Quintanilla de las Viñas, Peñalara, and Cubillejo Dolmen Loop
Quintanilla de las Viñas, Peñalara, and Cubillejo Dolmen Loop
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Quintanilla de las Viñas, Peñalara, and Cubillejo Dolmen Loop
04:55
17.7km
330m
Hiking
Hike 11.0 miles (17.7 km) to explore the Peñalara massif and the ancient Dolmen of Cubillejo de Lara from Quintanilla de las Viñas.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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57 m
Ermita de Quintanilla de las Viñas
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.06 km
Dinosaur Footprints
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.13 km
Dolmen of Cubillejo de Lara
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.64 km
Church of Cubillejo de Lara
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.9 km
Peña Carazo
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
17.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.3 km
2.61 km
476 m
280 m
Surfaces
14.7 km
2.25 km
667 m
112 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,270 m)
Lowest point (1,010 m)
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Weather
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Monday 25 May
30°C
11°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical duration and difficulty of this hike?
This circular hike is considered moderate, covering approximately 17.7 km with an elevation gain of around 330 meters. It typically takes about 4 hours and 55 minutes to complete at a steady pace. Hikers should be in good physical condition, though some sources describe it as easy with medium demand.
Where can I park to start the hike?
The trail starts from Quintanilla de las Viñas. You can find parking available in the vicinity of the village, which serves as the starting point for this circular route.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the route?
The terrain is varied. It begins on asphalted roads before joining the GR-82 trail. You'll pass through areas with holm oaks and junipers, but also encounter stony paths with loose rocks, requiring careful footing. The Peñalara massif itself features rocky, granite compositions and impressive cliffs.
What are the main points of interest along the trail?
The route is rich in historical and natural sights. You can explore the Visigothic Ermita de Quintanilla de las Viñas, the ancient Dolmen of Cubillejo de Lara, and the Church of Cubillejo de Lara. Other highlights include Dinosaur Footprints and the summit of Peña Carazo. You'll also encounter the evocative Castillo de Lara and an ancient 2,500-year-old defensive wall.
Are there any panoramic viewpoints on the hike?
Yes, from the elevated points of the Peñalara massif, you are rewarded with impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This includes the mountain ranges of Demanda, Neila, and Urbión, as well as the entire Lara valley.
Is this trail suitable for dogs?
The trail is generally suitable for dogs, but it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or near historical sites to ensure their safety and respect for the environment and other hikers.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the "Peñalara y Dolmen de Cubillejo de Lara — circular desde Quintanilla de las Viñas" trail.
What is the best time of year to hike this route?
The trail can be enjoyed during most seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so an early start is advisable. Winter hiking is possible but may require appropriate gear for colder conditions and potential icy patches on higher, stony sections.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. Notably, it follows parts of the GR-82 trail and intersects with the Way of Saint Olav, El Destierro, and the Camino de Covarrubias, among others.
Are there any technical sections or challenges on the trail?
While generally moderate, the trail does have some sections with stony paths and loose rocks that require careful footing. To reach the summit of Peñalara, hikers might encounter a short, more challenging section that involves assistance from magnificently placed chains.
Are there any facilities like cafes or accommodation near the trailhead?
Quintanilla de las Viñas, the starting point, is a small village. While options might be limited directly at the trailhead, you can typically find cafes, pubs, or accommodation in nearby larger towns or villages in the Burgos region for pre- or post-hike refreshments and stays.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Source: www.naturautas.com This proposed circular route starts from Quintaniña de las Viñas, a pretty town in the Tierras de Lara region. We have collected the route itself from Julio's blog (ventederuta.com). From Quintanilla de las Viñas, we park our cars on the main street, to the left, as there is always room. Heading north we look for the Lara de los Infantes road, while we walk a few meters along the GR-82 Demand Path. A path to the left of the road will take us to the Visigothic hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Viñas. Passing the hermitage, we continue the path until we reach a little hill, where a beautiful path to the right will take us into the Castillo de Lara. We can enjoy wonderful views. We go back to go west to climb Peñalara, each time the slope becomes steeper and almost at the top, some rocky steps separate us from the top. Some grip chains will give us a lot of security, even necessary in the snowy season. Peñalara is a limestone plain, where numerous species of birds inhabit, a via ferrata was also installed there on its vertical walls. Its geodesic vertex with 1296 meters of altitude you will enjoy 360º of impressive views. We continue west through a leafy holm oak forest to Cubillejo de Lara, and on one of its branches a track to the south will take us into the well-known Cubillejo de Lara dolmen. It is an obligatory stop to spend a few minutes there and contemplate what our ancestors built there. Many tourists are the ones who come there every day, so most of the time we will not be alone. We will return to Quintanilla de las Viñas along a path, but first we will pass through a rocky plate with dinosaur footprints. The path connects with the highway and in a short time we will reach the town. It is important when you arrive to consume in the town, there is Bea and her Cantinilla with her traditional and homemade cuisine.