Elevated 1,000 meters above sea level, Serranillos occupies a small piece of the map, dotted with a combination of rustic houses, mountains and gorges placed randomly in that green blanket that covers the beautiful villa. Perhaps that is why it has been baptized with a name that any of its nooks and crannies honor. The more than 400 mountain people can get lost in those narrow streets that surround the epicenter of this enclave in the south of Gredos. But before setting foot on this earth, we want to do, if possible, something more special... Don't stay there to find out...
That morning was cloudy. I still remember the smell that the wet earth gave off when I inhaled deeply, still in Madrid, just in time to take the road that would take us to our destination, where we would begin a spectacular route.
My companions were delighted by the trip I proposed to them, since I knew very well the secrets that lay in this area of Ávila. They wanted to visit him as soon as possible; so, without hesitation, we decided to start our adventure, assisted by the mystery of what awaited us with open arms.
On the way, fast curves with some changes in gradient are the protagonists of the descent from Navas del Rey to Pelayos de la Presa, where a beautiful stretch between the pine forests that surround the San Juan and Picadas reservoirs, smiles at us as we pass . Despite it being still very early, we could not afford to stop and admire each enclave of the Sierra de Gredos. However, it is worth making a small stop in El Tiemblo, where each of the houses becomes a small private market.
As we progressed on our trip, the curves increased and a wonderful landscape opened up before us. That cobbled horizon that we saw before turns blue at this moment and reflects the few rays of the sun that deign to appear. It is the Embalse del Burguillo, a small paradise where we can deposit our load accumulated throughout the week. For the inhabitants of this area it is the heart of the Alberche, one of the classic rivers. And they are doing it a great honor, since this river originates in the heart of the Sierra de Gredos and gives rise to the so-called Alberche Valley, with well-known towns such as Hoyocasero, Navaluenga and Burgohondo.
Its three behaviors make the Alberche a river suitable for practice canoeing, whether you have a lot of experience, little or are just starting out. That is our surprise: to invite you to share with us the experience of that day. And we were going to do it in Trampalones, a perfect place to learn canoeing, acquire the necessary equipment and, of course, thoroughly enjoy nature.
But just embarking, well, not having any experience, the idea of venturing on a difficult section almost terrified us. So, we opted for the most common downhill section we could do. Both the excess and the lack of flow prevent you from practicing white water descent , although from mid-June to the end of November, descent is impossible because there is no minimum flow.
After a long day struggling with the rebellious foam of the rapids we ended up very tired, but it had been worth it, of that we were sure. What we needed now was a well-deserved rest, a good dinner and pleasant company. To do this, we were going to resort to one of the oases of the Sierra de Gredos: Serranillos, a small town nestled with grace and salt between the Paramera and the Tiétar Valley, which smiles from the famous port. which bears his name and which daring cyclists dare to climb every year.
Serranillos lives up to its name thanks to the magnitude of the mountains and mountains that surround it, decorate and define its people. But what escapes the history books and promotional brochures of this town located at 1,000 meters above sea level is the smell that hangs in its atmosphere as we approach it. Even though the sky was beginning to shelter us with its dark mantle, we were able to admire the two landscape elements that govern this municipality: Cabezo and La Picota, an endearing peak of which the mountain people are very proud; Therefore, it is rare that there is one that has not yet taken the honor of uploading.
With this pleasant weather, and the breaths of pure, fresh air, we had whet our appetites. Luckily, we were in the right place, since the many restaurants in the town serve tasty dishes based on lamb, suckling pig and all kinds of tapas.
The first rays of the sun greeted us in Serranillos. We were privileged, because the little house we had chosen allowed us to admire the grandeur of that land that folded before us. Its valley, its picturesque foothills, their abrupt gorges; Everything was admired and admirable here, in the heart of the mountains. After getting ready, we went for a walk through those cobbled streets. It was Sunday, the day when the townspeople and weekend visitors go out to have an aperitif; but there was still time for that, since it was still early. A walk through the greenest parts of the valley wouldn't hurt us at all.
Nothing is wasted, least of all food. Of course, the best way to immerse yourself in the deepest essence of mountain gastronomy is to try the most native products. What better way to do this than to be invited by one of its inhabitants. Two kind grandparents saw us so excited that they decided to take us to their house to try one of the best meals I have ever had the opportunity to taste.
A curious blood sausage, which, according to the old woman, is unique in the area, was responsible for whetting our appetite. A good plate of revolconas potatoes, cooked over low heat in the fireplace itself and a tasting of local slaughter were going to crown our after-dinner meal that day. Which, fortunately, was enlivened by the couple's narration of anecdotes. Thus, we were able to know that the narrow alley that appeared outside the door was previously a stream that, during periods of rain, grew to even alarming levels.
The kindness of this marriage made us realize that what is authentic is found here, deep in our roots. You don't have to go very far; Everything can be very close if you know how to take advantage of it. That's why we made the most of that afternoon: a coffee in the square... and behind us is Serranillos, where active tourism it surprised us in the best way.
