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 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.
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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