The way of Madrid
Road to Madrid. Stage 3. Manzanares del Real to Cercedilla.
Just at the entrance to the village and before crossing the river that gives its name to this place, we take a path to the left where we find the ruins of an old castle, not the famous one, this is on the other side of the village, and the red and white GR-10 signs, with which we will coincide until we reach Cercedilla. If we have visited the village, we should retrace our steps and recover the signs near the ruined castle. We leave the village heading west, skirting the entrance to La Pedriza Regional Park, which opens up on our right. La Pedriza is a paradise of oaks, holm oaks, pines and grassland meandering uphill, between unique granite formations that give the place its nickname (pedriza = stone), while the sierra appears higher and higher. We take a wide path that climbs up towards the Jarosa pass, where we leave the municipal district of Manzanares el Real and enter the municipal district of the community that includes the towns of Cerceda, El Boalo and Mataelpino. On the descent from the pass we pass the Cañada fountain and the hermitage of San Isidro, two of these towns being to the south of our route. From the Cañada fountain we follow this pleasant stretch of the Camino to the foothills of the sierra that takes us towards Mataelpino. When we reach this town we have the option of turning right towards the town square where we will find a fountain. We quickly leave the town by a road and then take a local road on the right, along which our path runs on the road to Navacerrada. We ascend along the road and when we reach the highest part we take a path to the right parallel to the asphalt, just where we leave the municipal district of Mataelpino, Cerceda skirts the sierra and takes us to the Vista Real housing estate, created within the municipal district of Becerril in the 1970s, which we can go round to the right, longer, along a path and without touching the road, or follow the GR which coincides with the road. When we reach the junction between the M-617 and M-607 roads, our route takes a path parallel to the latter to climb upstream along the Angostura stream. After a short but steep climb we cross the M-607 and, along a path parallel to it for dozens of metres and then surrounded by vegetation, we head towards Navacerrada. We enter the town through an area of new housing developments and head towards the centre until we reach the Plaza de los Ángeles, where the town hall is located, where we turn right and go up the steep slope of Calle Abel. At the end of this street we turn right and take a short, difficult path through pine trees towards the M-607 road. We continue for a short stretch along the hard shoulder of the road, leaving the Arcipestre de Hita hotel on our left. Cross the road to head towards the road that goes up to Puerto de Navacerrada. After about 200 m, near the restaurant La Fonda Real, we take a small road that serves the Navalmedio reservoir, and after a little more than 1.5 km we take a path on the left, and about 300 m further on a wide road, which the path leads to and which takes us to Cercedilla. To reach this town, take Avenida Manuel G. de Amezúa. At the end of this avenue, turn right towards the centre of the village; then take Avenida José Antonio and you will reach the Plaza Mayor. Emergency telephone number: 112. SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR COVID-19. Given the current health alert situation, it is necessary to bear in mind the following indications: 1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Watch your health and avoid going to the Camino at the slightest sign of illness. Choose dates and times when you will find fewer people on the route. Wear a mask. Its use is compulsory throughout the territory. Carry your own water and do not use public fountains unless strictly necessary. Carry disinfectant gel and wash your hands regularly, especially after using the facilities, or coming into contact with other people or with any element of the Camino. 2. BEWARE OF OTHERS: Always proceed on the right side of tracks and footpaths whenever possible. Keep a distance of at least two metres from other walkers or companions who are not with you. Be courteous to people you may pass and let them know you are approaching if you need to overtake or pass anyone. Avoid long stops and avoid contact and use of facilities you may encounter on the Camino. If you use them, try to clean your hands before and after use and do not leave any kind of residue. If you are accompanied, walk in line to help other people on the Camino to keep the distance with your group or overtake you, keeping the necessary safety distance. 3. TAKE CARE OF THE TRAIL: Before visiting the Camino, make sure you are aware of any changes in conditions or restrictions that may exist in the territories or towns that the Camino passes through. Make sure you are aware of the conditions of capacity that may exist in the facilities or premises to which you can access. Avoid leaving any waste on the Way. If you can, take it with you. While you are on the Camino, follow the indications you may receive from public authorities or the staff assigned to its maintenance or supervision. Enjoy the Camino, and help us make it a safer place for everyone.