A circular trail, a protected church and archaeological traces offer different ways to explore Valdecabras during a stay. The Ruta 14 “Valdecabras. Barrancos y páramos” and the PR-CU 49 highlight different aspects of the landscape: one passes rock formations and a deep gorge, while the other follows a narrow forest path into the Dehesilla Valley. The area also has a varied cultural history: the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from the early 16th century, while Verdelpino is associated with the Palaeolithic.

Ruta 14: Rock Formations, Gorge and Circular Trail

The Ruta 14 begins at Plaza de la Iglesia de Valdecabras and is an 8.8-kilometre circular trail. The technical route data are based on calculations from 2022. At Tiná Quemada, small dolomite rocks form distinctive shapes resembling piles of stones or “mushrooms”. The Ruta 14 also follows the Río de Valdecabras through a deep gorge cut into the mountain. A tejar, or traditional tile kiln, is also located along the route, where traditional tile-making can be traced. Rock formations, riverside scenery and traditional crafts feature here as distinct themes.

The PR-CU 49 also begins in Valdecabras, but follows a narrow, wooded path into the Dehesilla Valley. Near the source of the Dehesilla stream, the route reaches extensive mountain meadows. In contrast to the Ruta 14, the forest path and the valley landscape take centre stage here. When choosing between the two routes, you can consider the circular format and distance of the Ruta 14 alongside the wooded path and mountain meadows on the PR-CU 49.

The names of the landscape features refer to different things: Tiná Quemada is associated with the small dolomite rocks. Dehesilla refers both to the valley and to the stream, near whose source the route reaches the mountain meadows. The Río de Valdecabras is a separate feature; the Ruta 14 follows it through the steep-sided gorge.

Church and Archaeological Traces

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Valdecabras was built in the early 16th century. It is classified as a monument and protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), or Asset of Cultural Interest. Its date of construction places the church in its historical context, while its BIC status denotes its cultural protection. The church is therefore a point of interest in its own right, alongside the landscape-focused routes.

Verdelpino offers a different view of the past. The archaeological site is considered the oldest settlement centre in the province and is associated with the Palaeolithic. Remains of the oldest pottery in Western Europe have been found there. The early church and the Palaeolithic finds thus represent very different historical periods: one is a building from the early 16th century, while the other is an archaeological site whose significance reaches back to prehistory.

Crafts and Former Uses

Traces of traditional crafts complement the landscape and history. A tejar, or traditional tile kiln, is located along the Ruta 14, where traditional tile-making can be traced. The Tinada del Tejar on the PR-CU 49 is described as a former shepherds’ shelter that also housed a small traditional tile kiln. The two features highlight different aspects: the tejar focuses on traditional tile-making, while the Tinada also reflects its former use as a shepherds’ shelter and its small tile kiln.

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