Trek Maestrazgo explores the wild beauty of this remote and sparsely populated region.
Discover the beautiful and inaccessible Maestrazgo with Trek Maestrazgo. Located at the eastern end of the Iberian System in north-east Spain, the area is characterised by contrasting landscapes; forests of Scots Pine and oak, rolling grasslands and meadows, deeply dissected ravines and broad valleys separated by rolling hills.
There is plenty of wildlife; ibex, muflón, wild-cats, otters, pine martens, foxes, hares, rabbits, wild boar and genets are all found in the area. Amongst the bird species are goshawks, Bonelli’s eagles, sparrowhawks, owls and Griffon vultures can be seen. You will also find a diverse flora that includes typical UK species such as ash, beech, poplar and elm as well as the more local Holm Oak and Black Pine.
Shepherding and livestock have traditionally formed the mainstay of the rural economy of this truly unique highland ecosystem. Trek Maestrazgo follows the old droving trails that crisscross the region. Used for centuries, these trails connected winter and summer grazing. Stopping-off in remote villages where time seems to have stood still, you’ll get a taste of authentic local cuisine and a flavour of the drover’s life.
The history of the area is long and varied, the first evidence of human occupation dates back to 25,000 years ago. Cave paintings and archaeological remains attest to the society of hunter-gatherers that occupied these mountains. Later, these peoples evolved into the Bronze Age tribes called the Ilercavones were also known to the Ancient Greeks and are referred to in texts about the Iberian peninsula.
Subsequently the Romans, Visigoths and then the Moors all ruled over the region. The area is also known as ‘El Cid’s Country’, after the Spanish noble famous for liberating the area from Moorish control in the 11th century.
As a result, with its combination of contrasting landscapes, biodiversity, local history and culture the Maestrazgo is ideal for a getaway trekking holiday.
[TABS_R id=2080]
Like the sound of this? Then get in touch for more information about Trek Maestrazgo.
Trek Maestrazgo – dry stone walled drovers trail.