The best cycling routes around Collado Mediano
4.6
(106)
3,622
riders
177
rides
Touring cycling around Collado Mediano offers diverse routes within the Sierra de Guadarrama in the Community of Madrid. The region is characterized by varied elevations, extensive forests of ash, oak, and holm oak, and open meadows. Its location provides direct access to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, featuring a network of paths and trails suitable for cycling. The landscape includes prominent features such as the Valmayor Reservoir and the Cerro del Telégrafo hill, providing scenic viewpoints.
Best touring cycling…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
11
riders
25.2km
02:16
720m
720m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
155
riders
37.0km
03:11
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
100
riders
47.7km
03:37
1,040m
1,040m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
72
riders
35.7km
02:47
930m
930m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
60
riders
83.8km
05:25
1,020m
1,020m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Key Facts: Cela Sundial Location: It is located in the Pradera de Navarrulaque (Cercedilla), at an altitude of about 1,670 meters, right on the Carretera de la República. History: Inaugurated in 1995, it is a tribute to the writer (a great lover of the mountains and author of Cuadernos del Guadarrama) and to the first hikers who traversed these mountains. Curiosity: It is an analemmatic sundial. This means it does not have a fixed needle; you are the clock yourself. You have to stand on the current date marked on the ground, and your own shadow will indicate the time on the stone pieces surrounding you. Surroundings: It is on a beautiful route that passes by the Ducha de los Alemanes and the Miradores de los Poetas. I love this sundial in honor of Cela. It's super original because you interact with it to know the time. It's in a privileged spot in the Sierra de Cercedilla, surrounded by pine trees and with a lot of peace. A "rural monument" with a lot of charm that I never tire of visiting on my hikes through the Valle de la Fuenfría.
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Poetry with the best views of the sierra Climbing up to the Mirador de Vicente Aleixandre is, for me, one of the most inspiring experiences in Cercedilla. It's not just the hike through the Valle de la Fuenfría, which is beautiful, but the moment you reach that rock and read its sculpted verses while contemplating Siete Picos. You breathe in an incredible peace. It's the perfect place to stop, sit down to rest, and feel part of the landscape that the poet loved so much.
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From the path that surrounds the Navacerrada reservoir, we will always have beautiful views.
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Beautiful place full of history.
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Exceptional water, which even people from the village come to collect.
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Manzanares el Real Castle, also known as Mendoza Castle: Built in 1475 by order of Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, 1st Duke of the Infantado, on the site of a former Romanesque-Mudéjar church. Its architecture is Isabelline Gothic, with a square floor plan, cylindrical towers, and an octagonal keep. It served as the palatial residence of the powerful Mendoza family, who even established a literary court there. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1949. Today it houses a Medieval Interpretation Center, with exhibits of tapestries, armor, furniture, and audiovisual presentations about life in the Middle Ages.
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Reservoir located in the beautiful town of Manzanares el Real.
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The Vicente Aleixandre viewpoint, or Poets' Viewpoint, offers an unbeatable view of the entire mountain range. Cercedilla lies at our feet, the Bola del Mundo peak rises above, and some verses are engraved on the rock to commemorate the recitals that were once held there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Collado Mediano?
There are nearly 190 touring cycling routes available around Collado Mediano, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels within the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Collado Mediano offers 29 easy touring cycling routes. These routes often feature gentler terrain, making them ideal for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. While specific 'Greenways' are not detailed for Collado Mediano, the region's diverse network includes many accessible paths.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Collado Mediano?
The terrain around Collado Mediano is diverse, ranging from challenging mountainous sections within the Sierra de Guadarrama to scenic paths through extensive forests of ash, oak, and holm oak, and open meadows. You'll encounter varied elevations, with some routes featuring significant climbs.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I can see while cycling?
Cyclists can enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and explore prominent natural features. Highlights include the scenic Valmayor Reservoir, the distinctive rock monument La Cobañera, and the Cerro del Telégrafo, which offers superb views. You might also encounter the Seven Peaks or the Scots Pine Forests of La Barranca.
Are there any historical attractions accessible by touring bike?
Absolutely. Collado Mediano is rich in history. You can cycle near the best-preserved section of the Roman Road of Puerto de la Fuenfría, dating back to the 1st century. The area also hosts the only excavated Roman mansion in the Iberian Peninsula, 'El Beneficio', which is open to the public.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Collado Mediano?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 117 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the variety of routes that cater to different abilities, from moderate loops to challenging climbs.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes in Collado Mediano are designed as loops. For example, the Valmayor Reservoir – Valmayor Reservoir Trails loop from Alpedrete offers scenic views around the reservoir, and the Fuenfría Pass – Queen's Viewpoint loop from Collado Mediano takes you through mountainous terrain.
Can I find routes that offer significant elevation gain for a challenging ride?
Yes, Collado Mediano is known for its mountainous terrain within the Sierra de Guadarrama, offering plenty of challenging routes. For instance, the Navacerrada — circular by the Pinares de La Barranca route is a difficult trail with over 700 meters of elevation gain, and the Navacerrada Village – Navacerrada Reservoir loop from Collado Mediano features over 900 meters of ascent.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes?
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the Santillana Reservoir – Manzanares el Real Castle loop from Collado Mediano cover a substantial distance of over 83 kilometers, providing an extensive touring experience.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Collado Mediano?
The Sierra de Guadarrama region generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and autumn, with milder temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer can be warm, especially at lower elevations, while winter may bring snow to higher mountain passes, limiting access to some routes.
Is public transport available to Collado Mediano for cyclists?
Collado Mediano is accessible by public transport, though specific regulations for carrying bikes on trains or buses can vary. It's advisable to check with local transport providers for their current policies regarding bicycles before planning your trip.
Are there any specific viewpoints along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer stunning viewpoints. The Cerro del Telégrafo (Cabeza Mediana) is known for its superb panoramic views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Additionally, the Las Canchas Viewpoint is another excellent spot to take in the scenery.
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Most popular attractions around Collado Mediano
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