Berzosa del Lozoya combines hiking trails through a varied landscape with architectural history and art in the village. The trails differ considerably when it comes to planning your day: the “La Falla de Berzosa: un viaje a los orígenes de la Tierra” loop takes about two hours, while another family trail takes about one hour. The Senda del Picozo is almost two kilometres long; no walking time is given for it. Also worth seeing are the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the old El Lavadero washhouse and a mural. When planning your stay, you can decide whether the trails or the village’s history should take priority.
Hiking Trails and Views
The “La Falla de Berzosa: un viaje a los orígenes de la Tierra” loop is easy, well signposted and suitable for families and people who are new to hiking. It is about four kilometres long and takes around two hours, depending on your walking pace. The starting point is the century-old mulberry tree in Plaza del Campillo. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.
Along the way, the route passes through a dehesa landscape with pastures and scattered trees, mainly Pyrenean oaks. There are also holm oak groves and granite outcrops. From the Mirador El Balcón viewpoint, you can see Berzosa del Lozoya, the Sierra de La Cabrera, Mondalindo, Cabeza de Hierro, Peñalara and the Montes Carpetanos.
A shorter option is another easy family trail through the Dehesa de Berzosa. It takes about one hour and offers views of the El Villar and El Atazar reservoirs. This gives you a trail with an approximate one-hour walking time as an alternative to the roughly two-hour La Falla loop. The Senda del Picozo offers something different: it is almost two kilometres long and has views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, including its highest peak, Pico Peñalara. No duration is given for this trail.
Cycling and Fishing
In Berzosa del Lozoya, cycling routes can include roads, trails and mountain tracks. Road cyclists should expect winding roads and steep climbs. Check the condition of the routes and roads locally.
Fishing is possible in the Lozoya and Riato rivers and near the El Villar and Puentes Viejas dams. A fishing licence is required. Fish species mentioned include barbel, brown trout, largemouth bass, carp and pike. Before fishing, also check the local regulations in force.
Church, Washhouse and Mural
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from the 17th century. It was rebuilt after sustaining severe damage during the Spanish Civil War. Its rectangular, single-nave body is made of stone typical of the area. In front is an open portico resting on cushion-profiled pillars. Some traditional bell signals are still in use; check accessibility before visiting.
The old El Lavadero washhouse was built in the 1940s over earlier washing basins. It has two basins with different purposes: one was used to soap and scrub clothes, while the other was for rinsing. The mural by Doa Oa is titled “Reforestando Cistus Ladanifer” and is inspired by the wild vegetation of the area.
Getting There
A municipal route description dated 30 December 2014 directs drivers along the A-1 to exit 60, then along the M-127 to kilometre 23. For current travel, it is best to check this route information against up-to-date navigation.
Discover more destinations: El Berrueco, Navas Del Rey, Soto Real, Canencia, Valdeavero, Arroyomolinos, Montejo De La Sierra, Piñuécar.
See the main travel guide: Madrid.
