Sierra Gredos, Castilla y Leon, Spain

We started off from La Platforma where there is adequate parking for a 2.50€ entry fee at the barrier, it is some way away from the parking area, so not worth trying to avoid it. We set off with 1.5 liters of water each, all of which were consumed prior to arriving back at La Platforma some 3.5 hours later.
If you are just visiting do not think about doing this walk without a camera as you will be so frustrated at not being able to record some amazing sites and views. The walk can be strenuous at times and during our ascent, it was also being undertaken by some serious hikers with all the necessary equipment, walkers out for some fresh air, dog walkers and some seriously fit runners who made it look so easy when they disappeared over the horizon in front of us, only for us to reach that point and see a new horizon in front of us again.
In the main it is a stone path with no shade so at least trainers would be the order of the day along with a small back pack if possible with a snack if you intend to go all the way to the Laguna Grande, we did this walk in August and during a drought so the Laguna Grande was more 'Laguna Pequena' which we could see from the top of the climb so cancelled the idea of going to the lake.
However we managed to see Golden Eagles, Kestrals, Peregrine Falcons, Kites and the Spanish Ibex, which for some reason the locals were totally indifferent to as to them it's simply a Mountain Goat.......
There are also a number of Cattle grazing freely, all of whom have bells attached to them and a constant ringing in their ears, they never gave us any concern but when a large dog off the lead approached them and started to enforce his will on them, they decided the mountain was theirs and after a small display of "go away you are irritating us" they only ever saw the rear end of that dog again.......
There is a refuge available on this walk should you be so inclined to stay over or seek shelter due to bad weather, however my preference would be to get back to previously paid for comfortable accommodation, so I am unable to comment on its amenities.....