Stage 21: Moral de Sayago - Villadepera

The route heads north along Arroyos Creek. Shortly after, it reaches the recently restored Molino del Puerto, an example of the countless mills that dot the creeks in this area.

The path runs between stone walls, Portuguese oaks (Quercus faginea), holm oaks (Quercus ilex), a few blackthorns (Prunus spinosa) and granite outcrops. The route is very pleasant, amidst holm oak dehesas on grass and granite boulders. Ashes (Fraxinus angustifolia) and brambles (Rubus sp.) grow in the cooler spots.

Further on is another mill known as Molino de Mielgos, now in ruins. The mills of Luzvelina and Resbaladera, the largest in the area, stand out from the rest of the mills that line the banks of streams and creeks. At some point in time, this mill surpassed its artisan use, and became a small industry. The mill was first equipped with a small, coal-fired, steam engine. With the advent of electrical power, a small transformer was installed to ensure that it could continue operating in summer when the water level dropped. The mill was also rigged to power a saw mill.

The route continues through an unchanging landscape, at times between stone walls that border the farms, until it crosses a bridge on a creek. The Trail reaches a large landfill, a former gravel and rock pit used to build the nearby Villalcampo Dam, now populated with sizeable trees.

The signs lead to a bridge and the small Valcuevo Dam on Arroyos Creek, which the path crosses again. There is a recreational area nearby with a bathing jetty on the backwaters of the dam. The views show a more open landscape, dominated by oaks and granite outcrops. Past a short stretch near the ZA-324, the path climbs up a hill, and at the top, crosses a road.

This road marks the border of the Arribes del Duero Nature Park, through which the Nature Trail ventures until it reaches Vega Terrón.

After crossing the road with care, the route continues along a poorly marked path, with cattle grids on both sides to prevent livestock from wandering out of the farms. The path is sometimes just two vehicle tracks, amidst holm oaks and Scotch brooms (Cytisus scoparius), that gradually climbs to the top of a hill, from where one can enjoy wonderful sweeping views of the county.

The path joins a wider track known as Camino de la Dehesa, turns left and continues south. At the first crossroad, the route takes the path that emerges on the right known as Camino de Requejo, which, further on, joins another path and heads southwest. Next to the road are a few farms with vineyards, some abandoned.

In autumn and winter, one can enjoy the contrast between the evergreens, such as holm oak, and the deciduous species, such as ash, whose branches appear naked without leaves.

After crossing a stone pontoon, the route takes the path that emerges on the right between stone walls, and ventures through a beautiful holm oak forest with numerous, stunning rocky outcrops.

Several stone pontoons cross over various creeks. As the path climbs higher, the oak trees give way to brooms. The landscape is coloured with intense yellow in spring during the flowering season.

There are fewer granite and rocky outcrops as the path continues upwards, and a few farms dot the landscape. One can enjoy good views of the surrounding owing to the height and lack of trees and bushes.

Further on, the path takes the right fork that leads down to Villadepera. Stepping stones have been placed at a wide fork in the creek to cross without getting wet feet during the rainy season. Nearby is a watering trough for livestock.

The increasing number of farms enclosed by stone walls and the abundance of farm roads announce the proximity of Villadepera. Greater attention should be paid to the signs to continue on the route. Holm oaks, ashes and willows abound, especially along the stone walls.

The route heads amidst buildings to the town centre, where information panels describe cultural and ethnographic features of interest.