PR-CU 06 – Fern Trail

Explore the Ferns and the History of Masegosa on a Unique Trail

Welcome to Masegosa, a picturesque town that rises to 1,390 metres above sea level and which hides stories and natural wonders. With its origins dating back to the Iron Age, this place has witnessed the evolution of humanity and the cycles of nature. Are you ready to embark on a path full of discoveries?

History and Nature in One Place

Masegosa hides in its bosom the Cave of the Greeks, a witness to the ancient inhabitants who used these natural caves as a refuge in the harsh winter conditions. During the Muslim era, livestock farming was the livelihood of the population and these caves were used daily. As for historical heritage, Masegosa gives us the Church of Santa Ana, an architectural jewel with centuries of history.

But history is not the only protagonist. Masegosa is home to Remains of Iguanodon, a herbivorous dinosaur which inhabited these lands 135 million years ago. The dense pine forests are home to chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, deer, stags and roe deer. In addition, the region has limestone caves ideal for caving.

A few kilometers from the town, you will discover the Tormagal, a natural setting that is compared to the famous Enchanted City. Here, you will find amazing karst formations such as the “Callejones”, “The Fossil Tree”, “The Wall”, “The Locomotive” and other natural wonders that will leave an indelible impression.

Fern Trail: Exploring Natural Beauty

Start your adventure in Masegosa and head south on the CUV-9031 road, which connects the town with Santa María del Val and Poyatos. Be careful while walking on this road, as it is narrow and has no shoulder, although traffic is usually light.

After travelling for approximately half a kilometre, you will leave the paved road and enter a wide path that heads east. This path will take you through narrow, limestone terrain next to the Arroyo Seco, which will gradually open up to an area of meadows and scrubland, where it is common to find livestock.

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Directions for the route

Along the way, You will come across the Fuente Barranco and approach the Cueva de Herrero. Near this cave, you will find a crossroads that will offer you the option of visiting the Cueva de los Griegos, which is located on the other side of the C-9211 road. However, the main route turns sharply west, leaving the track. Here, you will walk along a narrow path inside the pine forest, which runs parallel to the C-9211 road, which connects Beteta with the mountain town of C-2106. The path will gradually become more noticeable as you progress and you will follow the remains of an old bridle path that was displaced by the road.

Finally, you will leave the pine forest and approach the outskirts of Masegosa. You will take a narrow street that still has some cobbled sections and you will descend between what were once fertile fields until you reach a valley near the town.

From this elevated point near Masegosa, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Next, you will face the last stretch of the route, which ascends along a track until you reach the town of Masegosa again.