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Spain - Ronda - Route 3- Througj the Gorge's mill (The vegetable Garden of Ronda).

Zuz
2006-02-16 19:48:32

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supplied them with water was respected. This same waterpower was put to use to produce electricity when the power station was built in the fifties. Optional Departure Point 1

We return to the look out point next to the "Puerta del Cristo" and seek out an archway in the eroded walls that once served for defence. From here we take a path which descends steeply to join a narrow road. We follow this road down to the left, passing an old mill in the process of restoration. On our right we pass the old power station behind which can be found the bridge over the river Guadalevín. The views of the rockface make us feel small before the grandeur of nature.

We follow an earthen track bordered by orchards and farmhouses where kestrels, choughs and other birds cut the air with their endless flight. Keen gardeners can often be seen working hard in their vegetable plots, caring for the rich produce of the fertile soils of the Tajo.

On the left we see a curious stone tower which dates back to the seventeenth century. There are several like this in the Serrania and were used for storing grain. In a nearby construction we find a niche with a figure of the virgin "de la Inmaculada", patroness of the oldest romeria (a type of pilgrimage) in Ronda which takes place at the end of May.

Soon we find ourselves crossing the track that goes to the "Puerto de la Muela" from where we can return as described in Route nº 6. Optional Departure Point 2. We can also connect from here with Route nº 8. and take the following return journey.

Starting from a power supply post where the two tracks meet we descend towards the river Guadalevin which we have to ford. The track starts to ascend between fields of cereals in the zone known as "Prao Nuevo". On the right there are the cliffs where we can find the hermitage and caves of the virgin "de la Cabeza". If we are thirsty we can drink from the spring "del Gomé". Our walk finishes in the San Francisco district, where many local farmers live.

General information

* Distance: 5 Kms.
* Time: 2 hours.
* Modality: On foot.
* Difficulty: Low.
* Recommended time: All year round, especially spring.
* Practical advice: A comfortable route for the family.

Optional Departure Points

Nº1. TAJO DE RONDA.

The most visited monument in Ronda, it was formed by the erosive action of the river Guadalevin on rocks of varying hardness. We can also admire the New Bridge, built between 1735 and 1793. Leaving our path a little we can visit the Arco del Cristo with its splendid panoramic views. It is said that Martin de Aldehuela, the architect and builder of the bridge, fell to his death in the gorge but this is no more than a legend.

Nº 2.-TO THE "VIRGEN DE LA CABEZA " AND "EL DUENDE".

(See route nº 9)