Predicaminata: Know the way
Our pilgrimage begins near Cercedilla railway station. We will have the Morning Prayer and we will set the first turn to bring the Gospel in the first meters of the road Puricelli.
We will follow the route marked by this road, a nice walk in the shade of tall pines, to the Hospital Fuenfría. Here we leave the road Puricelli and go north stepping the asphalt of Las Dehesas that leads, by Casa Cirilo, to the parking of Majavilán (the fountains all around are a good opportunity to bring in water).
Duration: About 1 h. and 20 min.
We start the climb to the pass of Fuenfría (1,793 m.) that divides the provinces of Madrid and Segovia. We will do it as similarly as possible to the way it used to be done in the 13th c.: following the Roman Road. Its layout has been rediscovered in 2009 and is well signposted with high metal beacons in rusty tone, with the legend "Via XXIV". We will reach it after crossing the bridge of the “Descalzo” in which can be seen the paved walkway. We will take the original path (more zigzag) along the cattle fence, leaving on our left the Bourbon Road (more direct and steep), which we will cross at some moments of our journey.
At the Prairie of Fuenfría, we will cross the excellent path of the Road of the Republic and we will continue along the Roman road, now leaving to our left and parallel, the Bourbon. With permission from the cattle grazing around and after crossing twice the Bourbon Road, finally we get to crown the pass.
Duration: About 2 h.
From this moment we have a continued virtually uninterrupted descent that will take us to the Aqueduct. Our route is easy to follow because there will be many granite markers with the pilgrim’s shell showing the distance to Santiago. We shouldn’t forget that the Way of St. James in Madrid matches (with all historical logic) the route of our pilgrimage.
Descending from the pass of Fuenfría towards Valsaín we will pass by the ruins of La Casa Eraso, first, and then next to the Fountain of the Queen, where we can refuel again, if necessary. At this point, the Road joins for a few meters the paved forest trail that leads directly to Valsaín. But after the Meadow of Fuenfría Inn, in a sharp curve to the left, the two paths split again to continue in parallel (the Road in a higher level than the track) until they cross again at the Fuente del Pájaro (before reaching the Cruz de la Gallega). A good place to stop to eat and rest.
During this stretch we must walk carefully, since many cyclists are not prudent enough and go down at a high speed.
If we're lucky and ‒as usually happens‒ we do not intend it, perhaps we can enjoy the view at a distance of some fawns approaching to the little rivers to quench their thirst.
Duration: About 2 h. y 15 min.
We begin the last stretch of the journey. It does not entail greater difficulty than the previous one, except the accumulated fatigue and the almost total absence of trees to protect us either from sun or rain. We will enjoy in the distance the view of the Cathedral of Segovia, whose tower seems to rise into the sky like an arrow. But do not be fooled: this view will stay on the horizon longer than initially imagined.
We follow the route of the Roman road that once again will be indicated by Compostelan markers. We will cross again a paved forest track, which also leads to the Cruz de la Gallega. We must pay attention to these Compostelan granite markers (and livestock), because the grass will blur partly the way. We will arrive at the Fountain of San Pedro, leaving on our right the Cerro de Matabueyes, crowned by a series of antennas and other equipment. A little later, the Road and track GR-88 overlap. We cross the old road to La Granja, which leaves La Granja and connects east to west the CL-601 and N-603 in its km. 6, and we leave on our left the ranch del Feo. We will pass over the high speed railroad tracks and then through an underpass that allows us to cross the SG-20 highway. Near a barracks which we will reach shortly after, the paved road begins: we are in the city of Segovia. Following this street, called Camino las Baterías, we pass a first roundabout (with a monument to the shepherds) and at the second roundabout we take the Avenida de la Constitución. Following the streets of the city in the direction of the Avenue we end up arriving, along Calle San Francisco, to the famous aqueduct.
After the photo for posterity, a last effort climbing towards the Cathedral to get to our contemplative sisters of the Monastery of Santo Domingo El Real (C / Capuchinos Alta, 2). It's time to make a prayer of thanksgiving and enjoy the deserved rest.
The next morning we will celebrate the Eucharist in the Cave of St. Dominic, crowning moment of our Predicaminata.
Duration: About 3 h.
You can see the route and download it by clicking here.
