Ruta Etnográfica 3: Ethnographic route 3: the chozones of Olmeda de Cobeta

The stops

1. Threshing floors and haylofts. Before leaving Olmeda de Cobeta, visit the stone-paved threshing floors where grain was processed, and beneath them the haylofts with upper loading hatches and lower unloading doors.
2. The communal resin pine. An ancient black pine with a notched cavity where neighbours collected resin in a small reservoir. It served as an antiseptic balm for livestock and shepherd wounds, and applied with wool to udders helped wean lambs.
3. The chozón of Tío Martín or El Morrón. One of the best preserved in the Park, constructed around a living holm oak 3.5 m in circumference and 15 m in height. Restored in 2022.
4. Centennial oaks and juniper woods. Spanish juniper with gall oak, holm oak, gorse, lavender, and thyme. In winter the juniper woods attract thousands of thrushes, which consume the juniper cones and disperse the seeds.

A living tree as central pillar

It was common practice to construct circular chozones around a living tree functioning as the central roof pillar. Very few survive: livestock manure and soil compaction eventually killed most of them. Nearby are the Dehesa of Olmeda de Cobeta and the hillfort of Peña Moñuz.

Notice

The Natural Park notes that the footpath is currently under improvement: check the official website before visiting.

Before you set out

Carry water, mountain footwear, and download the GPS track in advance: mobile reception is absent in many areas. Check the forecast on Today in the Alto Tajo and the official trail sheet for notices and closures, and respect seasonal restrictions during raptor breeding periods.