Free walking tours in Ucero and what to see

Must-sees

Ucero is a small village in Soria at the mouth of the Cañón del Río Lobos, one of the best-known nature parks in Castile and León. Above the village rise the ruins of its medieval castle, with the keep still standing, reached by the Senda del Castillo, a short circular trail with good views of the valley. In the village itself is the park visitor centre, in a 19th-century building, where you can find out about the canyon.

The star visit is the hermitage of San Bartolomé, about three kilometres away, a Romanesque church in transition to Gothic, built between the 12th and 13th centuries and surrounded by limestone walls. Like the castle, it's attributed to the Knights Templar. Beside it, the San Bartolomé cave keeps rock paintings, and following the canyon upstream you reach the Galiana cave, among griffon vultures and junipers.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Ucero, but there are some organised activities in the area. Most are in El Burgo de Osma, a few kilometres away, where you can book a thermal spa session to unwind after walking. In the park, guided hikes and interpretive activities are organised, and the visitor centre is the best place to find out more. El Burgo de Osma, with its cathedral and walled old town, rounds off the trip nicely.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the castle, the visitor centre and the walk to the San Bartolomé hermitage, which is flat and suitable for almost everyone. If you want to continue up the canyon to the Galiana cave or beyond, allow a full day. With two days you can add El Burgo de Osma, a quarter of an hour's drive away.

Where to stay

Ucero has little accommodation, with a rural place or two in the village that lets you set off walking early, before the crowds reach the canyon. The most convenient alternative is El Burgo de Osma, with more hotels and restaurants in the historic centre and by the cathedral, a short distance from the park entrance. San Leonardo de Yagüe is another option for entering the canyon from the north.