Saturday 04th February 2017 – Cartama Pueblo

This was a first time route for the group but one that I had done many times in the past. We started from the outskirts of the village and walked straight into the countryside, passing over the A357 and then past the Paintballing area and then followed the track through the Orange plantations.

This track is quite close to the river and evidence of the recent flooding was obvious, in fact the amount of destruction was quite alarming. We then left the orchards and took the track that leads us to the main road between the villages of Cartama and Estacion de Cartama and follow the recently created footpath that leads us up into Cartama Pueblo. The walk through the lower road of the village was quite pleasant and gave the opportunity to see things that are missed when simply driving through. The walk finished with a well earned beverage at the local bar.

Saturday 18th February 2017 – Zalea

The weather for todays walk was ideal which was good as we should have done this route the previous week but it had to be cancelled due to bad weather and heavy rain. We start from the edge of the tiny village of Zalea and head off into the countryside to join the Acquia track. This track winds its way along the valley side, and even though there was a haze the views are quite stunning. Whilst the early part of the route has views to the west and the Sierra de los Nieves we eventually reach the ridge which opens the views across the Guadalhorce valley and to Pizzarra. One feature of walking along the Acequia access tracks are the pine trees that line the route, in one way very picturesque but at this time of year dangerous because of the Processionary Caterpillar that lives in the trees and we were unfortunate to meet a trail of them, but luckily before any of the dogs were near.

The track then drops down into the valley of the Arroyo Casarabonela which on previous times when we have done this route we have crossed and walked up to the Drovers track, but as I suspected the Arroyo was in flow and was not crossable without getting wet feet. I had planned for the walk to take the Pista Confederacion being the access track to the many plantations and fincas and avoid having to cross the Arroyo. This track meets the Drovers track part way up the incline out of the valley and back towards our start, and takes us past the now long abandoned Ostrich Farm. The route then levels out but offers wonderful views North to the turbines and the mountains beyond.

Create Routes or Search for a route from millions at MapMyWalk

Thursday 16th February 2017 – Ermita Fuensanta, Coin

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.

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 riseto 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 a bar 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.

For more pictures from my previous visit click this link

Thursday 09th February 2017 – Monte Hacho, Alora

This is a route that been undertaken a couple of times before and is always a walk that pleases the participants. The route starts from the Sports Ground and winds it’s way along the base of the hill and then takes a narrow and steep path to the flat top of the hill. The views from up here are all around and one can see for many miles. The way down is along a marked track and passes through the Olive and Orange plantations.

For more details and pictures from our previous visit, follow this link.

.............