🎵 Audio guide
The riverbanks of the Árrago wind like a green snake from north to south through the municipality of Descargamaría. Such is its environmental value that it has been designated a Site of Community Interest.
Next to the road to Robledillo de Gata, the waters of the river appear under a canopy of ash, alder, poplar and willow trees, surprising visitors with a beautiful waterfall which forms part of the magnificent natural pool, where we can enjoy its cool waters in the summer.
This well tended area with surprising colourful terraces makes a good place to relax and, in summer, enjoy the spacious outdoor area of the bar on the other side of the road.
But the attraction of the Árrago river isn't limited to its superb natural pool: it forms part of a natural landscape where the curious visitor can take a stroll and discover a richly diverse space with a wealth of small, distinct environments.
Downstream from the natural pool, two tributaries flow into the river: the Media Fanega stream from the west; and the Las Eras stream from the east. These streams' valleys melt into the main valley formed by the River Árrago.
The riverbank becomes a green wall bordering the village of Descargamaría to the east. We can enjoy it both from the paths that run alongside it and from the village itself, from the Vega and Fontanilla parks, where the old Ánimas oil mill is located.
Behind the church, it becomes possible once again to walk along the river on a path which takes us downstream through the area known as La Ballestera and past the old Puñosa mill, surrounded by olive groves, orchards and vegetable gardens, forest and riverside vegetation.
We are also accompanied by the riverside woodland on a walk along the road to Cadalso. The serpentine path of the river brings it closer and leads it further from the road, from which paths turn off to cross the river. A multitude of small streams contribute to the flow of the Árrago.
Even the road has to give way to the river as it flows down the eastern side of the valley close to the foothills of the Sierra de losÁngeles, forming a beautiful landscape where farmland gradually gives way to holm oak forests.
Just before the southern municipal boundary of Descargamaría the mountains close in, next to the Puñosa mill and the bridge. Further on, from the road itself you can appreciate the course of the Árrago by following the canopy of the riverside vegetation.
To walk the River Árrago as it flows through Descargamaría is an ideal way to spend the day in a natural environment and discover more than just the natural pool, allowing the spectacular surroundings to charm and delight your senses.