebuilt to provide arcades for the town hall building, located in the Plaza Mayor. Between 1851 and 1904, the interior of the castle grounds was used as a municipal cemetery, which further deteriorated its condition. Today, the exterior is in perfect condition after restorations carried out in 1985 and 2004, preserving its original perimeter. The pavement and part of the keep were repaired. Access to the monument is free, and visitors can see the well located in the center of the courtyard, a vaulted cistern excavated in the subsoil rock, and the ancient windows and oriel windows with double pointed arches. The courtyard is used for certain cultural events held in this town.

Located in the north of the province of Cáceres, the port of Honduras provides spectacular views of the two large valleys it connects: the Ambroz valley and the Jerte valley. From both Gargantilla and Cabezuela del Valle, hikers can avoid the road and crown this pass along trails and dirt tracks that are part of the GR 10.

Beautiful port between the Ambroz Valley and the Jerte Valley with a constant slope of about 6%

It is a charming town, which still preserves the traditional architecture of the valley. It is worth walking through its narrow streets and contemplating the wooden balconies and original stone constructions.

This is one of the best-known mountain passes in the Sierra de Gredos area and is also important as it separates the two most important basins in the Iberian Peninsula, the Duero and the Tagus.