Stage 12: Peñafiel - Quintanilla de Onésimo

The Stage begins at a park along the River Duratón in the centre of Peñafiel. A small path along the left bank leads to several interesting facilities now in disuse, such as mills, dams and a steel railroad bridge, that were part of the county's history of industrialisation and modernisation.

Further on, the route reaches the peaceful confluence of the rivers Douro and Duratón, two rivers that have left their mark upstream, as they opened their way through the territory. The River Duratón Gorge, in the province of Segovia, is a spectacular ravine where the river has cut a deep c through the terrain, creating a remarkable landscape.

The route continues along a narrow path wedged between the River Douro and San Pablo pine forest, dominated by stone pines (Pinus pinea). The route ventures ahead, alternating between riparian forest and pinewoods, and occasionally both. The absence of crossroads means that one can relax and enjoy the sound of the river and its inhabitants. In the company of the calm waters of the River Douro, the route advances one step at a time.

Pesquera de Duero sits on the bank of a wide meander, where a large walkway provides access to this town with a long-standing wine tradition. The path begins to climb gradually up to the floodplain, leaving behind the confined valley of the River Douro. Pine forests give way to an area dominated by rain-fed farmlands and wastelands.

Soon after, a sign indicates an offshoot road to Pintia Archaeological Site, with a Stage open to the public. The site, which covers an area of about 125 ha, contains rich evidence about Vaccean, Roman and Visigoth cultures.

The path climbs down again to the river. There is a mini hydroelectric power plant fuelled by water from the diversion dam. Stone pine trees and riparian forest yet again surround the Trail. The path climbs up and down several times until it reaches the floodplain, with spectacular views of both the river and the stone pine forests, which find their optimum ecological balance in this setting. The steep embankments in this area prevent the route from continuing along the river. The path winds up and down the slopes, sometimes steep but short, which requires some effort. Cyclist may have walk this part of the route and exercise particular caution.

Near Quintanilla de Arriba, the Nature Trail crosses to the opposite bank via a footbridge with sweeping views of the river. It then continues to climb down along the bank.

From here, one can take a 2-kilometre alternative route that is conveniently signposted. Several wooden walkways and stairs lead the traveller deep into the river to reach this town, where, in the summer, one can bathe in its river beach or contact an active tourism enterprise to book a trip on a canoe.

To forge ahead without visiting Quintanilla de Arriba, one must cross the River Douro at the detour sign mentioned above and continue along the opposite bank.

The path heads along the River Douro through poplars, ashes and willows, although holm oaks (Quercus ilex) and stone pines can also be seen frequently. The landscape near the river is dominated by riparian vegetation; however, as the path climbs to the alluvial terrace, pines, oaks, vineyards and crops take centre stage.

The Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena, built in the 12th century, appears shortly after a hydroelectric power plant. The first monks came from the French abbey of Berdoues. It is currently the headquarters of the Fundación de las Edades del Hombre, which seeks to disseminate and promote the sacred art of the Autonomous Community of Castile and Leon across Spain.

The route continues along riverside groves, with some fishing spots and benches to rest while watching the river’s soothing flow. The next town is Valbuena de Duero, where one can fish, bathe or row a boat along the Trail, or rest at Parque de la Isla on the outskirts.

This last stretch of the Stage meanders along the River Douro. Charming little paths, wooden bridges over small streams and meandering walkways in the riparian forest lead to the bridge on the river, built between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This bridge links the riverside towns of Olivares de Duero and Quintanilla de Onésimo, where this Stage ends.