Having done some packing last night, we were able to leave the Gredos Centre shortly after breakfast. Leaving our suitcases to be delivered to the Parador de Gredos for tonight’s stay, we walked through the pine forests and onto the hills of the National Park to the river rock pools at Valdeascos. Here, we had hoped to swim but the cooler weather today meant that paddling was the preferred option. After half an hour at this stunningly picturesque spot, we descended to a picnic spot and, after lunch, continued our trek to an outdoor swimming pool perched on the edge of the valley with fabulous views over all of the territory that we have come to love.
Here, the sun blessed us for a couple of hours and most braved the initial shock of cold water to enjoy a refreshing swim. It was a very short walk from the pool to the Parador, where we checked into our rooms and enjoyed a touch of luxury in what was once the hunting lodge of King Juan I.
We ate a splendid meal in the formal dining room and then retired to our classy bedrooms - early start tomorrow for the return trip to the UK.
