The legend goes that Viriato, who went from humble shepherd to Lusitanian leader and fighter against the Romans, camped with his armies in the so-called Venus mountain which many believe was in the San Vicente range. This beautiful part of the Toledo province, located between the Tiétar and Alberche valleys, is home to a wide range of nature and heritage, and great landscape, botanical and wildlife diversity.

From Toledo, the route leaves towards the A-40 to join the A-5 towards Talavera de la Reina. Before Cazalegas, you have to turn right onto the CM-5002 to cross the Alberche river and reach Bayuela Castle, where the castle tower and some Vettones boars remain standing, welcoming visitors. In the area surrounding the town, there is a climbing school with walls offering excellent views of the Tajo valley.

The road winds before reaching El Real de San Vicente, the starting point for some pleasant walks. The narrow road that rises towards Piélago leaves from the town. Before reaching this beautiful spot, and right where the climb ends, a lane to the left takes us to the San Vicente castle. The trip is worthwhile due to the stunning views from the watchtower built atop the castle ruins.

If we turn off to the right, the dirt track ends at the Cruces peak (1,369 metres), offering impressive views of the Tiétar valley with Gredos as the backdrop. At the beginning of this track, on the left and hidden behind the undergrowth, there are the remains of one of the wells to store snow used by the friars of the nearby convent –the ruins of their church really deserve a visit– to make ice that would then be sold in Talavera.

We can take a well-deserved break in Piélago, a spot nestled among oak and chestnut trees, allowing relaxation in its meadows and the perfect place for a picnic. Legend goes that this is where Viriato set up his winter camp.

We highly recommend returning via San Román de los Montes to stop in the Cazalegas reservoir, where we can take a deserved dip in the refreshing waters.

Several activities can be done in the area, including paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, trekking, bird watching, nautical activities and gathering chestnuts and mushrooms.

The Viriato Path allows us to visit all the towns in the zone through a beautiful path spanning 141 kilometres and divided into 19 stages.