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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