Matilda on Tour – Life Among the Lakes of Ruidera 🇪🇸

Day 7 – Finding Our Perfect Spot in the Lakes of Ruidera

Saturday 10 October 2026
Lagunas de Ruidera, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain 🇪🇸

We woke this morning to the sound of excited children running around the campsite, playing and having a wonderful time. It was lovely to see so many youngsters outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and simply being children.

We were on the move again, heading a couple of hundred kilometres further south. The drive wasn’t particularly inspiring. Mile after mile of straight roads, with flat, yellow fields stretching as far as the eye could see. Not much to hold our attention.

But eventually we left the motorway, and the landscape began to change. Hills appeared, the road started to twist and turn, and suddenly things were looking much more promising.

We were heading into an area of lakes, a whole series of them stretching down the valley. The narrow road wound its way between them, busy with walkers, cyclists and people enjoying the weekend. Progress was slow, but the scenery was certainly improving.

Eventually, we turned into the campsite, and I think we both knew straight away that we’d made a good choice.

This was much more our sort of place. A proper countryside campsite, with trees everywhere, a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful lake just outside the gates. Nothing too regimented, just somewhere we could settle in and enjoy being.

We spent a lovely afternoon sitting outside, relaxing and taking in our surroundings. After the travelling, it felt good to stop and do absolutely nothing for a while.

Later, we decided to stretch our legs and explore. We spotted an interesting-looking path leading uphill and, as usual, couldn’t resist finding out where it went.

We hadn’t gone far when a goat suddenly came charging across the path, giving us both quite a start! We certainly hadn’t expected that.

At first glance, the hillside looked rather unremarkable. Dry earth, scrubby bushes and scattered trees. You could easily have walked along without giving any of it a second thought.

But the more we looked, the more we noticed. Different plants, unusual seed heads, little splashes of colour and all sorts of things growing among the rocks and dry ground. What had initially appeared quite barren was actually full of interest.

We followed the path uphill for a good mile, stopping regularly to look around and see what we could spot. Eventually, with evening approaching and the temperature beginning to drop, we decided it was time to turn back.

What a difference a few hours can make. This morning we were driving through miles of rather uninspiring countryside, and by this afternoon we were sitting beneath the trees, wandering along a hillside and being startled by a goat.

It’s been a really lovely afternoon, and exactly the sort of day we’d hoped to find on this trip.

Something tells me we won’t be in any hurry to move on.

Day 8 – Cycling Through the Lakes of Ruidera

Sunday 11 October 2026 |
Lagunas de Ruidera, Castilla-La Mancha 🇪🇸

Another beautiful sunny day in Spain. We’re certainly getting used to the blue skies and warm sunshine, although the nights are becoming pretty chilly. Fortunately, snuggled up in Matilda, we’re lovely and cosy.

A bit of camp admin, a cycling route planned, and we were ready to go.

The first five miles were slow going as we meandered alongside the lakes. Cars, walkers, cyclists and even the odd bus were all trying to squeeze along the same narrow road. There were designated edges for walking and cycling, but it was still bedlam!

The lakes, though, were stunning. Sunshine glistening on the water, tiny ripples breaking the surface and beautiful scenery around every bend. If only there hadn’t been quite so many people enjoying it!

Eventually we reached civilisation and thought we’d stop for lunch. Unfortunately, half of Spain seemed to have had the same idea. With the holiday crowds everywhere and no room at the inns, we gave up and carried on.

Once away from the lakes, everything changed. Wide, almost deserted roads and vast open plains stretching as far as the eye could see. What a contrast to the chaos we’d left behind.

It felt as though we were gently pedalling along, but looking at our speed we were actually bombing along! It’s strange how those enormous open spaces fool your eyes. With so few landmarks, you completely lose your sense of speed.

Eventually we turned right and headed back towards camp. The landscape changed again, with more sparkling water and striking orange-coloured limestone rocks rising above the lakes. The rusty tones were a lovely contrast against the blue water.

A stop for refreshments, then it was back to Matilda.

A really enjoyable day. Beautiful scenery, lovely weather and a cracking bike ride.

We’re beginning to appreciate just how much there is to enjoy when we stop rushing from one place to the next.

Day 9 – A Walk, a Few Mysteries and a Beer

Monday 12 October 2026

Lagunas de Ruidera, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain 🇪🇸

Today we left the bikes behind and headed out walking from the campsite.

It was quite a climb up through the valley, but eventually we reached the top and suddenly found ourselves on an enormous open plain, with views stretching away in every direction.

There were lots of butterflies about today, little blue ones, orange-yellow ones and brown ones, along with a couple of small lizards. We also spotted some lovely little flowers growing amongst the stones.

Along the way we came across four or five large, round stone structures. They looked rather like the remains of old buildings, but we couldn’t work out what they were.

A bit of investigating suggested they might be majanos, stone structures traditionally used to provide shelter for rabbits. Quite interesting really, although we didn’t see a single rabbit, or even any rabbit poo!

There was also a bucket hanging inside a wire structure nearby. We never did discover what that was for.

On the way back, we passed through a much greener area with tall reeds and trees. We could hear a river running somewhere below us, but despite looking, we couldn’t actually see it.

By now we were definitely ready for some rehydration, and we found a lovely spot overlooking the lake.

Cold beers, a dish of olives and spectacular views across the water. We couldn’t have asked for much more.

Definitely a little find worth remembering.

Day 10 – A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies

Tuesday 13 October 2026

🇪🇸 Lagunas de Ruidera, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

After a restless night (too much sun yesterday), we woke up to another beautiful sunny morning.

We’ve decided to stay put for at least another few days. Fabulous weather, a nearly deserted campsite, wonderful walking trails and stunning views. What’s not to like?

An easier out-and-back walk today. It started off a bit rough underfoot but soon turned into a lovely path alongside the lake. We were certainly glad of the shade from the trees as it was rather hot.

The lake was like a millpond, not a ripple on the water. I must say, the rock formations around these lakes are absolutely jaw-dropping. Some look like giant mushrooms dipping down into the water. Quite extraordinary.

It was interesting to discover that the lakes are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. They remind us so much of the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, with the same wonderful limestone formations and beautiful clear water. The difference here is that there’s no entrance fee, and at this time of year we practically have the place to ourselves. Today we saw about four other people!

There was certainly no shortage of wildlife. Butterflies everywhere, grasshoppers hopping about, signs of wild boar rooting around in the ground (you certainly wouldn't want one of those in your garden!) and numerous birds. The trouble with the birds is that they move so fast it's almost impossible to get a proper look at them, let alone work out what they are.

I asked my friend George what you call a group of butterflies. Apparently there are several names, but his favourite is a kaleidoscope. How appropriate! We came across a rosemary bush absolutely covered in them, fluttering about in the sunshine.

We also met our first English person of the trip today. He and his French partner are only here for a one-night stopover before heading off to Burgos tomorrow. Meanwhile, we’re quite happy going nowhere!

Back at camp, supper was going to be a bit of an experiment. There are no supermarkets nearby, and the only protein I could find in the campsite shop was salmon paste or hot dog sausages. Not exactly spoilt for choice.

So it was a case of seeing what we could rustle up from the cupboards. A can of soup, noodles, frozen vegetables, ham and a few spices.

The result? Spicy Spanish noodles! It did the job. Amazing what you can make with a can of soup and a few store cupboard ingredients.

The campsite restaurant opens again tomorrow, so perhaps we’ll go mad and treat ourselves!

We haven’t decided when we’re moving on. For now, there’s still plenty here to keep us happy — and tomorrow the restaurant opens!