La Umbria, Gaucin

Yesterday we had a lovely morning walk around La Umbria in the warm autumnal sunshine as the temperature reached 24C; the pata negra pigs were enjoying themselves, too, gorging on the fallen sweet chestnuts.....

Circular walk from Castellar de la Frontera

Yesterday afternoon we had a 2.5hr walk from Castellar village, through ancient cork oak forests and along the canal that runs from the Guadarranque resevoir to the coast.

Mandrake plant

Interesting Spider!

Sierra Espartina, the Smugglers' Trail

This morning we walked the 'Smugglers' Trail' that runs along the ridge of the Sierra Espartina, just west of Gaucin, and were rewarded for taking on the dark skies as within an hour the sun came out.

Looking West towards Jimena de la Frontera

Gaucin from the Smugglers' Trail

La Umbria, Gaucin

Monday 21 October 2013. A gentle morning walk through the cork woods of La Umbria. The leaves are starting to turn and the Sweet Chestnut harvest is in full swing.

El Hacho from La Umbria

Through the cork oaks

Towards Cortes de la Frontera and the Sierra de Libar

Gaucin castle and South to Morocco

El Hacho, Gaucin

What a fantastic morning to climb to the top of Gaucin's nearest mountain. The temperature was a cool 13C, the air still and the sky more or less clear as we left the village at 1030hrs, taking the more leisurely 'Northern slope' to the summit. Winding up through evergreen oak woods we passed a couple of ancient limekilns where the whitewash for painting Gaucin's houses was made up until the 1970s. By the time we reached the first of the two peaks, at 1011m, it had warmed up nicely and several Griffon Vultures were taking advantage of the thermals gliding effortlessly just above our heads. After admiring the 360 degree views from the second peak, the wild Crocuses and Swallowtail butterfly, we descended via the steep 'Eastern slope' passing to the right of the large rocky outcrop known locally as God's Thumb! Back in the village the temperature had reached a balmy 28C.

North towards Cortes de la Frontera

West towards Jimena de la Frontera

Eastern Peak with Genalguacil and Jubrique beyond

Western Peak towards El Colmenar

Gaucin from the Eastern Peak

Ermita de San Juan de Dios and Gaucin Castle

This morning we walked from Gaucin village down to the Ermita (chapel) of San Juan de Dios, back to the village and up to the castle. It was a very pleasant walk in the warm sunshine with great views and a couple of steep bits to get the blood pumping!

The ermita is on the site of the spring of La Adelfilla where, in August 1536, an itinerant book seller named Juan Ciudad is said to have seen Jesus as a barefooted child. Having gone to Granada, as instructed by the child, and founded a hospital he was later made a saint. 

La Ermita de San Juan de Dios

Preparing for the climb to Gaucin

View back to Gaucin and the Castle

View of El Hacho from Calle Parras

Resting in the castle grounds

Cerro de Galgo, near San Martin de Tesorillo, Cadiz

A lovely 16km, 4hr morning walk from the Hotel Monasterio de San Martin to the top of the Cerro de Galgo; approximately 190m with great views N to Gaucin, W to the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales and E to Sierra Crestellina. It was warm and sunny with a fresh E-SE wind to keep us cool as we climbed up through the fields admiring the retinto cattle, donkeys, horses, goats and sheep.

Walking up the first 'ascent'

North to Gaucin, Sierra del Hacho and Sierra Crestellina

North to Gaucin from the top of Cerro de Galgo

Cerro Gordo, near San Martin de Tesorillo, Cadiz

Monday 07 October 2013, Cerro Gordo near San Martin de Tesorillo, mostly cloudy, fresh SE wind, 23C. This morning we walked a 3.5hr route from the Hotel Monasterio de San Martin up to the summit of Cerro Gordo and back; approximately 12km and up to a height of 300m or so.

Half-way up the hill

Heading for the summit

View towards Gaucin

At the top

Mesas de Chullera, near Duquesa

Saturday 05 October 2013, sunny, light W wind, 29C

A lovely walk across the stunning heathland that lies just behind the hustle and bustle of the coastal strip.

Looking North towards the Alcornocales National Park

Through a pine wood towards Gibraltar

East to Sierra Bermeja and beyond

Garganta Honda near Jimena de la Frontera

Friday 04 October 2013, Gaucin, mostly cloudy am, mostly sunny pm, calm air-light W wind, 27C

This morning Janys and I checked out the superb route along the recently resurfaced Jimena de la Frontera-Alcala de los Gazules road through the stunning Alcornocales National Park. We drove 10km to the peak at Garganta Honda which, despite being lower than Gaucin at approximately 620m, has superb 360 degree views.