The stage, step by step
Aldeanueva del Camino
Leave Aldeanueva with your rucksack sorted: you have supermarkets, a pharmacy, cafés, restaurants and several places to stay. The first part gives you a chance to use these services before entering the more mountainous section.
Towards Baños de Montemayor
The trail continues through Valle del Ambroz and its chestnut woods to Baños de Montemayor. There you can stop at Restaurante Alegría, and you also have Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata.
The descent through the woods
Between km 12 and 16.3, the route loses 218 m at an average gradient of 5.1%. The descent offers panoramic views of Sierra de Béjar among chestnut and oak woods, but it is worth taking it carefully.
The final climb to La Calzada
The stage does not finish when the descent ends: between km 18.8 and 21 you still gain 76 m, with an average gradient of 3.4%. You arrive in La Calzada de Béjar, where you will find Bar La Plaza and Albergue Alba y Soraya.
What to see on stage 16
Valle del Ambroz
The valley accompanies much of the stage and is characterised by historic chestnut woods covering more than 1,000 hectares. This is the landscape that best defines the day.
Castañar del Duque
Castañar del Duque forms part of the chestnut woods characteristic of Valle del Ambroz. You encounter it on a stage where woodland and mountains soon replace the more open sections.
Baños de Montemayor
Baños de Montemayor is the intermediate settlement and a useful stop before tackling the descent and final climb. It has accommodation and several places to eat.
Sierra de Béjar
The descent offers panoramic views of Sierra de Béjar. The outlook appears between chestnut and oak woods, in the most mountainous part of the route.
La Calzada de Béjar
La Calzada de Béjar is the stage destination. You arrive after the final climb, with options for resting and spending the night.
Where to sleep in La Calzada de Béjar
Aldeanueva del Camino offers Albergue de peregrinos de Aldeanueva del Camino, Albergue Turístico La Casa De Mi Abuela and Hostal Roma. Along the route, you have Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata in Baños de Montemayor, as well as Complejo Turístico Rural El Solitario, Albergue de Peregrinos de Puerto de Béjar and Café & Albergue Puente de la Malena. At the end, there is Albergue Alba y Soraya. There are several alternatives, but the climb and descent make it advisable to book your intended stop.
Where to eat and refuel
Aldeanueva has the widest range of options for setting off with provisions: Casa Sebas, Restaurante Montesol, Área Ambroz, Restaurante Roma, Restaurante Las Cañadas and Churrería El Mercao. In Baños de Montemayor you can stop at Restaurante Alegría, while at the finish you have Bar La Plaza. Do not leave your food planning until after the descent: the final climb is still waiting for you.
Practical tips for this stage
Do not be misled by the distance
It is 21.8 km, but you gain 457 m and climb from the valley’s 525 m to the highest point at 896 m. This is a mountain stage disguised as a short one, so expect more effort than the distance suggests.
Control your descent
Between km 12 and 16.3, you lose 218 m at an average gradient of 5.1%. Wear footwear with good grip and save your legs for the final climb.
Refuel before the mountains
Make the most of the services in Aldeanueva del Camino and Baños de Montemayor before entering the more demanding sections. Leave each settlement with enough water.
Set off early in hot weather
The climb and descent account for much of the effort. Starting early gives you more leeway to cross the mountainous section and reach La Calzada without rushing.
Frequently asked questions about stage 16
Is it an easy stage because it is only 21.8 km?
No. It includes 457 m of ascent, a 218 m descent at an average gradient of 5.1% and another 76 m climb before reaching La Calzada de Béjar.
Where can I stop during the stage?
Baños de Montemayor is the intermediate settlement. There you have Restaurante Alegría and Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata, among other options.
What landscape defines the route?
Valle del Ambroz provides its chestnut woods, including Castañar del Duque. During the descent, views of Sierra de Béjar appear among chestnut and oak trees.
Where is it best to sleep?
You can sleep in Aldeanueva del Camino, Baños de Montemayor, Puerto de Béjar or La Calzada de Béjar. Options include Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata and Albergue Alba y Soraya.