Itinerary
The way to the Guadalhorce Reservoir, a great work of hydraulics from the beginning of 20th century, goes across a plain terrain, which, close to Campillos, created good conditions for formation of endorheic lagoons with high level of salinity, and then continues over the surrounding mountains.
Summary
Water is the main attraction of this stage, thanks to the combination of a string of endorheic lakes (having no evident outlet) of the Campillos Lakes Nature Reserve, and the spectacular area of the Guadalhorce, Guadalteba and Conde de Guadalhorce reservoirs.
The terrain is fairly flat surrounding these bodies of water, just with some gentle slopes down to the reservoirs. It is mainly made up of earthy mounds with occasional limestone outcrops and hills, and less often gypsum rockfaces. The route starts off in a southerly direction from Campillos, twisting and turning its way between the lakes initially, and then again in the middle section to navigate the arable farmland and transport network.
This Stage visits three of the lakes and in doing so, along with those visited on previous stages, almost completes the full picture of lakes in this northern region of the province. The colourful and unexpected landscapes they provide, bounded by rainfed farmland, are well worth the effort. Its 23 kilometres run through the municipal area of Campillos. It links together uphill and downhill sections during the second half, with a fair stretch along country roads.
When you reach the area of reservoirs, you walk through the hills that separate the river basins of the Guadalteba and the Guadalhorce. This is also the upper reaches of the catchment area of the Rodahuevos and Juan Vacas streams. The sandstone rocky ridge populated by Pine trees that separates the reservoirs of Guadalteba to the west and the Guadalhorce to the east has impressive views. After a stretch of pathway considered ideal for hiking, you come to a bridge. This crosses over a stretch that both separates and joins the two expanses of water and aptly marks the end of the Stage, while offering yet more outstanding views.
The best
The water, the lagoons and the swamps, as well as a rich flora and fauna that exists around these ecosystems.