Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park — Attraction in Manzanares el Real

Nice size town with about 10 restaurants. With a lovely trek to an idyllic river side location...... Follow the Guardians on-line article about natural swimming in Spain. Park at the foot of the forest of pinetrees. You can't drive any further between 10.30 and 18.30. Follow 'small white chevron on blue' signs (or follow the road to be boring) and go as far as you possibly can (4.5 km) After the barrier, after the 3rd car park on the right. When the gravel path eventually does a hard hairpin uphill left just go in a straight line instead, through the rocks and shrubs (must be physically able and kids should perhaps be 8 and over) and just hope for the best. 5 to 7 mins later: If you like tranquillity and beautiful rushing water and big-arse ants then sit here for a picnic and freezing cold dip with mountain goats watching you. Lovely. Well worth it. The home trek is...

Beautiful hiking routes. We took an easy route along the river, a few km’s out from the information center. They gave us a map and free info. They don’t sell anything to drink or whatever, so make sure to bring water and snacks. We followed the white/yellow trail up to a really rocky and slippery (it was raining) path and turned back there. All together our hiking was 2.5hrs and loved it. Relatively easy hike, some minor rock stepping. Could do it with my sneakers. Would not recommend with dogs or small children though, unless you stay away from the rocks. Bring a rain coat and remember it gets chilly up higher. Loved it and...

This is a fantastic place to go hiking on weekends. There's a gravel road which takes you all the way up to the lookout points which have fantastic views down the valley all the way to Madrid in the distance. Walking is easy through the pine forest and suitable for all levels of fitness. Ample parking is available free of charge. In the area is an amazing zip line park for the kids to have fun called 'De Pino a Pino' check the website for prices. The place can be busy...