Stage 5: Poveda de la Sierra - Zaorejas

As the traveller proceeds down the path, pine forests replace Portuguese oak (Quercus faginea), where livestock coexist with cervids.

The stretch shared by Stages 4 and 5 ends at the crossing, where the path turns left towards a bridge over the Merdero Brook, with the River Tagus to the right, where it will remain throughout this Stage. Huge forests of black poplars (Populus nigra) and rosemary willows (Salix eleagnos), flank the river, which provides a steady supply of water. The black pines (Pinus nigra) that line the Trail slowly give way to Portuguese oaks, which will soon cover the steep slopes of the valley.

The route runs next to the "El Vivero" recreational area, and continues straight ahead at the fork. Further on, a fountain with untreated water allows the traveller to cool off before moving on. Spectacular views of the rocky cliffs overlooking the clear waters of the upper reaches of the River Tagus can be seen from this vantage point.

The route continues along the same track for several kilometres. The landscape around the path changes with every season. Canadian aspen (Populus tremula), hazel(Corylus avellana), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and dog rose (Rosa canina) change colour throughout the year, offering the traveller a different experience each season.

The path proceeds in the shade of an adult pine forest, where Coal Tits (Parus ater), Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus) and Red Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) have found an excellent place for living and nesting.

The route reaches Fuente la Parra Hostel, and continues to the left towards Zaorejas, accompanied at all times by the River Tagus, wedged-in and hidden under the dense forest on the left bank. Unlike the upper reaches, fish abound in this part of the river, attracting a large number of fish-hunting animals such as otters (Lutra lutra), Herons(Ardea cinerea), Kingfishers(Alcedo atthis), Little Grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis) or viperine water snakes (Natrix maura). The vegetation, lush and diverse, is populated by herbivores such as Southwestern water voles (Arvicola sapidus) and provides shelter to Eurasian Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and Little Ringed Plovers (Charadrius dubius). Eurasian Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus) and Common Chiffchaffs (Phylloscopus collybita), feed primarily on insects, and they, in turn, are hunted by Eurasian Sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus). The water is populated by different fish species, including Iberian Nase (Pseudochondrostoma polylepis), Common Iberian Barbel(Barbus bocagei) or "bermejuela" (Achondrostoma arcasii) and American Crayfish(Procambarus clarkii) that feed on small invertebrates and submerged aquatic vegetation. Such rich biodiversity is not fortuitous, since this Stage runs almost entirely through the Alto Tajo Nature Park and the "Alto Tajo" Site of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA). The contact information of the Nature Park's visitor centre appears at the end of this guide.

Leaving behind the Salmerón Ford, with a rest area and shelter nearby, the path climbs slightly to a large meander where, with a little luck, one can see the slow flutter of barbel and trout (Salmo trutta).

The forest track arrives at Fuente de la Falaguera recreation area, equipped with several services, where the traveller may rest before proceeding. The route continues another two kilometres before it climbs up a flight of wooden steps to the left. From here, one can enjoy spectacular views of Ciño Negro Ravine and, at certain times of the year, of its namesake waterfall. The stretch of the Trail shared by Stages 5 and 6 (respectively, entrance to and exit from Zaorejas) starts in the immediate vicinity of this tuff waterfall.

The route continues its ascent to a large rock that serves as a natural viewpoint over the river, from where it is possible to watch the relaxed flight of Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) on the warm air currents. In this part of the Stage, the Nature Trail runs along the same path as a geological route, therefore interpretative panels are a common sight. Nearby are the Escaleruela tuff waterfall and the Mirador de San Pedro.

The route continues along a path sandwiched between limestone and tuff walls. It runs along the seasonal Ciño Negro Brook, with huge walnut trees (Juglans regia) and small market gardens on the banks. After crossing a wooden footbridge, the route continues another 1.8 kilometres along a wider meandering path, then turns left past a cluster of beehives. From here, the road gradually fades away.

The Trail proceeds up and down along a narrow, stony path surrounded by Spanish junipers (Juniperus thurifera), crosses a ravine, leaves behind a farm and arrives at Zaorejas, the endpoint of this Stage.