Overview
The Sierra Castril Natural Park is a mountainous region in the north of the Granda province. Its limestone mountains, eroded by its high levels of rain are dramatic, with gorges, cliffs, waterfalls and underground caves. There are large number of diverse habitats which support a large variety of flora and fauna.
Walking
There is a visitor centre near the village of Castril. This is also the starting point for 6 signposted walks. The visitor centre will provide information regarding the walks.
The Sendero Río Castril is one of the walks. It is a linear route and is 12km long. It follows the Castril river from its source taking the visitor through lush vegetation and providing fantastic views down the river valley once reaching its source.
Sightseeing
The village of Castril is worth visiting. It is a ‘white village’ with whitewashed houses and lots of steep steps. It is overlooked by the stunning Peña de Castril.
The caves of Cueva del Muerto have impressive stalagmites and stalaties as well as the cave Cueva de Don Fernando. These are based in the Sierra Seca area of the park. The Cueva de Don Fernando is a huge two-and-a-half kilometres long and is 241m below sea level at its deepest point.
Geology
It is a limestone landscape carved by canyons, waterfalls, with numerous peaks, grottos and galleries. It rises to an altitude of over 2000 m.
Animals/Birds
The park is home to Egyptian vultures, Griffon vultures and peregrine falcons which nest on the cliff faces. Other birds of prey found in the park are golden and booted eagles. The trees along the river banks are inhabited by kingfishers, dipper and grey herons. Mammals found the park include mountain goats, muflon, wild boar, fallow deer, otters and martens. There are many butterflies endemic to the Iberian peninsula. Many reptiles and amphibians are found here, these include the Valverde's lizard, painted frogs, southern midwife toads, Lataste's vipers, salamanders and grass snakes.
Plants
The variety of vegetation is vast. Trees found up high are Austrian pines, further down the slopes you’ll find junipers, holm oaks, Aleppo and Scotch pine. Growing next to the rivers banks are poplars, ash and willow trees. |
