Eurotrip 9, 2022 – Day 3 Red Route at Monfrague

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We wanted to find a nice walk around the national park for Day 3. We were considering the red route which takes in all the significant landmarks and in total is 16km. We had already visited the information centre and the kind Spanish park warden lady had smiled sweetly and said it’s a nice easy route which should take around 3 hours.

When we visited to grab a map today, the second Spanish warden looked at us; then looked a second time and said maybe it will take 5 hours. What she clearly wanted to say was that perhaps there are more appropriate routes for a couple of oldies and one somewhat overweight oldie!

We decided on a shortened route which would still see the main sites but chop about 40% off the walk.

We joined the route at the car park near “Feuente del Frances” and trekked along the side of the river Tajo.

Alongside the River Tajo
Fauna alongside the River Tajo
Perhaps Joe needs to shed a pound or three
Alongside the River Tajo

We would arrive at Salto del Gitano where the large outcrop of rocks is home to the many vultures and birds of prey which inhabit this national park. We spent a while observing the sheer beauty of the location before heading onwards and upwards to the Castillo de Monfrague,

Moe observing the Griffin vultures
Salto del Gitano

We eventually arrived at the Castillo de Monfrague, 3 miles into the trail after a gruelling 3 hours. The last mile to the top of the castle was just brutal but it was certainly worth the effort. The views from the top of the world were absolutely stunning.

And we finally got to eat our packed lunch!

Views from the Castillo de Monfrague

You can just see the road bridge across the river which is where we departed for our hike today.

Views from Castillo de Monfrague
Top of the world
And finally a late lunch

The return journey was all down hill and a darn sight faster the route to the top. Fantastic hike, maybe next time we can do the full 16k. Here is what we managed to achieve.

Red route Monfrague National Park
Elevation statistics