Valley of the Fallen Trail

The trail itself is an easy Sunday stroll. I took my then 4 year-old son and his 70 year-old grandmother on it and both did just fine. The only problem we had was at the very end because to get a really good view you have to climb up, down and around on rocks, etc. so I had to leave them behind in order to be able to get the last few photos.

  

The Valley of the Fallen is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Community of Madrid. If you get the chance, go visit it. See more: Valley of the Fallen

The map at the left will give you an idea of how to get to the trail head. First, you've got to get to Peguerinos (Google Maps). The way I went is up to Puerto Cruz Verde from El Escorial and turn right. It's easy going after that. You've got to follow the back roads past Casa de La Cueva "F. Las Negras" (F=Fuente or fountain - that's the first picture in the series with the horses). Then, you've got to walk for about 30-45 minutes up to "R. La Naranjera" (R=Refugio or shelter - see the shelter without its roof in a photo above). Then head down to the left for about 2 minutes and you'll be able to see the top of the cross. If you like, you might be able to double check all this at a little tourist information office in Peguerinos. Also, we stayed at a campgrounds called Valleenmedio.