Hotel Real Segovia, Sergovia, Cercedilla to Segovia, 31km 30 April 2025

This morning was an early start with Phil and I on the road at 7:00am. The day required a height gain of around 650 meters to Puerto de la Fuenfria (1796 metres) over 8Km with some of the height gain along an old Roman road.

This initial climb was not without some issues as we missed the way markers and took the easy option of following the road. We then deviated onto a bike path for the next part to try and avoid the very rocky Roman road and managed to get lost requiring some GPS navigation to get back on track. For the final section the only choice was the steep rocky Roman road. Notwithstanding these issues we made it to the top in 2 hours and 25 minutes. At this point we would like to tell you that we were knee deep in snow, but that would be an unthinkable however we were in cloud and our hands were so cold that they did not thaw out until we had walked another 5Km down the mountain.

From the pass it was 23Km to Sergovia. The first 13 were through pine forests and very pleasant. The last 10Km were through open country and seemed to take forever.

During the walk we heard wood peckers. Cuckoo's and saw one deer.

On arrival in Sergovia we checked into our hotel, and caught up with Jen and Dave for lunch. The highlight of the lunch was the dispute with the incompetent waiter who tried to charge us an extra €40 for food and drinks that we did not order or consume. Tomorrow we will have a rest day and explore Sergovia.

Roman road

Phil at the top of the climb

Heading down the mountain

Very steep rocky section