EXPLORING THE HISTORY AND LEGENDS OF PATONES DE ARRIBA - A TRAIL RUNNING ROUTE TO CANCHO DE LA CABEZA

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the charming village of Patones de Arriba Emerging as a historical treasure and a natural haven for trail running enthusiasts. With a rich history and legends intertwined with its picturesque cobblestone streets, this town offers much more than just stunning scenery. In this article, we'll explore an exciting 13-km, 600+ mile route that takes you from the heart of Patones de Arriba to the majestic Cancho de la Cabeza, revealing historical secrets and must-see attractions along the way.

History and Legends of Patones de Arriba

Declared a good of Cultural Interest, It is a town with a fascinating history dating back to prehistoric times. Its cobblestone streets and rustic houses tell stories of centuries past, when the area was inhabited by prehistoric populations and later by Romans and Arabs. The town owes its name to the Arabic word "patón", what does it mean "stone"Among the legends that surround Patones de Arriba, the story of the "Devil's Marabout" A cave located nearby, according to popular tradition, was inhabited by Lucifer himself. Although the reality is less fantastical, the cave has been used as a refuge by shepherds and smugglers throughout the centuries, adding an aura of mystery to the region.

The Trail Running Route to Cancho de la Cabeza

The 13km trail running route that starts from Patones de Arriba towards the Cancho de la Cabeza It's an adventure that combines physical exercise with cultural and natural exploration. Starting in the heart of the village, you'll be greeted by stunning stone architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, before venturing into paths that wind through holm oak and pine forests. As you continue, you'll have the opportunity to admire panoramic views of the mountainous landscapes surrounding the village, as well as discover ancient hermitages and the remains of medieval buildings along the way. One of the highlights of the route is the climb to Cancho de la Cabeza, an imposing rock formation that offers spectacular views of the surrounding region.

Must-See Attractions Along the Way

In addition to the natural beauty and fascinating history, the trail running route to Cancho de la Cabeza offers the opportunity to discover some must-see attractions along the way. Among them are the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Olive, a small sanctuary built in the 13th century that houses a venerated image of the Virgin Mary. Another point of interest is the Roman Bridge, A stone structure spanning the Jarama River dating back to Roman times. Although only vestiges of its former glory remain, the bridge remains an evocative reminder of the ancient Roman presence in the region.

Conclusion

In short, the trail running route from Patones de Arriba to Cancho de la Cabeza offers a unique experience that combines physical exercise with cultural and natural exploration. With its fascinating history, intriguing legends, and breathtaking landscapes, this route promises to captivate runners and leave them with lasting memories of their visit to this charming corner of the Andes. the Sierra de Guadarrama.

So, are you ready to lace up your sneakers and embark on this exciting adventure?

The Patones de Arriba route awaits you!

ROUTE	PATONES ABOVE
TYPE OF ACTIVITY	Trail Running
PROVINCE	Madrid
STARTING PLACE	PATONES ABOVE
DISTANCE	13KM
UNEVENNESS +	600+
DIFFICULTY	EASY
MAX ALTITUDE	1250
TYPE OF ROUTE	Circular
STAGES	a
TIME	2H30-Hours
TIME	ALL YEAR
DOGS	YES
FOUNTAIN	YES (in PATONES)
TRACK	>>DOWNLOAD THE TRACK HERE