Waterways
Valle del Jerte is the valley of water. The union between valley and river is such that they even came to share the same name. The river was born at the top of the valley next to Tornavacas Port; humble origins for a true force of nature that sustains the life of this district. The valley and river cannot be understood without the network of creeks and ravines that feed them, forming a water system of transparent blood that circulates the valley below looking for a path between imposing rock walls. This millennia old struggle has formed a network of intricate labyrinths that hide a handful of unique geographic spaces: the ravines of Valle del Jerte, true geological and environmental treasures. To approach this path of water and rock is to approach the very heart and history of this valley at the foot of the Gredos sierra; a journey that leads us to corners where natural beauty is shown in all its splendour.
Waterfall and Marta Winepress
VALDASTILLAS
ocated 656 ft from the motorway linking Valdastillas with Cabrero. Windmills, sawmills, light factories and winepresses have been built on the banks of river courses using hydraulic engineering since Medieval times. One such example is Marta Winepress, which was acquired by Valdastillas Town Hall in 1992. Here, olives were pressed from January to March to obtain oil and each family was paid for each foot of olive pressed; one foot was the equivalent of 20 or 30 baskets of olives. 328 ft from the winepress we will find the spectacular Marta Ravine waterfall with a walkway for visiting and enjoying the spectacle offered by its waters, especially during periods of rain and thaws.
