The best running trails around Sotalbo

Manqueospese Castle, also known as "Althoughospese," is located in the municipality of Mironcillo, Ávila, at an altitude of 1,360 meters, overlooking the Amblés Valley. This castle is an example of a European mountain fortress, with strong walls adapted to the rocky terrain. Construction of the castle began in the 15th century by the Dávila family and was completed by Esteban Dávila in the 16th century. The castle is surrounded by legends, including stories of unrequited love and rivalries between knights. Its name, "Manqueospese," is said to come from the expression "although it weighs on you," which is related to these legends. From its privileged position, the castle offers stunning views of the Amblés Valley and the walls of Ávila. Although it is currently in ruins, restoration and cleaning work are underway.

Beautiful and quiet path through the river landscape between Ávila and El Fresno.

According to legend, the castle would be built by Don Raimundo, to communicate with his beloved Doña Guiomar, locked in the balcony that crowns the door of the Rastro (in Ávila, access through the Dávila house), given the prohibition of her father. for the couple to continue their love affairs. Given the paternal attitude, Don Raimundo exclaimed: "I'll see her manqueospese" or "I'll see her even though she weighs", and it was then that he built his castle, from which he apparently communicated with his beloved Guiomar.

Population that is located at the foot of the northern side of the Sierra de Panamera and that on one of its sides is the Castillo de Manqueospese. As it is surrounded by mountains, as soon as you get up, you can see the entire core.

Impressive castle that is located close to the town of Sotalbo and that has a scene worthy of a movie. The walls and towers create a beautiful image on a hill!

The Río de la Garaganta descends through this valley that has formed over the years and that lets us see how the Sierra de Panamera peaks rise behind us.

The unique granite landscape is the result of the mineral composition, climatic changes and the weathering of the rock surfaces, giving rise to suggestive modeling forms. The most striking process is the slabs, the boats, the corridors and alleys and the granular disintegration, creating an authentic labyrinth of stone sculptures. To the west, at the headwaters of the Adaja River, the white reliefs of La Serrota emerge. The path follows the ridge and collides with the top pyramid of Zapatero in a clear hill where the ascent to the top begins on the southwest face. The ascent is marked with stone milestones. The ice and the amount of snow will determine the technical level of the ascent. First there is a rocky step to a wide and comfortable shoulder, where the final attack begins through a channel that leads to the access passage to the geodesic vertex through a kind of tunnel. The views from the top of the remaining section of the rope are breathtaking between large granite domes and giant speedboats, but it is actually easier than the previous section and almost all descent. The descent of the peak is along the east face, to a pass where the Path of Zapatero climbs from the left from Sotalvo.

patient the climb