Summary
The course describes a Z on the Sierra of Jobo, representing the maximum altitude of the Central Limestone Arch at Chamizo with 1,641 metres above sea level. The first section climbs between this mountain range and the San Jorge in a northwesterly direction to a nearby campground. There it turns south-west to ascend to the mountain pass and lead down through Hondonero until you reach the junction to Tajo de la Madera. At this point you change direction for the third time to the north-west again towards Villanueva del Rosario.
The Great Málaga Path reaches here its maximum altitude in the Puerto del Quejigo (or the Llano de la Cueva) at 1,385 metres. The average altitude of the walk here is almost 1,100 metres, which gives you an idea of the mountain character of Stage 11. The other three mountains that mark the way are the San Jorge at the beginning, Sierra Gorda to the west of the highest point and Camarolos at the end. All of them are limestone mountains with steep slopes, cliffs and karst relief, difficult to walk as it is not done on paths.
The best
Landscapes, both around Alfarnate at the beginning and towards Hondonero and the Comarca of Antequera at the end, are worth stopping for. In fact, there is an interpretive panel in Hondonero that you can take some time analyzing. The karst topography creates cliffs like Tello, Hondonero or the Tajo de Madera, large, high quality rock to practice climbing, as many climbing schools do.
There is also a via ferrata, not too high level of diffi culty, in the Cerro de Cazorla mountain. The forests of Holm oaks and Portuguese oaks, thickets of Hawthorn and Cistus, laston grass fi elds and hedgehog broom in the high mountains, stands of maples of the Dehesa de Hondonero; all are a powerful attraction for botanists. And where there is such a variety of plants there is also an abundance of animals, especially birds, reptiles and amphibians being the most conspicuous, not to mention the Spanish Ibex or the elusive Roe Deer.
There are a number of karstic lakes, undoubtedly interesting from an environmental point of view. Given the terrain, the human heritage elements here are quite dispersed, and isn´t easy to spot. Thus please note the wells and fountains, threshing circles and the huts and cave shelters such as the Cueva in the Puerto del Quejigo.
