After 2+ years of lockdown we were desperate to get away for a bit to Spain to catch up with Rosie and do a bit of walking.
Finally touching down at Malaga airport and heading out for our now traditional lunch at Restaruante Sardinas on the edge of Toremellinos was pure heaven. The Sardines a la plancha, rosada, lovely fresh salad and cold beers among other treats did not disappoint.
Suitably fortified we headed up to Huerta De La Rena near Comares for the start of our long awaited week of walking.
As ever, Rosie had scoped out some super walks.
Day 1 a lovely walk cruz campo from nearby Casabermeja. Beautiful gently rolling countryside and perfect walking weather
Wildflowers and mountain view near Casabermeja, Spain
Countryside near Casabermeja, Spain
For day 2 we spent a wonderful day wandering around La Concepcion botanical gardens just outside Malaga. Amazing place with a wonderful collection of trees, plants, ponds and their 4-legged residents.
Umbrella Trees La Concepcion botanical gardens, Malaga, Spain
Frog in pond, La Concepcion botanical gardens, Malaga, Spain
Water Lilly, La Concepcion botanical gardens, Malaga, Spain
Terrapin, La Concepcion botanical gardens, Malaga, Spain
We spent the following day promenading along La Playa at Torres del Mar in a leisurely fashion, with a lunch stop at one of the many beach bars. Stunning views of the beach, and mountains in the distance.
Beach at Torres del Mar with view of Mt Maroma
Day 4 we relaxed at in Huerta de La Rena doing a short local walk up the back hill and down to the riverside in between lolling about doing not very much. Lovely…
The next day, a somewhat more strenuous and utterly beautiful walk from Canillas de Aceituno up to the mirador looking across to Mt Maroma. Following the irrigation channels built by the Moors, over a bridge hugging the side of the cliff. The last time we were in the area a few years ago we got as far as the bridge, only to find most if it had fallen into the valley below…Our walk ended abruptly. Thankfully in the intervening years a very sturdy replacement had been built, so we were able to continue on to the Mirador, with a quick detour to the waterfall on the return leg. Ibex and fields of wild lavender were spotted along the way. The imposing Mt Maroma coming into view somewhere underneath that low cloud…
Wild lavender
Ibex
Viewing point, Mt Maroma opposite shrouded in cloud
After a spot of lunch at the viewing point to fortify us for the return journey, we wended our way back down the mountain, across the suspension bridge, then back along the new bridge hugging the cliff as we headed back into Canillas.
Mountain views from walk
Bridge hugging mountainside, nr Canillas de Aceituno
For more details and photos of this and other stunning walks, check out Steve Barham, Rambling Man’s excellent blog (link opens in new window/tab).
As usual, all too soon, the walking week was coming to an end. Our last walk was a (mostly) gentle one from Pulgarin Bajo to Alfarnatejo, passing through olive groves and taking in more stunning, mountain views and the turquoise waters of a very depleted lake Vinuela in the distance. The threatening storm making for a moody and atmospheric amble. We did however manage to beat the rain.
Mountain views, Alfarnatejo, Spain
Olive groves and mountain views nr Alfarntejo, Spain
So, another succesful week. So lovely and lucky to get away, and catch up with friends old and new. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of visiting this area. Thanks Rosie for another fabulous week of walking, eating, adventure and lovely people.
View of Mt Maroma