Located in the Guadarrama’s range, the Peñalara is the highest peak in the province of Madrid and through their ridge separates Madrid and Segovia province.

When I am visiting Madrid for work, which is regularly latterly, I try to scape to the Sierra de Madrid for at least one training session. During the summer because of the heat early morning is the best and only option for a good hike of run in the hills and in the winter you need to be well equipped with snow shoes or ski touring tables because the deep snow.

Peñalara is the highest peak for both Madrid and Segovia provinces with 2,428m and is a relatively easy climb. During the summer period I run from the Cotos parking to the summit in less than 90 minutes to cover a bit more 10 km and 700m ascent, but if you are after a longer training the ideal option then is to start from the Puerto de Navacerrada’s parking to make it over 23Km for a long run.

Other alternative is to sleep in one of the several Albergues (guarded huts) or mountain huts in the region. Me personally I prefer the Albergue Peñalara in Puerto de Navacerrada where I store my skis and poles for the winter season, and where the landlady (Anabel) would help you around with logistics and suggestion with routes in the area. (Contact them on +34 609203715 or email alberguepenalara@gmail.com

During my last training up there I saw a couple of wild goats (Ibex) close to the summit.