Cerralba to Rio Grande - Saturday 19th November 2016

Another good walk was reported, as I am still unable to undertake the sort of distances the group likes to do. The weather has been very kind to us so far this year.

Photo's courtesy of Mr John Campbell and Mr John Milborrow.

Lakes & Trees - Saturday 12th November 2016

This is a route that the Thursday group had explored few months ago and, in my opinion, was one of our best walks,and was suggested originally by John Milborrow.




The walk starts in the Olive plantations and offers a totally different perspective on the views that tourists get of this popular area. The area is know to many as 'The Lakes' and is in fact a series of reservoirs that supply water to the hungry irrigation systems of the Guadalhorce valley.
The views extend to the town of Ardales and the mountains behind.

After a short but sharp climb the edge of the plantations are reached and the Pine forests start, and the views from the track is now of a totally different lake and completely different vistas beyond. The walk continues through the wooded area, still offering glimpses of the wonderfully blue coloured water, util it reaches the area of great interest. A slight detour from the main track leads to the Necropolis and a section of trench that was used by civil war combatants to defend the high ground.
After a while of exploring this very interesting area it was back onto the forest track to the start.


Photos courtesy of John Campbell, John Milborrow and Paula Shrimpton

 

Gibrigalio - Thursday 10th November 2016

Unfortunately I am still unable to join the walks and am still in a period of convalescence, although I am still administering the group and sending out the routes, which makes it all the more difficult when I get the reports from the walk telling me how good it was.
This was indeed the case with this particular route, It was an area that I had wanted to explore for a while and it seems that those who did the walk were not disappointed.
Apparently some of the inclines were quite steep but the views from the top were quite stunning and I am told that they were possibly some of the best so far experienced.
The route down caused a little consternation and John Milborrow had to do some improvising to find a way down but succeeded with his usual ingenuity.

Photos courtesy of Mr John Campbell and Mr John Milborrow

The Show goes on without me.

There we things to organise and things to do, there was the Sponsored Fun Walk for S.O.S Animals to organise and lead, there was the trip to the Caminito del Rey to finalise, and here I was in a hospital bed being told to stay calm.

It was then that I realised what a fantastic group of walkers and friend I had. They were not going to let things stop just because I wasn't there and several of the group got together and carried on where I had unfortunately been forced to leave off.

The sponsored walk was a great success and raised almost €1200 for the charity, which included €105 raised by John Staton's cake raffle.

The trip to the Caminito was another success with Paula organising the meet up and convoy to the attraction and John Milborrow sorting out the lunch at El Kiosko.

There was no question that anything was going to stop, apart from a couple of walks that got missed before we could set up a working party to run things in my absence, and a change to the schedule, the walking group will continue. I am hoping to be back at the helm at the start of the New Year.

A huge thanks to all who stepped into the breach.
A huge thanks for all the good wishes and to those who have been so helpful and selfless.

The Day my World Changed Forever – Monday 10th October 2016

This entry into the blog is somewhat later than in the usual case, but there is a reason;

The day started like any other and I was really looking forward to exploring a route that had been suggested by one of our members, Meg. This was the third hill walk that I had done in 5 days and was feeling rather good about it, if a little tired. There was just the three of us talking this route, Meg, Paula and myself. We met in the carpark at Monda and then followed Meg to her beautiful South African Log Cabin, nestling in the hills.

From her we trekked on little used tracks that undulated through the hills with some quite steep climbs in places. We eventually arrived at about the halfway point which was the tarmac of the road to Istan. This proved to be a relentless c limb, but offering great views to Malaga in the far distance.

Our route then left the tarmac and took a well maintained track that led past one of the larger houses in the area. We then took the zig-zag path down the side of the hill into the valley and crossed a stream that would have looked beautiful had there been water flowing.

It was then up a long incline and onto the drive back to Meg’s casa as we approached there newly laid coloured concrete terrace that led to the house my life changed. I felt a little whoozy and consequently feinted, everyone thought that I had just overdone things a bit, and despite resting I wasn’t getting any better. I was taken home and from there to Hospital in Malaga where I was diagnosed with arrhythmia.

I spent the next 15 days in hospital and now have a implanted defibrillator. My life was saved but my hill walking days are over I’m sad to say. Hopefully I will be back to an almost normal life in a few weeks. 

Sierra de la Roble

A few weeks back a small group of us did a discovery walk to this location and were really impressed so it was added to the Saturday itinerary, and today was when 24 of us hiked it for the first time.

The route starts from alongside the main A354 between Zalea and Casarabonela, and on the whole of the route the tracks are in good condition. From the start the track inclines through sparsely wooded cañadas which affords spectacular views east, south but with the close proximity of the Sierra de las Nieves to the west. Eventually we reach the track on the left which we now take and drop down to an pass the firefighters water reservoir and helicopter landing pad. It is then a relentless climb to the

summit.

At the top we arrive at the fire lookout post with
its almost 360 deg views, and at this time of the year is still manned, by a very friendly and amiable INORCA employee, who informed us that the lookout is manned for 11 hours every day until the next rain finally arrives. To the south the fire lookout at Barranco Blanco is clearly visible.

Here we took time to take photos and take in the views and some well deserved energy before starting on our way back, and with a friendly wave to the lookout (whose name no-one got) we headed off on the track down. Because we are now heading down the views are open in front of us, and on a clear

day one can see as far as the coast. This particular track takes us back to the original route up and it is now an easy walk back to the start. From here we return to Zalea and a very well earned beverage at the local bar.

El Santo, Pizarra.

This is a route that some of us have done several times but one can never get bored of it.

We start from the bottom of the village and walk up the hill on the village streets until we reach the park which we enter and head for the first of the ‘surprises’ for those who haven’t been on this route before. This is the ‘tunnel’ that has been created by one huge rock collapsing and falling against the cliff face. We then emerge onto the main path that will eventually lead us to our destination. Our route takes us through the pine woods and affords us the most magnificent view above the village and over the Guadalhorce valley and to the mountains beyond.

The route then leaves the wooded area and emerges into the open and through the Olive groves, until we meet the vehicular track that leads us to the Statue.

The views from the monument are stunning and as it was quite a clear day we were able to see a considerable distance, to El Torcal in on direction, the Sierra de las Nieves in another and the Sierra de Mijas range to the south.

Our route down starts on the vehicle track and as we progress we are then afforded distant views to Malaga and the Mediterranean beyond. Whist on this track we were  given a fleeting sight of a small herd of wild deer, unfortunately too quick for a photo.

We leave the track and now take a declining path that takes us to the Cueva Oscura with its seats and

tables made from the rock. From here we carry on downwards and rejoin the earlier part of our route up. We pass through the ‘tunnel’ again and the wooded picnic areas of the park and back into the village. It’s then a return down the street to a welcome beverage in the bar at the bottom.

For all the pictures from todays hike follow this link

For pictures from our previous visits follow these links January and April

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Pico Jabalcuza Hike

The route today was to exactly the same area as last week with a couple of differences. Firstly when we reached the somewhat strenuous climb to the cross tracks we took the SL route to the Pico Jabalcuza, it could hardly be called a path, it was a question of following the mud stained rocks to the summit. We passed through some very tough and sharp vegetation but the reward for reaching the summit was well worth it. The views were possibly the best that we have seen to date, only slightly marred by some haze. This is the longest and the quietest that I have know a group to be in one place, I believe that everyone was awestruck. We had a view of Malaga Airport some 638 mts below us, and watching the planes taking off and landing from that height was special. Not only was there the views over Malaga City, the Airport, the Port, but the Gauadalhorce Valley, and the coastal towns of Torromolinos and Benalmadena.
The next part of our hike was ra-tracing last weeks steps to the Mirador los Lobo and from there down into the disused quarry where we left the main track that we took last week and onto the path along the valley of the Arroyo Blanquillo. This was a far nicer route than road past the working quarry. This path then met the main Quarry access road and our hike finished with the bland walk through the expanding urbanisation and back to the cars.

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La Carreta Ramble

Firstly I would like to welcome the clutch of new members who joined us on todays walk, which was a fairly easy affair along the tracks and Caminos of the La Carreta area of Coin.

The start was from the La Trocha Commercial Centre Car Park and took us down to ridge of the Rio Perailas valley with the splendid views across the valley to the Sierra de las Nieves beyond. Our route

was through the many Olive plantations in this area. We then crossed the final extension of the A355 via the bridge and onto the track that runs alongside the road which now splits the area and all the fincas. Alora and Pizzarra and the attendant hills are the view ahead of us until we drop down onto the drovers track and take a welcome break, from the building heat, in the tunnel below the main road.

From here we follow the ancient Drovers track as it meanders around the side of the valley and almost back to the bridge that we crossed earlier, but then take the Acequia track the follows the irrigation ditch that gives life to all the Olive and Orange plantations around.

Unfortunately the heat was building unexpectedly and becoming uncomfortable so I made the decision to slightly shorten the route and took the track back to the valley ridge and headed for the car park, where we were able to quench our thirst in the local bar.

Hike to Mirador los Lobos

Thursday’s are for discovering new routes that may be good for that Saturday group but even if they are not, it means that we have have challenging hike to somewhere new. Today’s route fell almost into the second category, we need to do it again as we went a bit awry towards the end. Despite this the route was heavy going in parts but we were well rewarded with possibly some of the best views to date.

The first problem was actually finding where to start as we had to negotiate an urbanisation, but eventually found somewhere to park and we were only 70 mtr off the route. We eventually found the path that we were looking for only to find that it is actually a marked route, this is typical, as trying to find out information about routes is like trying to break the Enigma code.

Our route started upwards and gave us no rest bite from this until we reached the top, the path was mostly narrow, very rocky and quite steep in places. The lower section was through some very

pleasant pine woods with occasional glimpses of the wonderful vista across the Guadalhorce valley and to the mountains beyond. As we approached the top we left the trees behind and the environment changed to an almost moorland feel. The path led us to a cross roads and we opted to try the path to the Pico Jabalcuza, but decided that this would take too long and abandoned that for another day and took our path towards the Mirador.

Walking along the ridge of the Sierra the views were over the coastal towns and the Mediterranean on one side and the Guadalhorce valley and Malaga Mountains on the other, outstanding. We trekked along this path and eventually reached a villa which apparently is rented out at weekends by Torromolinos Council and en route to the Mirador was passed another one. Reaching the mirador certainly had a wow factor and one could only stand in awe at the magnificence of the views.

Our route down was difficult to define, but eventually found the right track, which was at one point in time had been a well made road, now fell into disorder. We passed through a disused quarry, only to find that we should have taken a different path at that point but ultimately the road and path would meet further down the mountain. The route that we took whilst longer was possibly quicker as it was easy going.

As we passed the quarry we spotted three Policia National vans and an ambulance in the quarry floor, at first we thought that there had been some sort of accident, but on closer observation it was several Policia having shooting practice. We were now on the tarmac surfaces access road to the quarry and found this somewhat hard on the feet.This lower section of this route was taking us again through pleasant pine woods and eventually led us out to the edge the town, and through the urbanisation and back to our cars.

It is our intention to return to this area and climb the Pico Jabalcuza and to discover the route along the valley away from the quarry.

For all the photos from todays hike follow this link

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Alpujata Valley, Monda

Whist I have walked this route a few times now, this is the first time that I have actually done it in the reverse direction, and it is quite surprising how different the views are, it felt like a different route.

We start from the small car park in the centre of Monda and head out of town along the narrow streets bounded by the white painted buildings, in fact Monda is what is known as a Pueblo Blanco (White Village) and during Franco reign only white paint was allowed in these villages. Our path takes us under the main road to Marbella and we start down into the Alpujata Valley which was once home to a Hippy commune, and the evidence is still visible as we passed on property named Villa Eutopia. The route then crosses the totally dry Arroyo (stream) after which the valley is named and continue along the valley floor until we start the climb into the Cerro Gordo. This was the main reason for reversing the route, as the temperatures are still very high for the time of year and we could get the climb out of the way earlier and in the shade.

The track now winds its way upwards through the pine forest and affording is wonderful views across to the Sierra de las Nieves.

At roughly the halfway point and before we start the steep descent we break for refreshments and the opportunity for me and Paula to undertake our days 22 push-ups and then to nominate Debbie and Steve McGrory to start their challenge tomorrow.

Our route now starts the descent to almost the Poligono but then takes a left turn and onto the route of the PR-A-275 which takes us along a narrow path just above the Olive groves.

We then pass under the A355 and head for the Arroyo de Casarin which again is completely dry and onto the Calzada Romana (Roman Road) and then join the footpath that takes us back into Monda and a welcome beverage in the shade outside of a bar.

For all the photos from today's walk follow this link

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A hike past ‘The Chains’ in the Sierra de Mijas.

The plan today was to hike to the peak that overlooks Alhaurin el Grande and because of its position gives the best views over the town and both ways along the Guadalhorce valley. At this time of the year the temperatures should have peaked a few weeks back but they are still very high for September, consequently there were only four brave (or mad) souls for the hike.

To make the route circular it was suggested that we take the path past ‘the Chains’, a route that we had to abandon a few weeks back, and this was agreed. We set off on a route that we have now done many times and headed for the Fuente de Acebuche, it was then along a path that must have had a use in the past, as substantial work had been undertaken to build retaining stone walls to give what would have been a reasonably well surfaced track. Unfortunately following many years of neglect the surface is now rocky and rough. Whilst the first part of the route is under the canopy of the pines we left that and are exposed to the full blazing sun. The path crosses some scree’s where loose rock has fallen over the path, but the many walkers’ boots over the years have levelled a narrow path across these screes. The views from these paths are amazing and today were even more dramatic as there was a mist across the valley below, with higher peaks poking above it.

We now reach ‘the  Chains’ and the path has been completely obliterated after a major rock fall many years past, and some kind rock climbers have fixed chains into the rocks so that you are able to have something to cling to as you negotiate this perilous section.  Once past this section the path doesn’t get much better for quite a way and it has now become more of a rock climb than a hike. All this effort however is rewarded by the spectacular views and the fact that there was mist in the valley seemed to add to the mystique and magnificence of them. Once past this difficult stretch it was back onto a path, albeit of sand and loose rocks but no more clambering, and up to the Puente de Encima on the main fire track.

It was at this point that we decided to abandon our trek to the peak that was originally planned, as we would be in full sun and the temperature was now in the 30’s or to put it another was, well over 100f. It will be there to do another day when the weather is a little cooler.

Our route back was down the trail that we had taken a couple of weeks back when we trekked to La Bola and back down to the Casa Forestal. Paula has been doing her 22 press ups for the past 5 days and today she did them on the wall of the Terrace around the casa with the fabulous view of Malaga Bay as a backdrop. Unfortunately the video didn’t come out, and she has posted on Facebook the following, along with a video of her doing another 22 on the terrace of her Casa.

Day 5 of the 22 day push-up challenge for bringing awareness to PTSD.
My nomination today is: Alan Nichols , your turn Alan...show them what OAPs can do  😂 😂.
My aim is to complete 22 push-ups a day for 22 days to raise awareness for combat veterans. There are 22 vets a day that are committing suicide, and this is a small way to raise awareness for that issue.
The rules are simple:
* Once you are nominated your 22 days start the following day.
* Every day you record yourself doing 22 push-ups. Try your best to reach 22. If that means doing assisted (from your knees) push-ups or that you have to stop and take a break that's fine but try to get them all done in one video.
* Every day you must nominate a different person. Try to choose people you think will want to do this and/or have the ability to do it.
* And finally, have fun with this. This is a simple and fun way to get the word out about a matter that more people need to be aware about. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and its sad that so many veterans feel that suicide is the only way.

From here it was a simple matter of taking the usual track back to the start.

Using my classification system to grade the walks, today was the first 5 I have tackled!

For all the photos from this Hike, click on this link

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Sponsored Walk for S.O.S. Animals, Spain

We are welcoming all comers to join us on a sponsored 10k or 5k challenge to raise funds for SOS Animals. The walks will take place on Saturday October 15^th the two routes have been timed so that all those taking part will join forces for the final leg and end up for a group picnic where SOS Animals volunteers will sell tasty light bites  and drinks.

The routes start and end at the picnic ground at Campo Futbol Los Llanos, Coin and all dogs are welcome on lead. Anyone wanting to walk an SOS refuge dog can contact the charity on its Facebook page SOS Animals Spain. Entry fee to both walks is 5 euros and anyone wanting a sponsor form can download one from my Facebook Group Page 'Rambling With Al' or from the SOS Animals Facebook at SOS Animals Spain.

Both walks take in lovely pine forest and country scenery  and those tackling the 10k route will head to the Mirador where there are spectacular views toward the coast and over the ‘secret valley’ of Barranco Blanco.  We will meet at 9.30 for a 10am start for the 10k route and 10.45am  for an 11.15am start and all walkers will meet up for the final stretch.”

Contact Alan on alan@alsrambles.org for more information about the walk, and directions to the start point – the picnic area next to the sports ground. There is plenty of parking and the area is reached via the MA 3303 Coin to Alhaurin El Grande road. Registration is before the event and on the day.

Sponsorship Form PDF

Rio Grande & Airstrip

Somehow the weather seems to know the date and normally on September 1^st the temperature drops a few degrees and then a few more in October, but for some reason the weather has got itself into a muddle and the temperatures are rising during the first week of September. Because of the norm I decided that the first Saturday in September would be the start of the new walking season, but that was almost a mistake.

The walk started off with the sun in some cloud and the temperature quite pleasant but as the walk progressed the temperature rose as did the humidity. Fortunately over half of the route was in shade so it was only really the last kilometre that caused discomfort.

This route starts at the Cepsa Filling Station and takes us along the service road beside the A357 and the first part is along the newly widened and surfaced access to the new Hospital which was over 4 years late in being opened and, whilst there was great publicity and fanfare at a grand opening a few weeks ago I have yet to see any cars, apart from the security guards, in the car park.

A short way past the Hospital we leave the service road and onto a track the passes finca’s and through Orange orchards. Just before this track meets our route to the river we have gained a couple of extra walkers, two puppies escaped from the field where they were housed and wanted to play with mine and Pete’s dogs. Whilst we made somewhat muted efforts to shoo them away they became part of the group for the duration of the walk.

Our route then takes us to the confluence of the Rio’s Guadalhorce and Grande and along the bank between the Rio Grande and the Runway of the Forest Fire-fighters base. Whilst on the track towards the river a van stopped and informed us that he was the Bee Keeper and he was going to tend his Bees and warned us to take the upper path past the hives, this was unusually considerate.

We pass through Eucalyptus woods and eventually emerge at the Fire-fighters base where 3 years ago their control tower was busier than Malaga Airport and 5 Helicopters and 7 Aeroplanes were based here fighting the inferno that started in Barranco Blanco on the last day of August, and spread as far as Marbella.

We skirt the base and take the track along the other side of the Airstrip and back past the confluence where we then take the upper path along the banks of the Rio Guadlahorce. Whilst battling our way through the overhanging cane we hear the Beekeeper’s van, so hopefully there will now be no drama.

It's then through another Eucalyptus wood with the relief of the shade and out onto the track with a short detour to the river’s edge for the dogs to cool down and have a drink. As we follow the track towards our finish the pups are now flagging and a long way from home, so several of the group took turns to carry them. We then head up the only incline on the route and back to the start, but this was exaggerated by us being totally exposed to the now blazing sun and high humidity.

We collected a good amount for the charity pot which was swelled by Ann & Dudley bringing along some bags of home grown Cherry Tomatoes and selling them for a donation, so thank you to them.

Footnote;

Sue with Pia took the puppies back to where they had escaped from and put them back under the gate, there was a kennel there and shade and water. I doubt that they would do much more than sleep for the rest of the day after their big adventure.

What a great group this is, there’s always plenty of banter, friendliness and good will.

For all the photos from this walk click on this link