Tuesday 31 December 2013

Rio Hozgarganta to Castellar de la Frontera

Yesterday, we walked the 16km route from the Rio Hozgarganta to the fortressed village of Castellar de la Frontera and back; on the way we visited a Roman-era wine press and' hidden away amidst the cork oak forest, an ancient burial site. After a chilly start it soon warmed up to a pleasant, mostly sunny, 17C. The walk passes through (harvested) cotton fields, alongside abandoned farms, then climbs up the stone-built Roman road (still marked as driveable on some maps!) until you reach the atmospheric walled village of Castellar de la Frontera and its Moorish fortress.

View towards Sierra del Hacho and Sierra Bermeja

Castellar fortifications

More of the castle

The Guadarranque reservoir

Ancient tomb







Tuesday 24 December 2013

El Hacho, Gaucin

On Sunday 22nd December we walked to the summit of El Hacho via the less steep northern route returning down the more precipitous southern path.

View to the Genal valley; 'God's thumb' showing on the side of  El Hacho

Towards the Sierra de Libar and Cortes de la Frontera

Looking back to the lower peak and the Alcornocales


Gaucin from the summit

At the summit

Sunday 15 December 2013

Rio Guadiaro, Estacion de Cortes

This morning we had a gentle walk along the Rio Guadiaro at Estacion de Cortes. Leaves are finally falling giving things a more autumnal look.

Rio Guadiaro

An old well and cattle trough

View to the Sierra de Libar

Persimmon tree

Saturday 14 December 2013

La Pilas, Algatocin

Yesterday morning we walked a short circular route, 7.5km, from Algatocin village following, in part, the old Ronda road. It was a lovely, warm winter's day.

On the stone path up from Algatocin

Algatocin village

The watering stop on the old Ronda road

Looking towards the Sierra de las Nieves

Ancient cattle trough

Sunday 8 December 2013

Mr Henderson's Railway, Benaojan-Jimera de Libar

This morning we walked the gentle 2hr route that follows the path ruinning alongside the river/railway from Benaojan to Jimera de Libar. By lunchtime the temperature had climbed to a balmy 16C but as we set off from Estacion de Benaojan it was a chilly 4C with frost on the ground!



Clearly visible frost!



Wednesday 4 December 2013

La Umbria, Gaucin

Yesterday morning we had a lovely walk through the cork and sweet chestnut woods; the chestnut trees are looking wonderful as the leaves turn to their autumnal best......