Quintana de Toranzo Trail
Quintana de Toranzo Trail
4.5
(4)
6
hikers
Quintana de Toranzo Trail
04:52
15.2km
640m
Hiking
Hike a moderate 9.5-mile route through Cantabria's Toranzo Valley, exploring ancient burial mounds and the centennial oaks of Cajigal de Sal
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
2.65 km
El Cajigal de Salcedillo
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.20 km
Quintana IV Tumulus
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
5.32 km
Quintana III Burial Mound
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.82 km
Quintana II Burial Mound
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
6.45 km
Quintana I Burial Mound
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.89 km
Church of Santa María Magdalena of Quintana
Highlight • Religious Site
The Church of Santa María Magdalena already existed since 1573, …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
14.6 km
Church of San Antonio Abad of Borleña
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
15.2 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.92 km
4.15 km
1.16 km
Surfaces
8.59 km
5.66 km
806 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (680 m)
Lowest point (140 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 18 May
22°C
7°C
26 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to complete the Conjunto Tumular de Quintana de Toranzo circular route?
The full circular route, which is approximately 15.2 kilometers (9.4 miles) long, generally takes around 4 hours and 52 minutes to complete. This duration is for a moderate hiking pace.
What is the terrain like on this trail?
The route traverses the Sierra de Quintana, offering a diverse landscape. You'll encounter sections through the valuable centennial oak forest of El Cajigal de Salcedillo, extensive heathlands, and traditional meadows used for haymaking. While some paths are easily accessible, certain sections may require sure-footedness.
What are the main points of interest along the route?
This trail is rich in both natural and historical features. Key highlights include the ancient burial mounds of the Conjunto Tumular de Quintana de Toranzo, such as Quintana IV Tumulus, Quintana III Burial Mound, Quintana II Burial Mound, and Quintana I Burial Mound. You'll also pass through the impressive El Cajigal de Salcedillo oak forest and see the Church of Santa María Magdalena of Quintana and the Church of San Antonio Abad of Borleña.
Where can I park to access the trailhead?
While specific parking areas are not detailed, hikers typically look for parking near Quintana de Toranzo or Salcedillo to access the route. It's advisable to check local maps or community information for designated parking spots before your visit.
Is the Conjunto Tumular de Quintana de Toranzo circular route dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally considered dog-friendly. However, as it passes through natural areas and traditional farming landscapes, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially when near livestock or protected habitats, and to follow local regulations.
What is the best time of year to hike this route?
The trail can be enjoyed during various seasons. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with the oak forest and heathlands at their best. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hiking is possible but be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially wet conditions.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this trail?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Conjunto Tumular de Quintana de Toranzo circular route. It is freely accessible to the public.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, sections of this route overlap with other local paths. You will find yourself on parts of the Camino del Cerro, the Camino de la Cardosa, and the Camino de Villegar a Borleña during your hike.
What level of fitness is required for this hike?
This is classified as a 'moderate' hike. It requires good fitness due to its length (15.2 km) and elevation gain of approximately 640 meters. While some sections are easy, others may be more demanding.
Are there any cafes, pubs, or accommodation options nearby?
The route is located in the Toranzo Valley, which has small villages like Quintana de Toranzo and Salcedillo. You may find local cafes, pubs, or rural accommodation options in these villages or nearby. It's best to check in advance for opening hours and availability, especially outside of peak season.
What kind of natural environment can I expect to see?
The trail offers a rich natural experience, passing through the ancient El Cajigal de Salcedillo oak forest, which features centennial oaks cataloged as singular trees of Cantabria. You'll also traverse extensive heathlands, which are part of the Natura 2000 protected habitats, and traditional meadows characteristic of the Toranzo Valley.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Note: Today we go out on an easy route to once again enjoy a few views and get to know the burial mounds of Quintana de Toranzo. I have to say that there are several routes in the area and complementary routes can be added to this one through several areas and lengthen it quite a bit and where you are most interested, but to start over we did not want to do something complicated and we tried this one that looked good and without great unevenness. Almost everything runs along tracks and the last four kilometers, which are practically downhill, are mostly asphalt. Be careful when crossing the peat bog: at the beginning it is closed by a wire with a shepherd (electrified) because there are cows in it, and almost reaching the top, the path that was so straight has disappeared and we have gotten wet trying to surround the bog itself: a stream of water hidden between mud, reeds and pieces of earth that you stepped on and sank like a sponge under your feet.... just for this small stretch I hated not having brought my boots and we got wet based on the shoes) . Then leaving the peat bog and on the track again we have doubted many times because there are signs in various areas of the route indicating interesting things about it, but curiously, not one in front of the burial mounds that if you do not have a preparation and more or less clear Where you can find them, you might miss them because they are sometimes hard to tell apart from a normal shingle pile. In fact, just at the highest point of the road, I passed one of them and I noticed further down, so I went back up the escajal (straightest line) to look for it... it is the most difficult to find and identify because being already at a height it no longer differs and that it is stepped on above (that is why you can see on the track that I go up and down again and a few meters are added). For the rest, highlight the wonderful views of the valley, the meadows full of cattle wherever you looked... I thought it was great, very quiet (there was no one on the whole path) and recommended for the whole family.