🎵 Audio guide
The Dolmen Trail is a linear, out-and-back route which passes through the valley of the Garganta stream, a tributary to the River Árrago, which flows behind the hill on which the Chapel of Saint Michael is situated. Surrounded by nature and with spectacular views, the trail takes us up to a small dolmen close to the source of the stream.
The trail starts in the same place as the Valles trail - next to the Ermita del Humilladero - on a paved track which forms part of the GR-10 walking trail. It winds its way gently uphill between stone walls which enclose vineyards and olive groves, and leaves the village behind.
We turn right to detour to the Ermita de San Miguel which is situated on a small hill with olive trees and grape vines. To the west is the Garganta stream and to the east, the village of Robledillo and the Árrago river.
After passing the chapel, we leave the main trail and turn left onto a side trail. This leads uphill between stone walls, shaded by large oak trees interspersed with olive orchards.
The trail starts to twist and turn in order to climb the steep slope. The path is lined with olive trees which are planted in narrow terraces built with slate stone.
With one last turn, the track ends in a large, open area surrounded by oak and pine trees and scrub. We take a small path which starts here and passes through abandoned olive orchards. These have been reclaimed by nature, although it is still possible to see the lengths to which man went to tame these lands.
We continue along a straight section which allows us to appreciate the marvellous views of the valley - a mosaic of colours and vegetation which covers every square inch. To the north we can see the head of the valley, which ends in the high mountains and to the south, the Árrago valley opens out and we can see the village of Santibáñez el Alto in the distance.
The trail suddenly rounds a bend and darkens as we move into a shady stretch where the vegetation forms a canopy over the path. It opens out after we cross a dry riverbed which fills up when it rains, where there is lush riverside vegetation and a few lime trees.
The old track ends here and we continue through a beautiful Mediterranean forest on a little path which blends seamlessly with its surroundings, becoming part of the scenery. As we approach the head of the valley, it narrows, and suddenly, the path starts to descend steeply. There are even a few steps dug out, which we go down to reach an old olive grove, which nowadays is abandoned.