Cumbre del Yelmo Trail - PR-A 194

El Yelmo, an exceptional natural viewing spot, is the most emblematic mountain and a focal point in the popular culture of the Sierra de Segura.

The Cumbre del Yelmo Trail – PR-A 194, in the heart of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, starts on the Siles-Santiago de la Espada road, next to the old half-ruined Forest House del Campillo. Most of the route goes through a narrow and sometimes rather steep path, which was used in the past by cavalry, crossing this forest track several times.

We will take a walk through pine woods full of Corsican pines, through holm oaks and mixed forests with both species, with lots of gall-oaks in the first half of the route.

Soon, we will see beautiful maples and hawthorns. Above 1600 metres is the Pironal mount, dotted with sparse and the twisted Corsican pines which resist the harsh conditions of cold, snow, sun and wind on the high Segureña mountain.

The views we encounter as we climb are the best in the area, as we see the huge forests covering the entire Natural Park, the distant peaks of Albacete and Granada and the plains of La Mancha.

In the harmonious ensemble of forests and olive groves in the lower areas, from a bird's-eye-view, the beautiful villages of Hornos de Segura and Segura de la Sierra, stand out, as well as the waters of the El Tranco reservoir and the clouds handing in the valleys in the morning sunshine.

The summit, from where you can see flocks of mountain goats, is still an exceptional viewpoint despite the notorious telecommunications infrastructure installed here.

It has a marvellous runway, which makes it an international focal point for hang-gliding.