Itinerary
After leaving Benalauría and by the the old in of Santo Domingo, we will have to cross the road A-369 (Ronda-Gaucín). We must do so with extreme caution, and again when we get to Benadalid and to Atajate. After walking for a kilometre, between the inn of San Isidoro and the entrance to the Yuncar estate, we will actually be walking on the verge of the road. Crossing the ford of the river Audalázar (which carries water all year round), is not difficult at all, except when there is a great rise in its level. As in previous sections, we will have to cross several gates in between estates and we must also respect the fruits and crops from the different farming fields. The first part of the track matches the GR-249 (the section from Siete Pilas to Benalauría) and the PR-A 237 (Cañada del Real Tesoro-Benalauría). The routes from Benadalid to Atajate and from Atajate to Alpandeire overlap the approved trails PR-A 235 and 229, respectively.
Summary
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 most prominent geographical feature of this stage is placed around the Genal and the Guadiaro, the route which is called ‘the Route of the Romantic Travellers’. The surrounding landscape displays three different parts: limestone and dolomite mountains, which enclose the western and northern part of the valley, and the peculiar Sierra Bermeja. The Rock of Gibraltar and the coast of Africa can be discerned from the Guadiaro Depression.
The trail between San Isidoro Inn and Atajate goes between the above two valleys. We can make out the Libar mountain range and the Sierra de Oreganal, which separates Ronda’s Plateau from the fertile Genal Valley. When you get to Atajate, you will leave Ronda way and continue your tour along Alpandeire Path through the oak groves at the upper Genal.