The Sierra de Castril natural park has spectacular landscaped mountain ranges and after the snow has melted in March/April you are able to appreciate some spectacular water falls. It remains pretty cool in the natural park during the summer months as the sun does not have much time to reach the lower ground.
During the winter months, extra clothing is recommended due to the difference in temperature.
Walks and Cycling
There are approximately 6 walks within the Sierras de Castril Natural Park. These are all marked from the main road that goes through the park itself. You will need to park up near to one of the maps, then just start walking! A word of caution - some of the routes are not clearly marked and we have known people to stray off the paths and worry that they may not find their way back, so if you are going, do start out early enough to make your return by daylight.
If you would like to enjoy these or other walks but would prefer the services of an experienced guide, please feel free to contact Bruce and Jardin at Sierra Castril who offer Walking and Cycling activities.
Flora and Fauna play an important part of the life in Castril and adults and children are encouraged to respect these natural aspects of the countryside.
Flora
In the Sierra de Castril Natural Park here is an idea of some of the flora that can be found:
Poplar trees, Ashes willows and rushes. There are also Holm oaks and scrubs alternating with pine woods.
There are an abundance of wild flowers during the spring, and poppies normally line the fields during April time.
Fauna
Vultures and Golden Eagles are regular features in the Sierra de Castril Natural Park and also hover high above the Castril Valley.
Other areas of interest include wild boars, deer, foxes, squirrels and mountain goats. Trout and Otters can often been seen in Lake Portillo (Embalse Portillo). Snakes, lizards, scorpions, centipedes and some rather large spiders (Spanish Tarantulas' known as a European Wolf Spider) are becoming more frequent during the hotter summer months.
USEFUL LINKS
Castril