The slopes of the La Pinilla winter sports resort lie at the foot of Cerezo De Arriba; at the same time, Romanesque architecture, hermitages and pilgrimage traditions shape the local destinations. La Pinilla is located in the Sierra de Ayllón massif within the municipality of Cerezo De Arriba. This gives you a clear first decision when planning your trip: should you focus on seasonal activities in the mountains, or on culture and pilgrimage traditions?

Mountains, trails and seasonal activities

Pico del Lobo reaches 2,274 metres and is the highest point in the Sierra de Ayllón within the municipality of Cerezo De Arriba. The Cañada Real Soriana Occidental offers a different kind of experience: it crosses Cerezo De Arriba and is part of the network of nature trails. As a waymarked nature trail, it can be covered in several stages on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Check the trail markers and route conditions before setting out. Cerezo De Arriba is also one of the places on the Ruta del Río Duratón.

The slopes of the La Pinilla winter sports resort lie at the foot of Cerezo De Arriba. Activities there include skiing, downhill mountain biking, multi-activity pursuits and hiking. Activities are seasonal; check which ones are available for your travel dates before your trip. Cerezo De Arriba also has a forest adventure park with treetop activities. Check whether it is currently operating before planning a visit.

Church and hermitages

The Church of San Juan Bautista is a Romanesque religious building. Three windows are decorated with capitals depicting various fantastical animals. The former entrance was remodelled in the Renaissance style, and an important Baroque altarpiece is located inside. The artistic periods can be distinguished: Romanesque features shape the building, the remodelled entrance is Renaissance, and the altarpiece is Baroque.

The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Cerezuelo was built in the 16th century as a place of prayer. It stands in a meadow between Cerezo De Arriba and Cerezo de Abajo; from there, you can see the Sierra de Ayllón, the Sierra de Guadarrama and Puerto de Somosierra. The site appears to be connected with the former settlement of Cerezuelo, which joined the municipal association in 1393. It is important to retain the cautious wording of this historical connection.

Pilgrimages and when to visit

Every year in early September, the residents of Cerezo De Arriba hold a pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of Cerezuelo near the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Cerezuelo. The exact date may vary. The Romería includes placing a floral crown on the roof of the hermitage’s portico. If you want to plan your trip around this tradition, check the specific date in advance.

The Hermitage of San Benito near Cerezo De Arriba also receives pilgrims every year from Cerezo De Arriba, Cerezo de Abajo and Riofrío de Riaza. It is located on the slopes of a landscape once known as “Sierra Buitrera” and is surrounded by oak trees. The local pilgrimage sites therefore have distinct associations: Cerezuelo is centred on the early September date and the flower ritual, while San Benito is associated with the annual pilgrimages from the three named places and its oak landscape.

When looking for a hotel for a stay in Cerezo De Arriba, your travel dates are a useful first filter: activities at La Pinilla are seasonal, while the Cerezuelo pilgrimage takes place every year in early September, and its exact date may vary.

Discover more destinations: Bernardos, El Espinar, Dehesa Mayor, Villacastín, Cuéllar, Brieva, Las Navas De Riofrío, La Granja De San Ildefonso.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.