Virgen del Rosario Country Chapel Viewpoint
- UTM Coordinates: 0433500 / 4514750
- Altitude: 985 m
- Reference Map: 1:50,000 Sierra de Guadarrama (Ed. La Tienda Verde)
Location and Access
The viewpoint is located in the municipality of Soto del Real. It can be accessed from the Vista Real urbanisation by taking a dirt track that connects to the Cañada Real Segoviana, located to the north of the town. The hermitage is easy to locate as it sits on top of a rocky outcrop facing Soto.
Scenic View
This viewpoint offers a broad panoramic view of the region and its surrounding areas. To the northeast, you can see the Cerro de los Hormigales; to the south, the Cerro de San Pedro, the Colmenar Viejo slope, the La Calera meadows, the urban centre of Soto del Real, and the Sierra de Hoyo de Manzanares. To the southwest, the elevation of Cabeza Illescas, the Santillana Reservoir, the Cerro de la Atalaya, and the village of Manzanares el Real are visible. To the west, La Pedriza can be identified, with the Yelmo peak and the Dehesilla pass. Further to the north, the rear of La Pedriza, the Hueco de San Blas, Cuerda Larga, and La Najarra are all visible.
Identifiable Landscape Units
This viewpoint offers an excellent observation point within the region, where the following landscape units are distinguishable: the Sierra de Hoyo de Manzanares, the horst of Cabeza Illescas, the meadows and pastures of Manzanares and Soto del Real, the granite cliffs of La Pedriza, Hueco de San Blas, and Cuerda Larga.
Observations
This viewpoint is not institutionalised, meaning there are no interpretation panels. It is advisable to bring a map to identify the most significant geographical landmarks. Binoculars are also recommended for a better experience of the landscape.
