SL-CV 176 - Poyo Castle
The SL-CV 176 - Castillo del Poyo: a gem in our network of certified trails
This is a local trail (marked with white and green lines) that starts in the village of El Collado. It’s an ideal route if you’re looking for a short hike with truly extraordinary historical, botanical, and scenic highlights.
Here’s all the basic information and highlights so you can make the most of the experience:
Basic Trail Information
Trail type: linear.
Distance: 2.40 km.
Elevation gain: 275 meters.
Elevation drop: 0 meters.
Estimated duration: About 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Difficulty: Low to Medium.
Highlights of the Trail
Starting Point (Village of El Collado): The trail begins next to the old washhouse, where you’ll find the route’s informational sign.
The Ravine and Its “Natural Pharmacy” (Ethnobotany): The first section runs parallel to the ravine, surrounded by a lush riverside forest. The vegetation is the common thread of the route: you’ll see poplars, willows (known locally as “sargas”), walnut trees, and wild rosebushes. In the past, locals used plants from this area as natural medicine; for example, hawthorn (white hawthorn) for anxiety or willow bark (rich in acetylsalicylic acid) for headaches.
The Aromatic Trail: After passing the first kilometer and leaving a crossroads behind, the vegetation changes, and the ascent takes place amid wild plants such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, and hyssop.
Corral de Confite: About 1,600 meters from the start, you’ll reach the route’s final turnoff next to the remains of this old livestock corral, where you’ll begin climbing stone steps toward the final stretch of the trail.
La Muela and the Ruins of Poyo Castle: the crowning glory of the hike. At the summit of La Muela, at an altitude of nearly 1,500 meters, lie the ruins of this strategic Al-Andalus castle (dating from the 9th century AD). Designated a Site of Cultural Interest, it played a key defensive role on the medieval frontiers and was a pivotal site during the Carlist Wars, housing a military academy before its fall in 1875.
North Valley Lookout: Upon reaching the castle ruins, the panoramic views will take your breath away: from up there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking vista of the entire northern valley of Alpuente.
Enjoy your hike through our region!