Patrimonio natural de Aguatón
The location of the municipality, on the northeast face of Sierra Palomera, means that there is an important environmental richness. The very orography of the terrain is conducive to the existence of ravines and many slopes, as well as permanent water points distributed throughout the municipality. From any point there are good views, especially from the area of the quarries, from where the whole Jiloca valley can be seen. The ravines between the town centre and the Virgendel Castillo hermitage (about 5 km from the town) are outstanding. The area of the quarries, Morrón Grande and La Vaqueriza also stand out. This leads to activities related to hiking, trekking, mountain biking and in some areas even climbing.
There are three local trails, not approved, but in good use and signposted. All three start from the village and can all be done on foot and mountain bike. The Virgendel Castillo trail can also be done by motorbike.
Vaqueriza Route (Aguatón – Vaqueriza – Aguatón) This route is of medium difficulty and is 5 kilometres long (2.5 outward and 2.5 back to the village). As we start the route, it climbs up to 1,411 m. There is a wide panoramic view of the Aguatón district and the Jiloca valley. The first kilometre of the route has a steep slope, after which the gradient is gentler and the route runs through holm oak groves. In the first kilometre we can turn off 300 metres in the direction of the “Morrón Grande” (1,387 m.) to enjoy a wide panoramic view and contemplate the remains of some trenches from the Civil War.
La Hoz ravinepath (Paralleltothe local Aguatón – Torrelacárcelroad). It runs for about 2.5 km outward and 2.5 km back from the village. On the way we find the Holocene fault, the water pools and the route through a gorge, whose natural heritage has been declared a “singular forest”.
Route of the Virgendel Castillo. We set off from the town centre to the Ermita de la Virgendel Castillo, heading in a N-S direction (about 6 km to go and the same distance to return). It runs through the centre of the valley. A rural path has just been laid out that leads to the hermitage itself. Halfway along the path, about 3 km away, there is an old weaving mill, an industrial heritage site, for which there is a restoration project. In addition, the hut next door is covered and serves as a shelter for walkers.