Walk in the shade: 9 hiking routes to do in summer and autumn

Summer is coming to an end, autumn is beginning, the holidays are over and yet we find it difficult to find the desire to stay home.

After these months of travel and adventures in nature (for the lucky ones who have been able to), returning to the routine is hard. Therefore, it is best to do it little by little. Even if you have to go back to work, you can take advantage of the weekends to continue enjoying the hiking.

And, although we are already in September, the heat has made no sign of going away. What's more, it is as present as it was a month ago. That forces us to prescribe basic advice: Walk? Yes, but knowing how and where.

We cannot forget that in the summer routes, shadow is essential. If there is shade on the road, we can finish a route comfortably; without tiring before our time and, above all, without turning into real crabs or, worse still, giving rise to the dreaded heat stroke.

Therefore, I propose below 9 hiking routes perfectly detailed so you can choose your favorite on these still sunny days.

1) From Huelga Utrera to the Cueva del Agua (Jaén)

Being the largest protected area on the Iberian Peninsula, the Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park boasts a large number of trails and paths to explore. Going a little further away from the busiest areas, we find the Cueva del Agua route, in the Sierra de Segura.

The route begins in the small village of Huelga Utrera, accessible from the JF-7038 highway. From the same village, the path begins in a west direction that goes up the Segura River on its left bank. The trail is well groomed and marked with PR markers. After that first climb, it begins to flatten out, crossing fruit and walnut orchards.

A little further on, the road becomes a trail. About 45 minutes after the start, the route turns south and begins to climb moderately through a pine forest. The shade will accompany you on the climb and, when you reach the slope, you will enjoy incredible views over the Segura valley.

Later, as the valley narrows, you will walk next to the walls that hang over the river. If luck is with you, maybe you can see the bearded vulture flying over the area. After passing the caves, at approximately kilometer 4 of the route, you will find a detour to the right that heads towards Charco del Humo.

To the left, the route continues towards the Cueva del Agua, the end of the journey, which is reached in just 15 more minutes. This cave, crossed by a crystalline spring, is a clear exponent of the karst landscape that predominates throughout the Natural Park. The views over the Segura River will be a good reward for the effort put into the climb.

If you still feel like it, you can continue the upward path to the village of Poyotello, covering more than 6 kilometers in total. From there, at more than 1,400 meters above sea level, the views over the entire area are impressive.

2) Route to the Purgatorio Waterfalls (Madrid)

Starting from Rascafría, 97 kilometers from the country's capital, the Purgatorio Waterfalls route is simple but just as spectacular as other better-known routes in hiking in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

The path starts near the Paular monastery, 2 kilometers past the town. If you are a history lover, you will be interested to know that this architectural jewel dates back to the 14th century, being the first charterhouse in Castile, and that authentic treasures are kept inside, such as its alabaster altarpiece.

You begin by crossing the Forgiveness Bridge, a baroque work that owes its name to the trials express that were held there for the prisoners being led to the gallows. Next to the bridge there is a center where you can ask for information, although the signs along the way make it impossible to get lost.

Approximately 1 kilometer, at the height of the Las Presillas recreational area, the Lozoya River forms natural pools that invite you to swim. A plus to do this route in summer. You will continue walking among oak groves, a guarantee of shade at this time of year, and you will begin to ascend to go up the Aguilón River, one of the tributaries of the Lozoya.

Later, the oaks give way to the pine forest, and the path enters between large rock masses where, with some luck, you can see the black vulture flying over. The last section runs between the Majada Grande cliffs.

6 kilometers from the beginning you reach the Purgatory Waterfall, which can be seen from a wooden platform in front of it. To return, you can return along the same path or go down the opposite bank of the Aguilón River; although, in this case, the shadow is less.

3) Greenway of the Bear Trail (Asturias)

The Senda del Oso is one of the best-known places to do hiking in Asturias. It is a greenway with more than 40 kilometers of route that runs along old railway tracks between the councils of Teverga and Quirós, crossing bridges, tunnels and some other surprises.

Despite its length, the good condition of the road and the possibility of dividing it into smaller sections make it a great option for traveling with children and for people with reduced mobility. Furthermore, at both ends of the path it is possible rent a bicycle to do the Path on pedals.

If you walk from north to south, the beginning is in the village of Tuñón, where a sculpture of a bear welcomes you. The path follows the bed of the Trubia River towards the south and, along the way, you will change banks several times, crossing the river through small stone bridges.

Shortly before reaching Proaza, at kilometer 6 of the route, you pass through the Buyera recreational area. There is the enclosure where the bears Paca and Tola have lived since they were rescued from poaching as cubs. In Proaza you can learn a little more about the brown bear at the Casa del Oso, headquarters of the Brown Bear of Asturias foundation.

About 5 kilometers past Proaza you will reach a fork. Here you must decide if you want to continue the path to Entrago or to Santa Marina, passing through the Valdemurrio reservoir, where canoes can be rented. This means adding 14 kilometers to the route you already take.

If you continue towards Entrago, you will enter an increasingly wild landscape. You will have to cross the Penas Xuntas gorge and, later, the Valdecerezales gorge, both of great beauty. In this section, you will have to go through a large number of tunnels dug into the rock that, in addition to sheltering you from the sun, will give a touch of mystery to the adventure. When you arrive at Entrago, you will have traveled 22 kilometers.

In Entrago there is another recreational area and a bus line that you can use to return to the beginning of the route. If you still haven't gotten tired of walking, there is a last 9-kilometer stretch from Entrago to Cueva-Huerta that enters the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park.

4) Soaso steps, on the way to Cola de Caballo (Huesca)

The Cola de Caballo waterfall, in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido Natural Park, is one of the most popular places what to see in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Although in the last section the route runs through open meadows, for two thirds of its route it crosses leafy forests with constant shade. That gives us a good route of about 2 hours, ending in the Gradas de Soaso.

The route begins in the Pradera de Ordesa car park, following the signs to Cola de Caballo. The track is well signposted. You will begin by going up the Arazas River through forests and clearings, and, little by little, you will gain altitude until you reach the viewpoint of the Arripas waterfall.

At this point there is a detour that allows you to return to the Pradera de Ordesa on the other side of the river. Continue forward along the path to the left. You will enter an increasingly lush forest and pass other spectacular waterfalls, such as the Strait.

You will be aware of how the path gradually gains height as you immerse yourself in a beautiful beech forest. Although the leaves have not yet begun to obtain that ocher color characteristic of autumn, the feeling of magic and mystery that overwhelms you in these forests is equally unique at this time.

Before leaving the beech forest, you will leave behind, on the left, a detour that goes up to the Cotatuero circus. Upon leaving the forest the track narrows and runs in the shadow of the mountain. Soon, you will reach the Frachinal cave and, finally, the Gradas de Soaso. You will find several viewpoints to admire from different perspectives the succession of stepped waterfalls that reproduce a unique image.

If you want to continue to Cola de Caballo, you just have to continue through the valley, which is increasingly open. It will be another approximate hour of walking that, although equally beautiful, may be affected by the lack of shade during the summer.

5) Route of the Three Rivers (Galicia)

If something characterizes this route, it is water. The path, well prepared and signposted, runs the entire time without leaving the banks of the three rivers that give it its name: the Ulla, the Beseño and the Lañas. This, together with the amount of shade that you will enjoy during the route, makes it an ideal route for these last few hot days.

The path begins just in front of the Santaya recreational area, in the municipality of Touro. Shortly after starting, walking along the banks of the Lañas River, you will pass by an old mill, one of several that you will see along the route. Years ago, these mills, now disused, enjoyed intense activity among the residents of the area.

After approximately 2 kilometers, you will reach the Carballa mills (these have been rebuilt) and, 1 kilometer later, the Salto das Pombas waterfall, about 10 meters high. In this area, the path has been equipped with stairs and wooden walkways to overcome the difference in level and make it more accessible. You will first get an image of the waterfall from above, and then go down to the river and see it from the front.

After passing the waterfall, the trail begins a small climb until crossing the Beseño River. Afterwards, you will walk again along the banks of the Lañas River, passing through leafy forests of chestnut trees, pines and carballos. Later, the path will descend until reaching the third river, the Ulla, which is well known to practice family rafting in Galicia.

In this area, you can see the remains of ancient “pesqueiras”, stone constructions used for fishing in the river since Roman times. You will continue walking along the right bank of the Ulla River until you reach Basebe Ponte, thus ending this beautiful route.

6) La Sauceda Trail – Pico del aljibe (Málaga)

The place of La Sauceda is one of those places in which history has made an impact in such a way that time seems to have stopped, and a feeling of awe invades whoever visits it. In a truly spectacular natural environment, it is not surprising that this trail is one of the favorites of visitors to the Alcornocales Natural Park.

The route begins in the recreational area of La Sauceda, which is reached via the CA-8201 highway from Jimena de la Frontera. The path enters a forest of cork oaks and gall oaks to climb the valley of the Pasadallana stream.

After passing the Molino del Medio, the path approaches the town of La Sauceda, whose hermitage barely keeps the walls standing. This difficult-to-access place was a hiding place for many supporters of the republic during the Civil War and suffered harsh attacks by Franco's troops. It is therefore a place that is admired with regret, despite the beautiful environment that surrounds it.

The path now turns left, following a sign that reads “Sendero del Pico del Aljibe” to enter the forest again. The fog and shadow cause that subtropical forest effect where new species such as holly and oak trees are added. Later, the path begins to ascend through bushes on a steep slope that, if it has rained, can be muddy.

As you ascend, the views become impressive. Upon reaching a small clearing, the slope decreases and the trail enters a less dense forest. On the right, you can see the rock massif that separates the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga. Here you will have to cross a fence that gives access to the highest peaks of the mountain range. You will then pass by the Queen's Pool, where they say that Isabel La Catolica once bathed.

All you have to do is reach the Aljibe peak, at 1092 meters above sea level, and enjoy the views of the Natural Park and the birds of prey that fly over it, before heading back.

7) Zabaleta Route, in the Irati Jungle (Navarra)

The Irati Forest is one of the best preserved beech forests in Spain, along with, for example, the Tejera Negra beech forest. In autumn, the color of the beech leaves is spectacular. But even before it arrives, it is possible to enjoy its trails, well marked and maintained, under the pleasant shade cast by the trees.

One of these routes is the Zabaleta route, which begins at the Casas de Irati reception center, which is accessed via the NA-2012 highway from the town of Ochagavía. The trail, marked SL NA-63A, emerges right next to the information booth and is very well marked throughout the entire route.

You must walk about 300 meters along a forest track before turning to the right along a path that ascends little by little, entering a magnificent forest. There, the feeling of calm and tranquility will instantly overwhelm you, making you connect with nature in a way you didn't think was possible.

The path surrounds the Loma de la Vieja and offers us beautiful views of the Irati River valley before beginning to descend again until reaching a new track, which coincides with the long-distance trail GR-11. A kilometer and a half later, you will take the detour to the left that leads to the forestry house, now disused.

The house, located at the end of the Irabia reservoir, marks the midpoint of the route, 4 kilometers from the beginning. You will find a fork that will give you the choice between skirting the reservoir (SL NA-53C trail) or returning to the starting point; yes, by a different path.

The return combines sections of path between beech trees with sections along the bank of the Irati River. The murmur of the water along with the songs of the birds help to recreate that mystical atmosphere that accompanies you from the beginning. Finally, it joins the GR-11 track again, to return without further complications, to the Casas de Irati.

8) Majaceite River Trail (Cádiz)

In the province of Cádiz there is one of the places in Spain with the highest rainfall rate. This gives rise to abundant and dense vegetation that even on hot days allows for a visit to the Sierra de Grazalema.

The Majaceite River route connects the towns of El Bosque and Benamahoma, and is one of the most beautiful and simple that can be done in this destination. To get to the beginning, you have to follow a path that appears in front of the El Bosque bullring, next to the Las Truchas hotel. After 600 meters we will find the sign that symbolizes the beginning of the route, in the vicinity of the youth hostel.

The path, practically flat, runs parallel to the river under the pleasant shade of the riverside vegetation. Among other trees, you can see elms, willows and ash trees. The river water that accompanies you is crystal clear and invites you to take advantage of these last few hot days to take a dip.

After passing a small dam, you reach some wooden walkways that allow you to cross the area without getting wet during times when rain usually floods the land. Always following the river, you reach the Molino de Arriba, where the vegetation begins to open up, giving rise to orchards and pastures.

The clearing does not last long, as you will once again be surrounded by a gallery forest that provides constant shade. You will find several signs that inform you about the fauna found in the surroundings, among which the otter stands out. The terrain becomes more uneven, although not at all difficult, and you will have to climb flights of stone or wooden steps.

The river flows strongly through this part, giving rise to small jumps and waterfalls that add attraction to the route. You will pass through several bridges, changing shore again and again, and you will not be able to resist taking out your camera to immortalize some of these beautiful corners of the mountains.

Once again, you reach an esplanade next to the river and the remains of another old mill that is barely standing. In the last section, the fruit trees and orchards can be seen again. The route ends with a wooden platform that leads to the parking lot at the entrance to the town of Benamahoma.

9) Route of the Sierra Mariola cellars (Alicante)

The Sierra Mariola Natural Park occupies one of the most charismatic mountain ranges in the Valencian Community. In addition to a great wealth of flora and fauna, there are vestiges of human settlements since time immemorial. One of the representative constructions of this story are the refrigerators or cellars, in which snow was stored and later removed in the form of ice blocks.

This route runs through trees to look for the different caves that are preserved in the mountains. A tour that mixes history and nature, ideal to enjoy one last adventure before returning to the routine.

The trail begins in the Agres recreational area, where you can leave your car. The area has tables, a fountain and even a restaurant; which can be appreciated at the end of the route. For a few minutes, you will have to climb away from the town until you reach the lower part of the Agres sanctuary, which you will skirt to turn right.

Follow the path marked PR-CV 27 and continue climbing to enter the Barranc de l'Assut. You will walk in a zigzag pattern along the mountainside, crossing constant Aleppo pine formations that provide pleasant shade. Just before reaching the Montcabrer refuge you will find the first cava, the Cava del Teix, which is located to the left of the path, although a little hidden by ivy and undergrowth.

Past the refuge is also the Cava de l'Habitació, more visible and in a better state of conservation. Then you must turn right to take a forest track that descends towards the Gran Cava, the most famous in the mountains. It differs from the others due to its hexagonal shape and the 6 stone arches that once supported a dome above it.

Continue along the forest track heading west to reach Cava del Buitre, which is hidden among pine forests. It is the smallest on the road but, in return, it maintains a very good state of conservation. At the next bend, you must turn left to continue along a path that leads to the Cava de Don Miguel, the last one on the route.

Finally, all that remains is to return to the starting point, this time taking the PR-CV 104 trail, which leads to the Zamorano refuge. The descent occurs again, for the most part, between pine forests. Once at the refuge, the path turns right and ends at the recreational area at the beginning.

Trails, greenways, quiet family walks or authentic trekking routes... Regardless of their length and difficulty, they all have something in common: they are designed for walk in the shadow.