The mountain next to a big city. Start of the trekking and transformation of the landscape in the Fuenfría valley of the Sierra de Guadarrama

Abstract

The research consists in the analysis of a representative landscape of the expansion of hiking in one of the valleys of the Sierra de Guadarrama and in the definition of the keys with which the contemporary evolution of this landscape occurs. The working methods used are review of contemporary written press, analysis of statistical data and field work. The results reveal how landscape transformation takes place from the objective and perceptual points of view. From the activity of holidaymakers, artists and mountaineers the landscape of the Fuenfría valley acquires a symbolic and cultural value, which transcends its objective content. The activities developed by the hikers reveal that they were a socially advanced group, in which the women are integrated. The practice of mountain sports that these perform supposes their exit to the public space and is representative of the social advances of beginning of 20th century.

Keywords: City and nature, landscape, mountaineering, women, Guadarrama mountains.