Nacimiento de Rio Grande, Yunquera - 31st March 2016

This walk had been suggested by one of our members who today acted as our guide to the source of the Rio Grande, which is in the mountains near to the village.
A strong wind had been forecast but I don't think any of us expected it to be quite so cold when we reached the village, but fortunately we were mostly reasonably prepared. As the walk progressed and we dropped down into the valley it was off with a layer of clothing.

The first part of the walk afforded us magnificent views right to the coast, with Sierra Gordo, Coin easily visible.

The route took us along some very well surfaced tracks, but apparently this was due to the originals being washed away in the heavy rains of a few years ago. This was one of the clearest days that we have experienced for a while and the views across the mountains gave an almost 3D effect.
As we approached our destination the terrain became very much more difficult, firstly making a descent along a very rocky path, then down some uneven and narrow concrete steps with only a drop into the canal to one side and no handrail.

We then crossed the top of the dam, picked our way along an irrigation channel and arrived at the mouth of the cave from which the water for the Rio Grande exits the mountain. Two brave souls from the group ventured into the cave.

As the journey here had been all downhill, the trek back was all uphill.

This walk was an experience that I am pleased that I had, and we intend to return in a few weeks when the flow of water has reduced dramatically so that more of us are able to make it into the cave and it's branches.

For all the great photos from this walk follow this link or visit the Page.

Rio Pereilas, Coin - 26 March 2016

I find it amazing but gratifying that so many people want to do some walking, today we broke another record and there was a total of 36 people on the walk.

This is a fairly easy route on the outside of Coin, we started from the Car Park outside of LaTrocha and took to the track that runs along the end of the poligono and down to the 7 way junction. We then walk down the concrete track to meet the acequia track towards the 'Toblerone' bridge. After a while we reach the derelict house with the amazing graffiti, and most of the group took the opportunity to take a look inside. This is unfortunately when such a large group can come unstuck, we started off for the river taking the road after a warning to take care, and a request to stop by the river. Unfortunately a couple of ladies needed to take a comfort break at the house and the group became very spread out and it took me another 2 km to catch the front of the group, maybe I need to get some walkie talkies. All ended well as I caught the head of the group and made a head count to confirm that no one was missing, thanks to David and Ian who did a stirling job as back markers and rounding up any stragglers.

We rambled along the river banks and were now becoming grateful fro the shade from the Eucalyptus trees that bound the river. A short break for refreshment and a quick group photo and we head back out of the valley and back onto the acequia track. It's then a short sharp incline to pick up the tracks along the ridge of the valley and back up to the start. A well deserved sit down at the Cafe/Bar for a well earned beverage.

I sincerely hope that everyone enjoyed this walk, as we had a lot of new people on it and that they will join us for more walks in the future.

To see all the great photos from this walk follow this link or visit the Page

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Walk of Discovery to Sierra de la Roble, Casarabonela

Once again we were treated to some magnificent views and fabulous weather. This was a route that we had never done before and I found it on one of the walking sites on the web, so you never know what to expect, but we are rarely disappointed.

The route starts about 3km from Zalea and looks fairly innocuous but proved to be far from it.

We went off the planned route, by accident, but as it happened it was possibly better, this brought us to the junction at the top of the climb. I then followed the route that had been shown but this turned out to be a bit of rough climb and we abandoned it after a very short climb. It was then back to junction and up the fire break to the Fire Lookout post, where we were afforded the most magnificent 360 deg views. The Barranco Blanco Fire Lookout was visible in the far distance so they have the area well covered. We found the track away from the Lookout Post only for it to be one of the arms of the junction. This is what the Thursday walks are all about, it's easier to go wrong and recover with a small group that with 30 odd.

The tracks on the whole walk were in very good condition and whilst some of the climbs were a little steep, but not excessively so, it is definitely a route to be added to the itinerary.

For some great photos from this walk please follow this link or visit the Page.

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Monte Hacho, Alora - 17th March 2016

Today the Thursday Club walked Monte Hacho, the route that we did was almost the same as we did a couple of weeks back except that we knew where not to go to avoid locked gates. Also we ventured to the furthest point along the ridge.

To see the pictures from this walk follow this link or visit the Page.

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Caminito del Rey – walked 16th March 2016

Today was an experience that I am so glad that I had, in fact I had several experiences some fantastic and some typical of this country.

A friend of mine had managed to get 2 tickets for the Caminito del Rey, but unfortunately the friend that he had procured the other ticket for was unable to make it on this day so he offered it to me. I had in fact been trying to get a ticket for some weeks and officially they are only available online but due to the authorities not having clue about what they are doing about the management of this attraction after the end of March, it is now virtually impossible to get tickets.

We had tickets for 11:30, as visitors are restricted, and arrived in plenty of time and found the last parking space. From where the car is parked it is then a 2.5 km walk to the entrance to the Caminito and you are supposed to be there half an hour before your ticket time. The walk to the start is in itself

very pleasant, taking a sometimes rocky path through the pine woods alongside the Rio Guadlehorce. We arrive at the start of the walk about an hour ahead of time and watch the queues form, not only for the walk but also for the only 2 toilets that are available.

Eventually it is our turn to join the queue and move slowly toward the point where our tickets and documentation are checked and the hard hat issued complete with hygienic hairnet.  It’s then a slow but easy walk to the actual start of the Caminito, and then the enormity of the gorge strikes you as the cliffs start to tower above you. The new path was constructed, in the main, on top of or just above the original path. It is bolted and braced into the cliff face and has a wire netting and wire hand rail for protection, underfoot it is slats of 100 x 30 mm timber. The feeling is amazing as you are walking some 1 m. out from the cliff face, virtually in mid air. The sights are very hard to describe, the gorge with the Rio Guadlehorce flowing through it and over rapids is way below you, whilst the cliff that form the sides of the gorge tower way way above you.

Many years ago I had walked to the northern end of the Caminito (which is where we started from today) when it was still derelict and impossible to navigate, I have also passed the southern end many times when driving to the lakes and assumed that it was one gorge. In fact there are two gorges, and when you exit the first one the terrain widens out, with the railway line across the other side of the valley, and Cortijo del Hoya, now derelict, in the floor of the valley. There are many interesting features in this area. The old irrigation canals, caves full of water, tunnels through which the irrigation water flows and much more. At one point the path goes into one of the irrigation canals through a collapsed wall.

After we have passed through this valley we reach the start of the second gorge, and climb a number of steps that lead to the path that is cantilevered off the cliff face. The geology of this gorge is different to the previous in that the cliffs have vertical fissures. The railway line continues on the other side of the gorge and goes through several tunnels that, from our viewpoint, seem too small to take a train. The path clings precariously to the gorge side, affording spectacular sights. We then arrive at the section of path that has a viewing platform comprising of a glass floor. By standing on this you feel that you are suspended in mid air, not an experience for everyone, but one that I am glad I took. The walk is almost over but there is another section to conquer, and this is the suspension bridge, and the floor of the bridge is made of a metal grid of 25mm squares so that as you walk across the bottom of the gorge is visible directly below you. The bridge also sways and ´bounces´ as you cross it. The path then falls and climbs around the cliffs and over the railway line. For those film buffs, this is the section of railway line that was used in the closing scenes of Von Ryans Express.

That signals the end of the actual Caminito del Rey and we are now back on Terra Firma, but still with amazing scenery with the El Chorro lake below us and the view of the mouth of the gorge behind us.

We hand back our hard hats and head for the shuttle bus to take us back to the start, these run every half an hour. There was the usual Spanish scrum to get on and all the seats were taken and some 25 people were standing, and at €1.50 per head, not a bad earner. The trip back takes about 20 mins. and time now to have lunch and chat over what a fantastic day we have had.

The weather was good, with blue skies with some fluffy cloud, but to start with very cold out of the sun and a bitter wind, but as the day wore on the sun began its magic and warmed everything.

I can’t wait to do it again!

For all the pictures from this fantastic walk follow this link or visit the Page.

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Walk to Ermita Fuensanta, Coin - Ruta SL-A-147 and more.

It never ceases to amaze me how diverse the scenery is on different routes yet in similar areas. This walk started at the car park in the Feria ground of Coin and just across the road the marked route SL-A-147 commences with a very steep uphill section of about 50 mts until we level out and find ourselves next to the new Helicopter landing pad for the Medical Centre. We pass a number of

dwellings with the obligatory tied up barking dog. Once we pass the houses we are straight out into the campo with Olive and Orange plantations, this is so close to town but so far away.

The tracks are good underfoot and the route is very undulating with quite steep ups and downs. The route is well marked and easy to follow and in is called ‘Calle Julio Romero de Torres’, this now takes us up and into very open country with views across to the Cerra Alpujata and the Quarry. The Ermita is now visible at the top of the valley side but unfortunately it is having repairs done to its roof and is covered in scaffolding and green netting.

We then join a tarmaced road for a short distance and reach the valley of the Rio Pereilas where the track now becomes well worn and loose. We cross the little bridge over the river and start up the rise

to the Ermita and its Feria ground. This has changed a lot since I was last here some 13 years ago and the Feria ground is now bounded by the skeletons of Casitas for the various Peñas and looks like the scene from a Spaghetti Western complete with hitching rails for horses.

Some time and sustenance is taken here to absorb the scenery and the atmosphere of the Ermita. From here we start our return journey along the access road to the Ermita with its overhanging rocks and cave with the obligatory shrine. This road leads us onto the old A355 which is no more than a single track road compared to the new version some distance to the side. We cross the road bridge over the Rio Pereilas and head uphill before taking a rough track on the left which then becomes a tarnaced road leading to the Venta Cruze de Piedra. It is then walking on footpaths and into the town itself, where a well deserved beverage was taken in the square outside of the Town Hall.

We then head back to the car park through the very narrow streets and alleys of the old part of Coin, several times finding ourselves at a dead end. Passing open front doors with the Madre sitting in the doorway knitting or embroidering, whilst Padre is no doubt taking several hours over a half of beer and a game of dominoes in a local bar. Eventually we find the route out of this labyrinth and to the car park.

Once again the weather was our friend with blue skies and fluffy clouds, much sunshine and good temperatures, but the wind does have a chill to it at time still.

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Fire Lookout, Barranco Blanco, Coin

What a glorious day, weatherwise, it was for a walk in the wonderful Barranco Blanco (White Ravine) area of Coin, there were clear blue skies, bright sunshine but a breeze that at times was quite cool.

The walk started from the Rio Nacimiento car park with its picnic areas and the lake which today had its fountain working. The route leaves the car park and takes us up a stony path on an easy gradient and leads us to the picnic area in the trees near to the Spots Stadium. This stadium is in the middle of nowhere and with only recently improved tracks to get to it, to me it looks like a typical Spanish White Elephant. Our route then takes us across the almost moorland landscape, with splendid views of the forest all around.

After we have crossed this open ground we take another stony track with an easy gradient to start with but gradually gets steeper until we reach the tarmac road that leads into the Finca la Fuenta area, with its stream and waterfalls and the legend that the Timotei shampoo advert was filmed there.

We then take the track that leads not only to the Fire Lookout but also to a recently added Mirador. The track rises gently toward the first viewing point, and we are rambling through tall standing Pines with occasional glimpses through the woods of views over the Guadlehorce valley and beyond. The first view point is reached to the sound of some Ooos and Wows as the spectacular view is revealed. We take a short break here for a group photo and the opportunity for the taking of many more pics, this point gave us some very clear views down to the coast as well as to Alhaurin Golf and the Sierra de  Mijas.

It’s then a backtrack along the track and then onto the access track to the Fire Lookout, this is now manned for 12 hours per day from May to October following the tragic fire three years ago when it was only manned 3 days per week, and the fire started on a day when the Lookout was empty. As we get back onto the access track we spot some half a dozen Deer just down the slope from us, a real added bonus as they are normally very shy. The track takes another easy incline, but then we come across a tree that has fallen across the track and required a bit of Limbo dancing to get through.

It would seem that the Brica fire authority will have some clearing work to do before they can man the lookout in a few weeks time. From passing this brief obstacle we reach yet another viewing point before continuing up a slightly steeper incline to reach the Lookout Post, this after negotiating yet another fallen Pine. These must have been victims of the unusually high winds that we have been experiencing of late.

After a short climb we reach the Lookout building to more Ooos and Wow’s, because the views from here are even better than from the first Mirador. It is now time to take in some sustenance and the wonderful views. From here there are virtually 360 deg views that stretch for miles. The ideal place to site a lookout post, ahead of us are views down into the Secret orGerman Valley and in the far distance the Mediterranean Sea. Behind we have views beyond Alora and towards El Torcal.

Time now to start the descent back, but not before a slight detour to view the Finca la Fuenta area and the waterfalls. The route backtracks past and through the fallen trees and returns to the Tarmac Road, then it is straight across and along another easy track, giving us views across the valley, and after a while arrive at the lower edge of the old El Dorado studios. We then take the seemingly never ending ‘white’ track back down to the Spots Stadium and return to the car park on the path that we started on.

It was another successful ramble with everyone saying how much they enjoyed it, this route is always a joy and one that I never tire of doing.

To see all the photos from this walk follow this link or visit the Page

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Ruta de Canca – Alora

It was Thursday and it’s ‘día del descubrimiento’, this is when a small group of us go out and check-out a new route that we have never done before. Today is was a route that I found on the Ayuntamiento Alora tourismo site.  The first surprise was that the car park where we were to start from was almost full, but fortunately we did get parked and off we went.

The start of the walk was down a very steep hill on the edge of town, and it always amazes me how the little old bandy legged Spanish grandma’s manage to negotiate these climbs. We cross the road, past a few terraced houses, and head off into the campo. The early part of the walk is along tarmac roads but these soon end and we are onto the familiar compacted gravel surface. We pass a number of villas and Olive groves and have the view across the Guadlhorce valley on one side and the cliffs of Monte Hacho on the other. The route winds and undulates between villas and orchards and eventually we have the rare view of arable land ahead of us.

We now have views across to Alhaurin and Coin but still with the cliffs of Monte Hacho on our right. It is amazing that these are still standing because their composition is of a loose sand and gravel mixture, indeed holes are visible where birds have constructed their homes in the rock faces.

We now take a left and follow a track that leads around a very active working farm, and this is where the highlight of the walk came. A coral of kids (baby goats), all of which were very inquisitive and friendly, we spent some time here relaxing in the glories of nature. We continue around the edge of the farm and past what presumably were the kids parents, and out into the country with fabulous open views across the valley of Arroyo de Alcuna. Our route then takes us to the ‘Roman’ Fuenta which unfortunately was very short of water by big on rubbish!

We then head back to the start and shortly rejoin the route that we had taken at the start, it’s then the steep climb back to the car park.

The weather was again very kind to us with clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine; however the wind was quite strong and did have a bite to it.

There were a few short sharp inclines and my legs knew that they had done a good walk, but this was a very successful route that was well liked by everyone and will definitely be included in the itinerary.

More photos of this walk can be found on the pages in the right hand column.

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Huerta de Coin

Another record broken today, as we had 35 souls on the walk today and we are becoming truly international with members from Switzerland, Holland, Austria, USA, Canada and Sweden and not forgetting that the Brits come from all over the UK including Scotland and Wales. With so many it meant that parking was going to be a problem so we initially met at the Cortijo Benitez and then consolidated into as few vehicles as possible. We then drove the 4 km to the start of the walk along the Agricultural road to Alozaina which fortunately has been resurfaced for much of its length. Even though we had reduced the number of cars down to about 8 we just about managed to get them all parked safely at the starting point of the walk.

The first part of the walk is along the actual camino (road) which is bounded by mainly Olive plantations.

After a while the route drops down into the Rio Grande valley where we take our first stop to let the group catch up. With so many of differing abilities it is important that we have someone at the very back to make sure that no one gets left. This job usually falls to Alan K, so as always a big thanks to him for his ‘herding’ abilities. We continue along the tarmaced road until we reach the track that takes us into the heart of the countryside.

The last time that I did this walk the track was just a couple of ruts where 4x4’s and farm vehicles had driven, but now it had been topped with compacted sand and gravel and even concreted in places, this was a much more pleasant surface to walk on. We follow this track through the arable fields with crops starting to show through until we reach the next direction change.

The route then takes us up the first serious gradient and still on the recently improved surface. As we approached a very isolated property, I was informed that this was owned by a friend of one of our group, who came out to greet us. Unfortunately there was too many of us to impose for tea and cake. We continue up the incline to the top where we are afforded 360 deg views. Time for a break and some refreshments. In one direction Sierra Gordo is in sight whilst in the opposite direction the Sierra de los Nieves are looming large with still a small capping of snow.

After taking in some sustenance and the views we continued on our way across the brow of the hill and past the field of sheep, and with cattle in the next field and down into the valley of the Arroyo de los Piedras.  We then turn onto the track that takes us back to the start, but first we have to cross the Rio Grande again, and time for the group photo. The camino then starts its gentle incline and we pass through a farm with a barn of young calves. In this area there are quite a few properties including one with a very large Goat, and another with an ancient Almond orchard.

The walk then continues up the incline and through the Olive groves and back to the start.

The weather was again kind to us, with blue skies and fluffy clouds, although when exposed to the wind it was both strong and chilly, whereas when sheltered from the wind the sun was very warm.

The next stop was to collect our vehicles parked at the Restaurante Cortijo Benitez and a well deserved beverage. I think that we somewhat overwhelmed the place as they weren´t expecting a group of over 25 thirsty walkers, but they coped well.

For more photos go to the page for this walk

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Cuava Santa, Monda

This was the first of our Thursday Group walks, a few of us had been taking ourselves out on Thursdays to find and try out new routes, and we agreed that it would be good to open them up to everyone. There were 11 of us on this week’s hike which took us to the Cuava Santa in the mountains above the village of Monda. None of us had done this route before and did not know what to expect so an adventure was had by all.

We consolidated into only 3 vehicles and were able to find somewhere to park on the country road that goes to Istan. The weather was again very kind to us with clear bright blue skies and warm sunshine, even the wind was much subdued on the actual walk, although it did remind us of its strength when we reached the summit.

The route started on a quite well maintained tarmac road, although it was only single track with a drop into the virtually dry gorge on one side and cliff faces on the other. We then reached the start of the route up to the cave which was actually quite well signed. When I had plotted the route it showed a category 2 climb (5 being the slightest and 1 being the steepest) and indeed there was, right at the very start, the surface was very good concrete, and rubber tipped sticks had the advantage over my metal tipped staff for getting some purchase and assisting.

With a steady plod it was soon climbed and the effort was compensated by the views. We passed a couple of small fincas and on this rare occasion we heard no barking dogs protecting their property. The concrete track turned into a very reasonable dirt track and the steepness reduced, but the incline continued.

The Orange blossom was just starting to appear and its wonderful heady fragrance was in evidence. The track was bounded by some typical flora and fauna of wild Rosemary, wild sage, Asphidal and wild Lavender, there was, of course, the usual abundance of Pine trees housing the deadly caterpillar nests, but fortunately these were well scattered and not right adjacent to the track.

The relentless incline continued, but with every turn the views became more amazing, over the valley to Alozaina and Yunquera in one direction and Pizzara and Alora in another. We eventually came to a col and we now had a virtually 360 deg vista. It seems that each walk that we do has views that are better than the previous one, but I think in truth it’s just that they are all so different.

It was a good job that the route to the Cuava (cave) was signed as the track leading off to the left could have been easily missed, as the cave was not visible at all from the track, but I was equipped with the route in GPX on my phone so there was no chance of us getting lost.

The path to the cave was very narrow and entailed quite a bit of climbing over rocks and then it emerged onto a grassy plateau at the mouth of the cave, complete with information board. One of our group was equipped with a light and explored further in but it was blocked at about 50 mtrs. Lots of religious paraphernalia had been deposited in the cave and the really surprising thing was that there was a visitor’s book to sign.

After some time exploring the cave and then admiring the views we rejoined the track via the rocky path and headed for the summit. Just before the very top was a convenient flat area to stop and take on board refreshments. A few of us headed off for the summit leaving some resting, socialising and taking in the views that now included the coast.

One of the noticeable features of this route was the tranquillity, it was very quiet but unfortunately we didn't see any of the wildlife although we did find evidence of wild boar. There was at one point, on the route down, a buzzard soaring above which was an awesome sight.

The route back was down the same track that we had ascended on but with views in a different direction. We arrived back at the cars without incident and decided that a celebratory beverage was required, which we took in one of the bars in Monda, with everyone looking forward to our next adventure.

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