A brisk uphill slog to start the day, then a pleasant stroll through pine forest initially, which soon gave way to beautiful and more traditional, dehesa forests. I took the brief detour into Grimaldo in the hope that breakfast may be on offer, but despite Google maps information to the contrary, everything was closed. Maybe 0900 is too early for locals to want coffee!
The path gradually evolved from very pleasant forests to less inspiring “cattle country” until we crested the last brown hill, and the valley before us was more green and lush than you’d reasonably expect in a dry climate. Clearly there is some micro climate around Gallisteo, as there is abundant water for irrigation and seemingly sufficient wind to power a significant number of wind turbines
Gallisteo itself is also a revelation – a fortified hilltop town with the walls intact (or likely restored) and signs of prosperity compared to recent rural towns we have passed through.
Inside the walls the town is less inspiring as most of the ancient houses have been replaced with ones that are merely old. One can climb the steps to savour the view from the battlements. Fortunately we did this before dinner, as after a couple of glasses of vino tinto, the precarious steps probably shouldn’t be attempted.
2saunter 