My tip“Enter from the Cañamares side, because the road from the other side is poor. The tables are few; arrive early at weekends and bring a rug.”
A shady grove on the bank of the clear Escabas river in the Cuenca mountains, with about 8 stone tables, a central barbecue and a freshwater spring. Its shallow bank suits children cooling off in summer.
Easy to reach, needs a car
By car about 2.5 hours from Madrid via Priego and Cañamares; tables beside the road, with the river a few steps away. No toilets or shops.
Barbecue
Allowed with conditions: in Castilla-La Mancha, fires are banned in forest and recreation areas from about 1 June to 30 September (this may be brought forward or extended depending on the risk), so barbecues are closed or fenced off. Outside that period, only fixed barbecues are allowed. Bring charcoal and water. The central hearth here is closed in fire season.
Address
16146, Serranía de Cuenca (río Escabas)