Stage 29: Mámoles - Fornillos de Fermoselle

The route runs through the livestock farms that surround the village, wedged between rocks and a stone wall. The holm oaks (Quercus ilex) that dominate the landscape grow around the stone walls, leaving the rest of the farm clear of trees.

The path climbs to a pasture that is slightly sloped. Although the path is hard to follow here, it is still easily walkable. There is fountain with a pile of stones where the animals drink when they return to the farm after roaming freely to graze.

The route leaves the pasture behind, and ventures into an area populated with holm oaks, prickly junipers (Juniperus oxycedrus) and broom thickets (Cytisus sp.). From here, it slowly climbs down towards Rivera Creek, which has a rest area with tables and stone benches in the shade of an ash tree (Fraxinus sp.).

The route rises along a path paved with cobblestones to prevent the wagons from sinking into softer ground and allow draft animals to move the wagon with less effort. The presence of two large junipers amidst the rocks shows this species capacity to thrive in harsh environments.

From here, the route, known as Camino de los Arrieros, becomes markedly wider. The landscape opens onto an area dominated by broom and lavender thickets (Lavandula stoechas) and granite boulders, where junipers and holm oaks are rare.

The route passes through the area known as La Borriquera, at an altitude of 660 metres, and very close to the River Duero. Indeed, sometimes one can see the slopes that confine the river; one blanketed with vegetation, and the other rocky and steep.

Past a fountain, there is an alternative route to Los Regatos Viewpoint. The views of the river from here are well worth the time and effort. With binoculars, one can easily see some of the raptors that nest or fly over the area, including the Egyptian vulture, the griffon vulture or the rare black stork (Ciconia nigra).

Back on the main road, one can see many of the typical Arribes del Duero plant species -holm oaks, junipers, brooms, small scrubs, aromatic herbs, grasses, etc.- interspersed with granite boulders.

Further on, the path reaches a gate. Past this point, the landscape changes again. Grazing land and farmlands appear on both sides of the route, making use of every nook and cranny in the flat, accessible terrain.

The last stretch of the route runs again between stone walls. There are fountains and stone huts in which shepherds can take shelter. The green grass of the grazing land is in sharp contrast to the mighty holm oaks, granite outcrops and granite boulders.

From here, during 800 metres, the path begins a gentle, almost imperceptible descent towards Fornillos de Fermoselle, the endpoint of this Stage.

The name Fornillos comes from the large number of kilns that existed here in the past, the remains of which can still be seen. The sturdy Romanesque church was built with the excellent granite quarried from the surrounding areas.