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Spain - Route 6 - The old road to Montejaque (the messenger's route).

Zuz
2006-02-16 19:55:24

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have made it a centre for rural tourism, with the nearby plains of Libar and recently discovered pot holes making it the capital of Andalucian caving. Here we find optional departure point 2 to the Libar plains.

We return the way we came until we reach the Muela pass in the pine woods near Ronda. Instead of ascending back towards the Dehesa we leave that track on the left and, with a wire fence on the right we descend towards the basin of Los Molinos. On the left we see the cliffs of the Tajo of Ronda. From the hermitage to the pass is a little more than 5 Km.

We take the left hand path through fields and pine trees, passing houses on the way, one with a stone tower typical of the area which served as a grain store. These towers where built after Ronda was taken from the Arabs by the Catholic Kings. We reach the Guadalevin where we can appreciate the rock face on which Ronda sits. We see strange forms caused by erosion such as the cauldron's handle and the gorge formed by the river. Here we find optional departure point 3 the Tajo of Ronda.

Near the old electric station we find a stone paved road which we follow uphill passing by the old mills which used waterpower to grind grain and in the fifties to produce electricity. A rock fall in 1917 which caused sixteen deaths led to the abandoning of the mills. At the moment one is in the process of restoration. The mills had their origin in the Arab period. When the New Bridge was built the water channels that serve them had to be respected.

The return to Ronda by the Molino path could end in EI Campillo following the Cuesta del Cachondeo or in the San Francisco district.

General information

* Distance: Almost 20 Kms.
* Mode: By foot, by bike or on horseback.
* Time: 7 hours. If you wish to take the optional departure points you will need a whole day.
* Difficulty: Medium due to some difficult ascents.
* Recommended Season: All year round.
* Practical advice: It is necessary to take water

Optional Departure Points

Nº1.-THE OLD RONDA TO BENAOJAN ROAD..

Connects to route nº 7.in this guide.

Nº2.- THE LIBAR PLAINS.

This valley between limestone mountains inspires us with its beauty and serenity. We can ascend to the highest and largest valley at 1000 meters up. We see birds, Gall and Holm Oak trees and rock plants. There are also many pot holes here for caving.

Nº3.- THE TAJO DE RONDA.

The famous gorge was formed by the action of the Guadalevin river over the rocks of varying hardness. We can admire the New Bridge built between 1753 and 1793 if we leave our path for the Arch of Christ with its panoramic view.

Please see route nº3