The Lozoya Valley, a Must-Visit on Horseback
Madrid ranks among the top two provinces, alongside Barcelona, for the most horseback riding routes completed in 2018. Check out this study by Yumping.com on horseback riding route trends in Spain during 2018.
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The Lozoya Valley is one of Madrid’s most renowned areas for horseback riding. This natural landscape, centred around the Lozoya River in Guadarrama, lies just 45 minutes from the capital. Perfect for exploring Madrid’s mountainous scenery on horseback.
Its terrain features pines, oaks, ash trees, meadows, and pastures.
Notable horseback-accessible sites include El Paular Monastery, the Puente del Perdón (Bridge of Forgiveness), Santa Ana Hermitage, and Las Presillas.
Three key areas for horseback riding in the valley:
Upper Lozoya Valley
Bordered by two mountain ranges: the northern chain separating Madrid and Segovia (left of the Lozoya), culminating at Puertos de Cotos, El Reventón, Malagosto, and Navafría. To the south, the valley ends at Cuerda Larga near Najarra Mountain.
The central flatlands, crossed southwest-northwest by the Lozoya River, host poplars, aspens, ashes, and elms.
Numerous trails cater to leisurely rides. Highlights: El Paular Monastery, Puente del Perdón, and summits like Peñalara and Pinilla—ideal for family-friendly routes.
Middle Lozoya Valley
Here, the steep initial slopes of the Lozoya River contrast with the valley floor. Year-round riding is favoured by stable weather and terrain.
River-carved clearings create small meadows, revealing hidden vegetation along riding paths.
Boasts exceptional flora and fauna. Nearby villages: Buitrago del Lozoya, Somosierra, and Robregordo.
Lower Lozoya Valley
One of Madrid’s Sierra Norte’s most captivating areas, where the Lozoya River dominates.
Features reservoirs like Puentes Viejas, El Tenebroso, El Villar, and El Atazar—water being a vital resource here.
Rolling mountainous terrain (moderate elevation). Example route: a section of the Senda del Genaro around El Atazar. Activities include paragliding, climbing, horseback riding, and watersports (sailing, windsurfing, fishing).
