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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