We travelled over on the 14th March, and found all was shipshape in the house after being closed up for three months. Always a minor relief! Apart from sampling the local tapas and cerveza, our main plan for the week was to get some good walks under our belts. The weather certainly looked as if it was going to be in our favour, with no more than the odd cloud, but not getting too hot to make walking a chore.
Our first outing for the week was a short walk starting out above the pretty village of Mecina Bombaron. Only about 7km in total, but with the first half being a steady climb, was just what we needed to break ourselves in. Starting from a small plaza at the top of the village, you first climb up steep narrow streets, passing ancient white houses typical of the area, then exit the upper limit of the village on a narrow climbing path.
From here on the path is a mixture of cobbled traders paths, or narrow tracks following the acequias or irrigation channels. Several small farms, dot the landscape, with well tended terraces and almond and olive trees. Gnarled and twisted sweet chestnut trees are also a striking feature of the landscape.
After steadily climbing for roughly half the walk, the marked path drops down to pick up the main acequia for the return leg. Passing a couple of old eras or threshing circles you pick up the acequia path and gently descend through more dense and mature woodland until arriving back at the village for a well earned beer.
I've done this walk a few times now, and always enjoy the fantastic views, both within the valley itself, and up towards the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Due to the ample tree covering for much of the walk, it also remains pleasant when the hotter weather arrives.
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