GOOD PRACTICES
Be respectful of the ecosystem

The circuits that we propose have been agreed with the local managers of road maintenance, making them passable and safe, as well as with those responsible for the environment, making them respectful of the ecosystem.

Respecting the environment can be more complicated than it seems, it is not only about storing your garbage or picking it up when you find it, it is much more. Please follow these tips:

  1. Enjoy the circuits recommended on this website, the local trails (SL), the short routes (PR) or the long routes (GR), and avoid using any other because you will most likely be damaging the ecosystem in some way . If we follow a track we must make sure that it is an official track approved by the city council or any other competent public body, and that therefore, we will have the security of going on an authorized path.
  2. Respect the signs and do not get off the road, especially when the ground is wet, because your footprint will be detrimental to the vegetation and microorganisms that live in the first layers of the soil. And why do you have to get out of the way?
    1. Because you have gotten lost by not knowing the route well and you have had to cut the vegetation in half. Plan, and if you do not know the route: take a compass and a map (and if you do not know how to orient yourself with these basic tools, learn), go with time to spare, and for your comfort use the GPS with the routes that we propose.
    2. Because you are not wearing the right footwear for mud, puddles or ice and you have to get out of the way to avoid getting your feet wet, or slipping in the mud or on the ice. Keep in mind that the weather on the mountain can change rapidly, and that what you see on the south face may have nothing to do with what you can find on the north face. Currently there is very specialized material for all types of terrain and circumstances. Go prepared.
  3. If you go in a group, try to use public transport or the minimum number of cars, especially if you have to go through forest tracks. And avoid these forest tracks when the ground is soft because that is when the wheels will damage it the most, look for other routes or destinations in this case.
  4. Think that when you walk through a forest you are a guest of its inhabitants and that they may feel annoyed, even stressed by your presence. Always tie your dog when passing near herds or through private farms or in nature reserves. Try to be as less annoying as possible for them, avoiding making unnecessary noises. Also keep in mind that if it is at night, the headlight or flashlight will also disturb nocturnal animals; As far as possible, avoid traveling through sensitive places at night, and if you have to, aim the light only at the ground and reduce its intensity to the minimum to guarantee your safety.
  5. If you go by bicycle, moderate your speed in areas where you do not have visibility and adjust your speed to avoid, the more the better, the braking, since these degrade the ground.
  6. Reduce the use of sticks to only when it is really necessary, they degrade the soil considerably.
  7. Take your garbage and, if possible, also what you find. It is everyone’s responsibility to leave the mountain equal to or better than we have found it.
  8. Don’t make a fire, try not to use matches or light cigarettes.
  9. Avoid the introduction of new species by cleaning your shoes before doing the activity.
  10. If there is no other option, make your bowel movements, but do it away from the water, bury them and cover them with natural elements such as earth and stones.
  11. Pass on these good practices to anyone who is unfamiliar.

Be respectful of the socioeconomic environment

The circuits that we propose can go through private properties for agricultural or livestock activities. These activities need, like the ecosystem, your respect and compliance with rules:

  1. Try not to get in the way of the herds or the dogs that protect them. Special attention if you are accompanied by your dog.
  2. Leave the fences open or closed, just as you found them when passing.
  3. Try not to disturb the peace and / or rest of the inhabitants, whether they are animals or humans. It goes as unnoticed as possible.
  4. Do not feed the animals.
  5. Pass on these good practices to anyone who is unfamiliar.