PR-CU 49 – Dehesilla Valley and Alto de la Nava Route
Between greens and rocks
Discover the Natural Beauty of the Dehesilla Valley and the Alto de la Nava in Cuenca
The Dehesilla Valley and Alto de la Nava are stunning destinations for those who love nature and want to explore the unique landscapes of Cuenca. This circular trail will take you from the town of Valdecabras through a steep terrain, typical of the Serranía Conquense, where limestone cliffs and thick pine forests take center stage. Along the way, you can enjoy various natural attractions and experience the ethnographic and cultural richness of the area. Here we take you on this exciting hike.
It begins in the Population
Your adventure begins in the village and follows a well-maintained track that connects Valdecabras with Buenache de la Sierra.In this initial part of the tour, you will be surrounded by orchards and small farmlands, providing a lovely introduction to the local landscape.
Steep Terrain and Stunning Landscapes
After approximately 1 kilometre of walking, you will enter the Dehesilla Valley through a narrow, leafy path. Here, you will cross a bridge over the stream and continue upstream, alternating between areas with little vegetation and areas of dense pine forests.
Fountain of Gold Council and Fountain of the Morisca
When you reach kilometer 1.5, you will pass near the Fountain of Gold Council, a location that adds a touch of freshness to your walk. The valley will narrow and you will be surrounded by pines, junipers and gorse. Later, you can make a stop at the Fuente de la Morisca, where you will find fresh water and the remains of the Tinada del Tejar, an old shepherds' shelter that also housed a small traditional tile factory. The vegetation will change to oak in this area, adding a unique dimension to your experience.
The Villares and Farmlands
At kilometer 4.0, you will reach a track in the Los Villares area, a place that could have been an Arab settlement. Here, the terrain will open up and you will cross the stream again, which is now on your right.
High Mountain Area
When you reach kilometer 5.0, you will be at the furthest point of the route, at the head of the Arroyo de la Dehesilla. This is a high mountain area with extensive grasslands and sparse vegetation, where juniper trees of a certain size are abundant. From there, you will turn south, skirting La Talayuela.
The Collado de la Nava
You will enter the pine forest in search of the La Nava area and then ascend to Collado de la Nava, where you will cross a track that will take you back to the village. From here, you will find a crossroads that will allow you to take a detour and visit the Alto de la Nava geodetic vertex, with panoramic views of La Nava, El Aguerillo and the town of Buenache de la Sierra.
Stunning Views and Natural Watchtowers
Continuing along the main path, you will advance south along this hill. To your right, you can enjoy the vertical walls of Las Corralizas, on the other side of the Dehesilla Valley. At one point on the route, you will come across a section of the path GR 66 and you will cross the Puntal de las Marimorenas.
The Adventure Ends
You will reach the end of the track, near the town's repeater. You will descend a steep slope following a path that winds along the side of the puntal and will bring you closer to the town. You will pass by the Peak of the Vulture, an excellent natural watchtower from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the Valdecabras Valley. You will continue descending and reach the town centre, passing by the Peña de los Pájaros.
Explore the natural beauty of Cuenca on the Dehesilla Valley and Alto de la Nava hike. This route will take you through stunning landscapes and allow you to discover the richness of the local flora, fauna and culture. Always be aware of local regulations and make sure you contribute to the conservation of this beautiful natural environment for future generations.
Discover unforgettable scenery and natural gems, every corner reveals the authenticity of the Serranía de Cuenca. Here you will find a selection of places you cannot miss.
