In Spain there are 265 Long Distance Trails, that is, hiking routes whose length exceeds 50 kilometers. The vast majority of them are found in the Iberian Peninsula, although one of the most notable is, as it could not be otherwise, the so-called GR-1 or Historical Trail. This spectacular path starts in the ruins of Empúries, on the shores of the Mediterranean, and crosses the entire country to end in Finisterre, in Galicia.
Throughout his more than 1,070 kilometers long they cross historic towns which were of capital importance in the Middle Ages, and among them the oldest in all of Spain: Brañosera. This small town in the province of Palencia can boast of being the first to be established as such long ago. more than twelve centuries. Furthermore, the places through which it meanders The GR-1 trail passing through the town is simply spectacular, making it a rural paradise.
The Historical Trail (GR-1) as it passes through Brañosera
The Historical Trail enters the province of Palencia through the Cantabrian municipality of Valdeolea, and after traveling through the eight kilometers of which the first stage of the GR-1 in this area of Castilla y León consists, you reach Brañosera (but not before passing through Salcedillo). The vast majority of the route in this region runs through the Palentina Mountain Natural Park, between “meadows, forests and paths”, as it is said on the provincial tourism website, as well as through “towns with a long history”.
And there is no town in all of Spain that has as much history as Brañosera, since it was granted the Carta Puebla in the year 824, being the first population center to obtain it. With barely 800 neighbors, this beautiful town nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains It is completely surrounded by a lush mountain forest which you can enter through the GR-1 route. Of course, after marveling at the nature of the area, you have to know all the charms of this incredible municipality.
The Palencia Tourism Portal highlights that Brañosera is a great exponent of traditional mountain architecture, in which the traditional stone and oak wood houses stand out. Furthermore, you cannot miss visiting its beautiful Church of Santa Eulalia, which suffered numerous damages in the preambles of the Civil War, as well as the Hermitage of San Miguel dating from the 12th century and many other remains of Romanesque architecture.
Other hiking routes in Brañosera (Palencia)
Although the GR-1 is the longest hiking route that crosses the municipality of Brañosera, in the historic town of Palencia you can also travel other paths that run around the town. From the one that passes through the Pedrosa Forest until the one that has destination the Pozo Merino and its beautiful waterfall, starting from the town you can discover the most extraordinary nature.
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