Just to the West of Madrid, the 4300-acre Casa de Campo provides open woodland for those who prefer to run away from it all. The boundary trail known as "La Tapia" is a famous training area for all from plodders to club runners. If you come back later, you can check out other activities: an amusement park, the Madrid zoo, a swimming pool and a lake you can explore by boat. The main entrance is near Glorieta de San Vicente and Puente del Rey. Just remember that the 17 kilometers circuit around the rim of the park is hilly in places. These can be avoided by attempting some of the other well-used paths, but be careful not to lose your way: one stand of pine trees looks remarkably like the rest. That is why it is best to stick to "La Tapia" and bring water. A smaller 10 kilometers circuit follows a loop of roads through the park. From the Lago metro station, turn left and go down the hill, continuing through the roundabout, Glorieta los Patines. Continue straight and at the T-junction turn right on Paseo de los Platanos and cross to the other side of the road. Stay on this side of the road and turn left at the next junction, Paseo de Torresilla. Continue along the main paved roads in this mode always going left at the junctions, which will bring you back to where you started. After tackling the park, you may want to try one of the lakeside restaurants for refreshments.

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