What to do · La Alberca and the Sierra de Francia
Las Batuecas Valley and the Cabras Pintadas
Information
- Duration
- 4 h
- Distance
- 8 km
- Season
- Spring and autumn; not in rain or snow
- Who it's for
- Walkers in good shape; high difficulty
South of La Alberca, the road climbs to the Portillo pass and drops abruptly into the Las Batuecas valley, an enclosed valley with steep slopes, with rockroses, heathers, junipers, cork oaks and holm oaks. At the bottom is the Desierto de San José de las Batuecas, a Carmelite monastery founded in the late 17th century, and upriver, in the scree slopes, the shelters with schematic Neolithic rock paintings: goats, deer and human figures in ochre. You can get there on foot from La Alberca by the PRSA-10, a demanding route, or drive down and walk only along the valley floor.
From the pinewood to the Portillo
The PRSA-10 leaves La Alberca, next to the Casa del Parque, and climbs through a Scots pine wood to a firebreak that leads to the Portillo road. You cross it and follow a track of gentle gradient to the saddle, and from there a path to the pass, at about 1,250 metres. The view takes in the Las Batuecas valley, the Las Hurdes mountains to the south, the Francia valley and the Sierra de las Quilamas to the north and the Sierra de Béjar to the east. It is a good place to see griffon and black vultures.
The descent to the monastery
You cross the road again and the hardest stretch begins: a descent of almost 700 metres among quartzite crags down to the monastery. The monastery is private property and enclosed: it is seen from outside, in silence.
The Cabras Pintadas
From the monastery, a path goes up the Batuecas river to the shelters of the Canchal de las Cabras Pintadas and the Canchal del Zarzalón, a few metres from the posts that mark them. To the Cabras Pintadas it is about 8 km from La Alberca, between three and a half and four hours each way, 650 metres of climb and high difficulty. The return, if no one picks you up by car, is all uphill to the Portillo: allow the whole day.
The short version, by car
If you do not want the climb, drive down the Portillo road to the monastery car park and walk through the valley. There is an accessible path, Valle de Las Batuecas, 1.5 km and linear, beside the river, and the walk from the monastery to the painting shelters is short.
Rules and coverage
In the Las Batuecas valley and at the Portillo you may not leave the path: they are reserve zones. Mobile coverage fails on part of the route; download the track beforehand. Bicycles are not allowed on the route.
For the rest of the day, the old town of La Alberca awaits on your return, and if you want another summit, the Peña de Francia.
Tips
- Do not go in the rain The park does not recommend the route in rain or snow: the scree is slippery.
- Ask at the Casa del Parque They give you the map and the state of the paths before you go down to the valley (923 415 421).
- Support car If there are two cars of you, leave one at the monastery and save yourself the climb back.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
About four hours each way to the Cabras Pintadas; the return, all uphill, takes longer.
Is it difficult?
Yes, high difficulty because of the descent into the valley and the climb back.
Can I go by car?
Yes, to the monastery car park, and from there on foot through the valley.
Can I visit the monastery?
Not inside: it is an enclosed Carmelite monastery and private property.
Is there an option for families?
The accessible valley path, 1.5 km, beside the river.
With teenagers
