Towns and villages
Cabanillas de la Sierra: cattle trails, pastures and the Royal Road
A village in the Sierra Norte where you can explore Calle Real, discover the Arrieros bridge and stroll among ash trees and old cattle paths.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Cabanillas de la Sierra occupies a gently rolling landscape between the Sacedón and Albalá streams. Ash groves, former farmlands, and livestock trails surround a town center that grew up along Calle Real (Royal Street). A stroll through the town reveals the relationship between the village, the flow of travelers, and livestock farming.
The first documented mention of Cabanillas dates back to 1152. At the end of the 16th century, it obtained jurisdiction as an independent town. Its location on the Royal Road to Burgos and the passage of livestock contributed to shaping its economy and the elongated shape of its town center. The Arrieros Bridge, built in 1783, commemorates that old communication route.
The Church of San Juan Bautista, the fountains, the houses linked to the old road, and the horse-shoeing frame complete the picture of its heritage. Leaving the streets, the local routes cross resting places and pastures that still illustrate how this mountain landscape was once used.
What to see and what to do
Stroll along Calle Real to admire the traditional houses and the route of the old road. Visit the Church of San Juan Bautista, perched on a rise above the Sacedón stream, and continue through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) and the Plaza de la Fuente (Fountain Square). The Fuente de los Huertos (Orchard Fountain) and the horse-shoeing frame preserve the memory of water and livestock farming. Outside the town center, the Puente de los Arrieros (Muleteers' Bridge), known as the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), was once part of the Camino Real de Burgos (Royal Road of Burgos). The municipal tourist office also offers a virtual tour and materials to enhance your heritage walk.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Spend the morning exploring Calle Real, stopping at the church and fountains, and discovering the area around the Arrieros Bridge. After lunch in town, choose one of the local trails: the Bull Route connects the livestock trails with the cattle-raising landscape, while the Dehesas Ecological Route allows you to observe the vegetation and traditional land uses. For a second day, the Vega Route offers another route along the cattle track and pasture. Consult the municipal information sheets before deciding on your itinerary.
Where to eat
The municipal tourist information list includes the El Rincón de Cabanillas café-restaurant at Calle Real 75; Mesón Blanquita at Calle Real 76; and the El Barril brewery at Calle Real 79. Also listed are the El Caminero café and bakery at Calle del Cerrillo 51, and a restaurant within the D'Oremor campsite on the road to Bustarviejo. Please check directly with each establishment regarding their services and opening hours before making a reservation.
Routes and nature
The municipality offers three local trails: the Bull Route, the Dehesas Ecological Route, and the Vega Ecological Route. The first follows cattle trails and leads to the Arrieros Bridge and the Fuente de los Huertos (Orchard Fountain); the second showcases ash woodlands and other plant life; the third follows the Cañada Real de Extremadura (Royal Cattle Trail of Extremadura) towards the La Vega resting area. The information point at the end of Calle Real, near the old road, serves as a starting point for the marked trails. Cycling routes are also available. Check the current itinerary and terrain conditions before setting out.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, take the A-1 motorway, exiting towards Cabanillas de la Sierra near Venturada. The old main road through the town is now Calle Real. By bus, the intercity line 191 connects Plaza de Castilla with Cabanillas on its way to Buitrago del Lozoya; the Regional Transport Consortium also operates other lines that serve the town. Check the specific stop and departure time for the day of your visit. If you arrive by car, look for designated parking according to local signs and avoid blocking access roads or through streets.
Upcoming parties and plans
The Corpus Christi festivities are a part of the local calendar, with the procession as the central celebration and popular activities that vary each year. The Immaculate Conception, the town's patron saint, is honored on December 8th. The tradition of the "puches" (a type of sweet) around October 31st also continues. These are traditions, not a confirmed program of upcoming celebrations: check the municipal announcements to find out what events will take place each year.
Where to sleep
The municipal tourist directory lists the D'Oremor campsite, on the road from Cabanillas to Bustarviejo, and La Casita de Cabanillas, at Calle de las Eras 23. Before planning your stay, check directly the characteristics, conditions and availability of your chosen accommodation.
Practical information
The municipal tourist office provides information at 91 843 90 03. The Town Hall is located at Plaza del Ayuntamiento 1, postal code 28721. For a walking tour, consult the municipal guides and itineraries and check if the indoor spaces you wish to visit are open. The information point near the end of Calle Real has panels about the routes and the surrounding area.
