River Dulce Ravine, La Cabrera

This is undoubtedly one of the natural places most closely linked to the Way of El Cid, because several sections of the trekking and MTB routes (from Mandayona to Jodra del Pinar) run next to its crystalline waters and take travellers to some of the more hidden and attractive corners. Many of the 36 kilometres of the course of the River Dulce are in a deep gorge with difficult access, where the land is not suitable for growing crops. Together with the quite homogeneous flow in the river, this has allowed exceptional natural conditions to be maintained, away from any human pressure.

From La Cabrera, different footpaths will offer the opportunity of discovering the beauty and unique nature of the different landscapes forming the Natural Park. In the upper part, overlooking the landscape of the High Alcarria, the limestone moor looks like an endless plain covered by holm oak, deciduous oak, juniper and pastures. The escarpments of the ravine cut through the monotony of the moor, creating a variety of geological formations, such as rock-shelters, arches and pinnacles that shelter a multitude of birds. More exposed slopes are covered by scree that is colonised by the most specialised vegetation. Finally, the banks of the River Dulce are lined by leafy riverine vegetation, with willows, ash-trees, white poplar and plantations of black popular.

• Access by car: the regulations of the Natural Park do not allow cars to drive in the River Dulce Ravine. However, a car park is available and can be reached from the CM-1101 road. Take a signposted turning to La Cabrera (Kilometre 15.4) and continue for one kilometre along an attractive road that goes down to the ravine, where you can park at the entrance to La Cabrera, in the Natural Park.
• Access for people with limited mobility: the Natural Park has created a route for the blind, 1.5km long, which starts from La Cabrera and follows the river downstream.
• Legal protection: the Natural Park of the River Dulce Ravine forms part of the Special Protection Area for Birds ES0000166 and the Site of Community Importance ES4240025 (River Dulce Ravine).
• Seasonality: the ravine can be visited all year, but the scenery reaches its greatest splendour in spring and autumn. Recommendations, what to see and do: travellers can visit the Natural Park of River Dulce Ravine Interpretation Centre in Mandayona (on the way out of the town, next to the swimming-pools and a picnic area).

Rev.: PAB 05.05.23