In the very heart of Castilla y León, among lush valleys and slopes covered with oaks, hollies, and birches, lies a true natural gem that captivates with its pristine atmosphere. This is a place where time seems to stand still, and the overwhelming silence is broken only by the rustle of ancient canopies and the songs of birds hidden in the foliage. Hiking here becomes a meditative journey into the past, where every step is taken in the constant shade of trees that have witnessed the passing of countless generations and dramatic changes in the surrounding landscape.
This is the Tejedelo forest (Bosque del Tejedelo), located in the municipality of Requejo de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora. The forest is rightfully considered one of the best-preserved and most significant yew groves on the entire Iberian Peninsula. It is home to over a hundred trees that have surpassed a thousand years in age, creating an almost mystical aura. Some of these giants reach up to twenty meters in height, and the circumference of their gnarled trunks can be as much as eight meters. The forest stretches along the northern slope at an altitude of about 1,350 meters, offering the coolness and humidity needed to preserve these ancient relics.
You can explore this natural wonder by following a specially designed tourist trail. This circular route is about 5 kilometers long, rated as of moderate difficulty, and takes around three hours at a leisurely pace. The journey starts at the Tejedelo parking lot, accessible via a forest road from Requejo de Sanabria. The trail first weaves through low shrubs and oak groves before crossing the crystal-clear Tejedelo stream over wooden footbridges. As you gain elevation, the first yews appear, and soon the path enters the very heart of the forest, where millennia-old giants line the way like sentinels. The route leads to the Peñas del Valadero viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the valley, crowned by the dark, almost black canopies of ancient yew trees.
In addition to its scenic value, the Tejedelo forest is a vital oasis of biodiversity. Its leafy canopy creates a unique microclimate: cooler in summer and warmer in winter compared to open areas. The increased humidity supports the growth of mosses, lichens, and ferns, while the forest itself is home to roe deer, wild boars, martens, and wildcats. In the past, the strong and flexible yew wood was widely used for making cart axles and even as fuel. Today, this former communal forest is a protected natural area and one of the main attractions for hikers in the Sanabria region, where nature, history, and tradition exist in a delicate yet remarkably enduring balance.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that the yew (tejo) holds special cultural and mythological significance in Spain, especially in northern regions such as Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia. The ancient Celtic tribes who lived in these lands considered the yew sacred, symbolizing eternity and the connection between the worlds of the living and the spirits. Due to its longevity and the toxicity of all its parts except the berry flesh, it was often planted near churches and cemeteries as a symbol of immortality and protection against evil forces. That’s why a walk through the Tejedelo forest is not just a hike, but a journey into living history and ancient beliefs.
