Summer Hike 🌳 Intermediate Level

Cercedilla - Siete Picos - Puerto de la Fuenfria Loop

Sunday, June 9, 2024

We will be heading to the mountains again in June for a slightly more strenuous hike than our recent easy hikes. This trip will take us to Cercedilla, where we'll hike up to the second of the Siete Picos, a short range of small granite peaks with views of the surrounding mountains and Madrid. Then we'll pass through collado ventoso and Puerto de la Fuenfria before descending back down to Cercedilla. 

Please note that this is an intermediate level hike and has a round trip distance of about 20 km (12 miles) and ascent/descent of about 1100m (3600 ft), with some short areas of steep ascent/descent. Those that come should have an adequate fitness level. Kids 14+ are welcome to join if they are able to keep up with the group. Dogs are also welcome if they have experience with hikes of at least moderate difficulty.

How we'll get there: 

• We will meet at the Chamartín Cercanías station at just after 9:00 am to grab the 9:17am train to Cercedilla, or feel free to board the same train from a different stop. Round trip ticket price should be €6-10 depending on which station you board from (free with abono joven). 
• If you are traveling with a dog, they are welcome on Cercanías but must travel with a muzzle.
• If you prefer to drive, you can meet us at the Cercanías station in Cercedilla at around 10:30 am (the earlier the better as parking fills up in Cercedilla). 
• Estimated hiking time including stops for lunch and photos is approximately 6-8 hours.
• We hope to catch the 19:30 train back to Madrid depending on our hiking speed, and be back by Estimated time back in Madrid by 20:30h. If we have time after the hike, we may stop for a drink on a terrace in Cercedilla before heading back. 

Technical details: 

• Round trip distance of about 20 km (12 miles) and ascent/descent of about 1100m (3600 ft), with some short areas of steep ascent/descent.
• Some flat, wide dirt paths, some single track paths, and some rocky areas 

What to bring:

• 1.5-2 L water
• Sandwich for lunch and any additional snacks or drinks you might like
• Comfortable clothes trail shoes or hiking boots
• Trekking poles if you'd like to use them for areas of steep ascent/descent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insurance is not included. It's possible to arrange individually or we are happy to direct you to a provider of "seguro de aventuras" for the day.