Discovering the Essence of Extremadura: GR-114 Stage 23 from Casas de Don Pedro to Puebla de Alcocer

Nestled within the heart of Extremadura, the GR-114 trail offers an enchanting journey that captivates the soul of every traveler. Among its stages, the 23rd segment, stretching from Casas de Don Pedro to Puebla de Alcocer, stands out as a testament to the region’s unspoiled beauty and rich pastoral life. This 20-kilometer trek is not just a physical journey but an immersion into the essence of the Extremaduran dehesa, a unique agro-sylvo-pastoral system intrinsic to the Iberian Peninsula.

A Journey Begins

The stage commences in the quaint village of Casas de Don Pedro, with its focal point being the parish church dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. As travelers embark on this path, they are greeted by the architectural splendor of the 16th-century Mudejar-style hermitage of the Virgen de los Remedios, a beacon of historical and cultural heritage.

The Path Through Nature

Veering away from the main road BA-137, the trail seeks the serene shores of the Orellana reservoir, a pivotal moment where the landscape transitions into the extensive grazing lands along the southern bank. The initial segment of the journey is a harmonious blend of pastoral scenes, where summer pastures parch under the sun, and flocks of merino sheep roam freely, embodying the timeless agricultural practices of the region.

The route cleverly utilizes the cordel de las Merinas, a marked livestock trail that pierces through sheep farms, revealing the deep-rooted pastoral culture of Extremadura. This path not only connects landscapes but also histories, as it treads across lands shaped by generations of shepherds.

Encounters with Water

Before reaching the bridge over the Orellana reservoir, travelers find solace in a recreational area equipped for public use, offering a potential haven for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The bridge itself presents mesmerizing views of the water body, a spectacle that defines this stage of the trail.

Diverging Paths

Post-crossing the reservoir, the trail bifurcates, offering a choice between continuing along the BA-137, ideal for cyclists, and an old service road that promises secluded fishing spots along the Guadiana riverbank. This decision point marks a significant aspect of the journey, allowing travelers to tailor their experience to their preferences.

Towards Puebla de Alcocer

As the trail meanders towards Puebla de Alcocer, it transitions from paved roads to dirt paths, guiding travelers through sheep pastures and occasionally, cattle farms or horse breeding grounds. The landscape evolves, introducing rugged terrains and rock outcrops, especially as the path nears the arroyo Grande, a stream that carves through the valley, adding a layer of dramatic natural beauty to the trek.

The Final Stretch

The approach to Puebla de Alcocer is marked by a shift from pastoral to forested landscapes, with the path becoming a straight line through undulating terrain. The visual dominance of Puebla de Alcocer in the distance heralds the end of this stage, concluding in the embrace of the town’s municipal park.

A Reflection on the Journey

Stage 23 of the GR-114 is more than a trail; it is a narrative woven into the fabric of Extremadura. It invites travelers to explore the depth of Spain’s rural heartland, offering insights into the symbiosis between man and nature. This journey is not just a physical traversal but an exploration of the soul of Extremadura, making it a must-experience for those seeking to understand the essence of this historic region.

Read more about the trail here