Risco de la Sierpe

Risco de la Sierpe is a rocky peak above Pedro Bernardo, a small town on the southern slope of the Sierra de Gredos in the province of Ávila, Spain. This stretch of the range is often called "the balcony of the Tiétar" for the sweeping views it offers over the Tiétar valley toward Extremadura. The risco itself is a jagged rock ridge, one of many such outcrops on this side of Gredos, where the landscape is carved by granite crests, glacial cirques and deep gorges.

How to get there?

The climb starts from the upper part of Pedro Bernardo. A stone-paved track leaves the village and, after a fairly demanding ascent, turns into a forest path that skirts the risco from the north. The route is waymarked with white-and-yellow paint and dotted with cairns, so navigation is straightforward even without a paper map — though a GPS track is a sensible backup, since some stretches cross loose rocky ground.

A popular version of the hike is a roughly 16-kilometer circular route that runs through the Sierra de Peña Culebrera. Along the way there are three springs, which matters especially in summer, when the sun can be relentless on the exposed sections of the ridge.

What will you see on the trail?

The summit itself is marked by a geodetic survey point (vértice geodésico), and the final approach to it requires scrambling with hands — the only technically demanding stretch on an otherwise straightforward walking route. From the top, the panorama takes in the Tiétar valley, neighboring Gredos ridges, and, on a clear day, the distant ranges of Extremadura.

Along the way, hikers pass the landscape typical of Gredos' southern face: granite rock towers known locally as "galayos," steep-sided gorges, and traces of old glacial moraines. The area sees far fewer visitors than the better-known northern side of the range around the Circo de Gredos, which makes it appealing to hikers looking for a quieter route.

Where does the name come from?

The name risco refers to a local legend about a sierpe — a serpent or dragon said to have roamed the area at night, snatching livestock from the villagers of Pedro Bernardo. According to the story, residents filled an animal hide with burning material; the creature swallowed it and died trying to reach the waters of the Tiétar river. The legend is still part of local folklore and is regularly retold to visitors and hiking guides passing through the area.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this hike, with milder temperatures and generally clearer views from the ridge. In summer, the exposed parts of the trail get a lot of direct sun, so an early start and enough water are advisable even with the springs along the way. In winter, the higher sections can ice over, calling for proper gear and preparation.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the hike to Risco de la Sierpe? The popular circular route is about 16 kilometers, running through the Sierra de Peña Culebrera and back to Pedro Bernardo.

Is the trail technically difficult? Most of the route is a standard walking trail. Only the final stretch to the geodetic survey point requires scrambling with hands.

Are there water sources along the way? Yes, the route passes three springs, which makes it easier to refill water, especially in summer.

Where does the name Risco de la Sierpe come from? From a local legend about a serpent that preyed on livestock at night and died trying to reach the Tiétar river after swallowing a burning bait.