The network of pilgrimage routes leading to the tomb of the Apostle James is constantly expanding with new branches, offering travelers ever more options for both spiritual and physical challenge. In the lands of Alcarria, immortalized by Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela, one such route was recently revived. It gives wanderers the chance to immerse themselves in historic landscapes and connect with the age-old tradition of journeying on foot, following paths away from the busiest arteries, where the true spirit of solitude can still be felt.
This is a trail that gained official recognition in 2018 from the Spanish Federation of Pilgrims’ Associations. Its name is no coincidence, as it winds through territories once ruled by one of the most powerful families of Castilian nobility. The Mendoza were more than just aristocrats; they were true patrons, warriors, and statesmen whose influence shaped the fate of the region for centuries. This section stretches for 97 kilometers. It begins in Guadalajara and ends in Manzanares el Real, already in the Madrid region, where it joins the Madrid Route. That route then leads pilgrims further to merge with the famous French Route in the town of Sahagún in the province of León.
The route passes through fourteen municipalities at the intersection of two autonomous regions—Castilla-La Mancha and the Community of Madrid. Travelers are greeted not only by picturesque scenery but also by a rich cultural heritage scattered across towns like Marchamalo, Usanos, Fuentelahiguera de Albatages, Viñuelas, or Uceda. The landscape gradually changes: the golden fields of Campiña give way to the foothills of the Central System, the air grows cooler, and the path becomes more winding. Here, you can find idyllic pastoral scenes, remnants of Romanesque and Mudéjar architecture, ruins of ancient churches dedicated to St. James, and symbols of pilgrims carved in stone. The starting point is the church of Santiago in Guadalajara, which symbolically connects this endeavor to the city’s religious and cultural history.
The entire section is thoughtfully divided into stages of various lengths, making it accessible for people with different levels of physical fitness. You can opt for short walks, such as from Guadalajara to Marchamalo (just 5.8 km), or tackle longer distances like from Usanos to Fuentelahiguera (10.9 km) or from Guadalix de la Sierra to Soto del Real (10.7 km). Every moment on the trail offers a harmonious blend of nature and history. In Uceda, for example, fragments linked to the ancient parish of St. James have been preserved, while in Torrelaguna archival records confirm the existence of a medieval travelers’ hospital where wayfarers could find shelter and aid. These small discoveries make the journey especially rewarding.
Those who decide to embark on this journey should plan their schedule in advance. The optimal times to travel are spring and autumn, when the weather is most favorable and nature is at its best. Proper gear is key to success. Essential items include well-broken-in trekking boots, a light backpack, walking poles, and sun protection. Some prior physical preparation will also make it easier to handle the demands of a multi-day trek. By following these simple guidelines, travelers can fully enjoy a journey that not only leads to a final destination but also revives the memory of the great Castilian lineage that left a lasting mark on the country’s history.
