There are places in Madrid that transport you directly to a state of disconnection. Such is the case of Patones de Arriba, less than an hour from the capital, a village declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the Historical-Artistic Site category in 1999. Its beauty is not limited to the old town itself, but from there, several routes emerge where one can enjoy the best nature of the community.
Discovering Nature Near Madrid
Among the mountain paths that start from Patones, one of the best-known routes is the section of the Great Route GR-88 that leads from the Pontón de la Oliva Dam to the La Parra Dam. This is a linear, out-and-back route, totaling 16 kilometers, which allows you to walk along the last stretch of the Lozoya River until you reach one of the historic dams in the Sierra Norte.
The itinerary is 7.9 kilometers long in each direction, with a positive elevation gain of 55 meters, making it a path with little elevation. The estimated time to complete the journey is about three hours, and its difficulty level is 2 out of 5, making it accessible for those seeking a mountain route without great technical demands.
A Path Along the Last Stretch of the Lozoya
The trail runs parallel to the last stretch of the Lozoya River, traversing a mountain landscape marked by ravines, rock walls, and Mediterranean vegetation. Along the way, different sections of the trail allow you to follow the course of the river as the terrain narrows between slopes.
This section of the GR-88, integrated into the network of long-distance trails, crosses some of the most characteristic landscapes of the Patones area. The itinerary allows you to discover one of the most surprising natural environments in the municipality, where the river and rock formations shape the mountain landscape.
The Pontón de la Oliva Dam
The most emblematic place on the route is the Pontón de la Oliva Dam, located in the Lozoya valley. This enclave is part of the hydraulic system built in the 19th century for the water supply to Madrid.
The dam stands at a point where the valley narrows between rocky walls, creating an abrupt and very characteristic landscape of this area of the Sierra Norte. The GR-88 path allows access to this place by following the route that accompanies the river until reaching this hydraulic enclave located among the mountains.
This is how one of the best plans for good weather is presented: a walk with a happy ending. Furthermore, with the arrival of spring, there is no excuse not to delve into the nature that surrounds the capital, whether with friends, family, pets, or your own company.
Source: https://www.epe.es/es/madrid/20260322/presa-escondida-sierra-madrid-patones-ruta-dv-128267313
