Refugio de Juanar 'Walking for Wellness'

The weather today was almost perfect for this walk to a most picturesque area in the mountains above Marbella.
The route to the start of the walk is also a delight as the road winds it's way on the valley side for 5km until it reached the entrance to the Refugio and the Parado Hotel, where apparently Franco used to stay on his visits to this area.
From where the cars are parked we take the track that winds it's way through the wood until we reach the path that takes us to the first of the miradors (viewing point) that overlooks the Pueblo Blanco of Ojen. After lingering awhile to take in the wonderful views we then continue through the pine woods and back to the main track which we take to the second mirador. This mirador is the one that overlooks Marbella and has a view to the North African coastline and Atlas Mountains. There should be the imposing sight of a lifesize bronze sculpture of an Iberian Stag on a rock above the mirador, but apparently some mindless idiots removed it and tossed it down the bank. It is now in a workshop in Marbella being repaired.
We took a break for refreshments and to admire the views and then headed back along the track that we had come on until we reached the path that eventually takes one to the top of La Concha. We leave that particular path and head into the pine woods that make up the banks of the Arroyo de Juanar. We follow this, occasionally crossing the arroyo which fortunately was dry, until we arrive back at the start point.
A very pleasant route with plenty to see, and a good turnout of 25 for the walk.

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