From Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela

Today we face a simple and pleasant stage, although somewhat altered by the services that have been built in recent years, such as highways, railways, and others. Be that as it may, we depart from the town of Montamarta to reach the crossing near the Ricobayo reservoir, a quite enjoyable walk, and a stage practically without elevation changes that will take us directly to Granja de Moreruela. 

We leave Montamarta to reach the hermitage of Santa María del Castillo, heading towards Granja de Moreruela. We leave the hermitage and continue along a path close to the national road, which will take us in a couple of kilometers to cross the tracks of the AVE Madrid - Galicia. We continue to the N-631, from where we go straight until we reach a bridge over the A-66, and then cross an arm of the Ricobayo reservoir via a small bridge.

We continue and cross the national road and the motorway again via another bridge to head towards Fontanillas de Castro. On the way, we find a detour to the ruins of Castrotorafe and another towards a bar in Fontanillas, but we proceed without deviating until we reach the village. We leave the locality behind and continue towards Riego del Camino along a dirt path that crosses a stream via a concrete crossing.

We leave Riego del Camino and follow a path parallel to the motorway until a junction, from where we continue directly to Granja de Moreruela.

Things to consider

This stage is calm, although heavily marked by the presence of roads and motorways. It is important to exercise caution when crossing them and when walking alongside them. This stage connects Montamarta with the Sanabrés Way, with the option to detour upon reaching Granja de Moreruela.

Places of interest

• Castle of Castrotorafe
• Cister Interpretation Center – Granja de Moreruela
• Ruins of the Monastery of Santa María – Granja de Moreruela

Typical dishes

• Sheep cheeses
• Rosquillas de palo
• Cocido and lamb
• Tremés or candeal wheat bread
• Lechazo and orejuelas