Los Pilones Trail through the Garganta de los Infiernos

What it is

Los Pilones are giants' kettles: round pools that the water of the Garganta de los Infiernos has carved into the granite. It is the best-known landscape of the Jerte Valley and one of the prettiest natural swimming spots in the country. You reach it by a trail of 3 km each way, about 45 minutes and 234 m of ascent, which the tourist office rates as medium-easy. With the return the same way and a while at the top, count on two hours.

The route

You set off from the Nature Interpretation Centre, at the main entrance to the reserve, between Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle. The path, waymarked in white and yellow, climbs among oaks to the Chorrero de la Virgen viewpoint and carries on to the Los Pilones area. From Jerte there is another option: 4 km each way from the bridge beside El Nogalón park, waymarked in white and green. If you want more, the long 16 km loop of the gorge starts from Los Pilones.

Getting there and parking

Along the N-110, at the roundabout that leads to the reserve. The car park by the roundabout is paid from mid-March to late October and free the rest of the year. Do not park between Jerte's football ground and the campsite or on the track above: there are fines. You cannot enter the reserve by car.

When to go

In summer, to swim; the water comes down from the sierra and is cold all year. In spring, with the cherry blossom in the valley and the gorge in full flow; swimming is not a good idea then. In autumn, with the oaks and chestnuts in colour. In August and on hot weekends it fills up: arrive early.

With children or a dog

It is the valley walk for children who can already walk: short, with a reward at the end. Keep an eye on them on the rocks, which are slippery, and at the pools, which are deep. Dogs may come, always on a lead.