Itinerary
The itinerary is not difficult at all under normal conditions. However, in case of heavy rain, there are two spots where the water flood the road: in las Angosturas and just before reaching Estación de Jimera (Jimera Station). The train will allow us to move in between Ronda, Benaoján-Montejaque, Jimera de Líbar, Cortes and Gaucín (El Colmenar) stations, starting or intermediate points of this section. This part of the track coincides with the GR 249 Gran Senda de Málaga (Great Track of Málaga).
Summary
This section of the track runs through a territory with great ethnological and environmental value. Its start is located in one of the historical accesses to the town of Ronda, from which we can see the majestic Tajo and the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Before reaching the puerto de la Muela (pass of la Muela), we will cross the Hoya del Tajo (river basin of el Tajo) and its splendid Andalusi vegetable gardens. After these, we will come across the stone pine forest of mount Dehesa del Mercadillo, and then a wide valley where the Guadalcobacín and Guadalevín merge their waters to become the Guadiaro river, one of the most important in the Mediterranean Hydrographic District. From there, we will wander for a while along the Algeciras-Bobadilla railroad track until we get to the Pasada de Gibraltar, where we will follow a trail in continuous ascent that crosses the steep mountainside of the Algarrobo mountain range. From the nearby puerto de Ronda (pass of Ronda) we will enjoy an attractive panoramic view of the Valle del Guadiaro (Guadiaro Valley) and the location of the cueva del Gato (Cat’s cave). In our descent towards Benaoján, we will be surprised by the contrast between the sharp karstic mountainside and the polje on which the town sits. During the next stretch of the trail, we will be able to see the source of the Benaoján river, impressive after constant rains, and the neighbourhood of la Estación (Benaoján Station). The second part of the track runs alongside the left bank of the Guadiaro river and through a narrow valley, in between the Benaoján and the del Palo mountain ranges to the West, and the Monte de las Viñas (Mount of the Vineyard) and the del Conio mountain range to the East. The latter separates the Guadiaro from the nearby Valle del Genal (Genal Valley). During the journey, we will walk through a green canopy of holm oaks and gall-oaks. The other unique feature of the track is the railway line, which crosses the diverse landforms of the area, passing through tunnels and over viaducts. An important part of the track is through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
The best
The Great Serranía de Ronda Path is a circular walk which allows us to see a great part of the Serranía de Ronda through its six stages.
It is well known that one of the best ways to explore a place is by visiting its countryside and enjoying the landscape away from the roads. This is definitely the case of the Serranía de Ronda, as here, due to some practical reasons, the modern roads were not made over the old roads which had connected villages like in some other areas.
Actually, there is a whole world full of stories, legends, fountains, springs, old farmsteads, mills and houses waiting to be discovered. You just need to park your car, put your hiking boots on and follow the path.
The Great Serranía de Ronda Path is waiting for you. Moreover, you will not be alone on this trip. The trail goes through most of the small villages in the Serranía de Ronda, where you can get some rest and have a meal in its small bars or restaurants, buy food for your trip or even stay overnight in country houses or small hotels.
The Campillo Square (Plaza de Campillo) is where the long distance 141 trail (GR 141) starts and the centre of the old town in Ronda is. The path goes down to the bottom of the precipice, and then over the Guadiaro Valley, alongside the Guadiaro river and the railway throughout the stage.
You will get close to Gato Cave and go through the villages of Benaoján, Estación de Benaoján, Estación de Jimera, and, finally, Jimera de Líbar,