The Spanish walking trail that looks like New Zealand but is 2.5 hours from the UK & Lord Of The Rings fans will love it

MANY of us have dreamt of exploring New Zealand and its stunning landscapes that were captured in the Lord of the Rings movies.

But if you but you can’t face the £1,500 return flight or 24-hours on a plane, then a little-known hiking trail in a European mountain range could be the the perfect solution.

The Camino del Anillo, or ‘Way of the Ring’, is a themed walking route in central Spain that winds through the Sierra Norte mountains.

It offers much of the breathtaking scenery that both nature lovers and film buffs travel to New Zealand for — but for a fraction of the price and just 2.5 hours from the UK.

The circular trail covers 76 miles and can be completed in either four or eight days, taking hikers over rugged mountains, past flowing rivers and into magical forests.

Of course, you don’t need to be a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books or the blockbuster Hollywood films to enjoy the dramatic natural beauty here.

But lovers of the epic fantasy will feel like they have stepped right into Middle Earth.

Travellers can set off from El Berrueco, an area of sweeping countryside with tiny caves resembling ‘Hobbit holes’ in the hills.

From here in Hobbiton, they can head to the crumbling ramparts of Buitrago del Lozoya (which looks like the village of Bree), visit Weathertop at Cabeza de Piñuecar and experience the grandeur of Minas Tirith when they reach Torrelaguna.

And these are just a few of the spots that evoke places from Tolkien’s world.

Taking a break from walking and canoeing down the ‘Andiun River’ will have explorers feeling like Frodo, while the jagged cliffs of the mountain range could easily be swarming with orcs.

Spain has long been a favourite for hiking holidays, with the Caminito del Rey in the south dubbed one of the ‘world’s most dangerous’ and the Camino de los Faros in Galicia hugging the country’s northern coast.

It is also home to Europe’s oldest and most popular route, the Camino de Santiago.

But as the famous pilgrimage takes around four to six weeks to complete, the Camino del Anillo offers a shorter alternative for travellers who need quick getaway.

In fact, the route can even be experienced in as little as one weekend — the Camino’s official foundation organises express excursions which only stop at a handful of the key landmarks.

Situated just one hour outside of Madrid, the trail’s location makes it easily accessible for anyone flying to the Spanish capital.

Tours can include transfers to and from the city, plus Hobbit-themed meals and a hiking guide.

Confident hikers can opt to go it alone, although the tour company offers maps and audio guides for extra support.

The cost of hiking the Camino del Anillo varies depending on whether you opt for the week-long option or a day trip, whether you prefer walking with a guide or independently and whether you add on activities like water sports or stargazing, so it’s best to contact the team directly for accurate pricing information.

On the cheaper end of the scale, a day of guided hiking costs around €80 per head and both return transfers and meals cost €15 each.

However, with flights to Madrid starting at £21 per person, you’ll be able to put more of your holiday budget towards curating your ideal hiking package.

While some areas of Spain see a crackdown on visitor numbers and tourist taxes, this trail is welcoming travellers with open arms.

The concept of the Camino del Anillo was developed over five years by the Laudato Si Foundation, a conservation charity, to try and boost tourism in this rural and often-overlooked part of the country while also offering a rewarding personal experience.

Its organisers said: “We hope that this journey through the mountains of Madrid’s Middle Earth can help others to grow by following this fairy tale along the paths that have been traced in the mountains since time immemorial.”

You might leave the Sierra Norte mountains a little tired from your trekking adventures, but at least you won’t be jet-lagged.