Itinerary
The fact that this section is shorter does not mean it demands less physical effort than the previous ones. The big gradients, ascent or descent, are continuous throughout the whole route, except the part within the meadow of La Escribana and San Juan inn. Even though this stretch is almost flat, it has some risks, like floods or landslides due to the river’s proximity and the route passing through unstable areas. It may be impossible at times to wade through Monardilla river, close to San Juan campsite, might be impossible due to river swellings. We will pass through the short stretch from the way MA-8305 (Algatocín-Jubrique) to the point where the path splits from the hill walking on the roadside and taking shortcuts in a couple of curves, so we will need to be careful with cars. From the meadow of La Escribana to Benalauría, we will run into the GR-249 Gran Senda de Málaga but in the opposite direction. We highly recommend using telescopic poles.
Summary
This section offers the best of the Genal valley: the cork oaks, the meadows and vegetable gardens, the mills and the river, with its particular ecosystem; the mountain farms, the polyculture, the muleteers’ paths, the chestnut grove and the Andalusian architecture, very characteristic in this area of the Serranía de Ronda. From the beginning, we will continue going down until we reach the meadow of La Escribana. From that crossroads, an old resting place for cattle, where the river Almárchar, which comes from Sierra Bermeja, flows into the river Genal, we will walk on a recovered path parallel to the course of the Genal river. San Juan inn and the campsites placed at both shores, make this place one of the most visited, especially during the summer, when several pools are set up to bathe in the river. The climb up to Benalauría will include some steep slopes, although the foliage is always helpful to alleviate our effort. Once we reach the chestnut grove, the environment changes and, with Benalauría faraway, the walk becomes easier.
The best
GR-141 Gran Senda de la Serranía de Ronda is a circular trail composed of 6 separate routes along a large part of the Serranía de Ronda.
It is perfectly well known that you will enjoy unforgettable landscapes exploring the region off-road. Unlike other regions with a gentler orography, this fact becomes especially true in the Serranía de Ronda because modern roads were not built, for technical reasons, along ancient paths which used to link different villages. Thus an unexplored world with stories and tales, fountains, abandoned alquerias (old farmhouses), mills and cortijos (typical Andalucian country houses) is out there awaiting a doughty explorer to discover it. You will need to park your car, put your hiking boots on and follow the route. The Gran Senda de la Serranía de Ronda is waiting for you.
You will not feel alone at any time as the trail goes through most of the small villages in the Serranía where you can have a well-deserved rest in bars and restaurants, buy food for the hike and even stay overnight in a cottage or a small hotel.
