Day 16 – to Uña

I had my eye on a hike in the Cuenca Natural Park, just above the village of Las Majadas. Out of the Natural Parks I have so far been in, this is the most picturesque, with a heavy coating of forest giving way to occasional bald spots when up the summits, around 1500 metres. That was the case here; atmospheric forest tracks, this time of elm amongst occasional pine, and splendid views occasionally. The area is called Dehesa de los Olmos. It is a much drier climate than further east where I have been in the last few days, and an area typical of the region, in that there has been a huge population drain over the last 20 years. On the Montanas Vacias bike trail, which comes through here, there is a long way between any services, and there is not much there when you get to them.

By vehicle forever, to continue in the Cuenca Natural Park it is necessary to descend to 1,000 metres to Villalba de la Sierra and then ascend again. But just before the ascent my attention was caught by a sign just off the road..

But it was a Monday of course, and after a busy weekend, it was 4 pm and closed for the day. As a tear began to drip from my eye, a pick up truck rolled up behind me and the hirsute owner got out, to do a bit of tidying up. I managed to talk my way into a beer, and he showed me off his premises, upon which dogs, other than his, were not allowed.. the 4 reasons in the photograph..

It was just a quick visit, but a really worthwhile one.

From there on to the town of Uña, situated on a very scenic lake under the ridges of the Sierra de Cuenca. I parked up at the high viewing point just out of town, and wandered back in for a beer and to study the restaurant situation. This is more of a tourist spot, with two restaurants open, but not serving any food until 9.30, too late for me tonight. I was back at the van just before the rain came; a cold front coming through, which is quite welcome.