A stroll along the GR7

Our 2012 winter project is to stroll along the GR7 on the section that runs through Granada province. The walk starts at Ventas de Zafarraya and finishes at Puebla de Fabrique. The total route is 408.3 km ( according to the Cicerone guide )

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

29 March 2013 Lobras to Alcútar




The crem de la crem picnic spot

We returned to Lobras this week to continue the walk as far as Alcútar. The path starts by heading down into a barranco that we have been in before when we did the GR142 last year. I must say this was a far easier way of getting there, I seem to remember spending hours wandering around the hillside last time, or perhaps my memory is playing up again.
The route then follows a delightful path that rises, then falls, to run alongside the Rio Cadiar all the way into Cadiar. We walked along twisting narrow streets on the edge of the town until we came to what looked like the old towns natural water spring, complete with a hand pump. Someone suggested it was time for a break and this made an excellent place to stop. I must say I excelled myself on this walk. This was the first of three stops, each one with comfortable seating. Another walk like this and Dave will be ceeding me his Brownie point, he does like a nice seat when he is taking a break.
I have to be nice to Kees this week so I won’t mention where Dave got his second hand Brownie point from. The walk continued by the side of the river and we took a small diversion to visit the Agua Agria, yes Rene, you were right with the translation of “sour water” but our experienced water taster Julie refused to check it out.
Retracing our steps we crossed the river on a rickety wooden bridge and then climbed up into Alcútar. We stopped here for lunch, once a again with a nice bench to sit on. We had walked around 10 km at this point so it was time to start heading back to Lobras.
We followed a series of paths tracks and country roads until we got to the acequia that runs into Lobras. After a short downhill scramble, or slither would be a better description, we joined the acequia path and then stopped for more refreshments at what must be the creme de la creme of picnic tables, it just doesn't get any better. After this it was just a short stroll back into Lobras.
The weather, apart from a few drops of rain, had remained fine all day but, on the way back, you could see it raining higher up. We stopped in Tozvizcon for more refreshments, it was so pleasant sat out in the sunshine we even stopped for a second round.
A very nice walk and well worth doing again.
On the walk Kees, Mike, Rene, Julie, Dave, Martine, Jan, Stuart.
Distance walked on the route today 9.6 km Total distance on route 181 km
Distance walked today 17.8 km
Total distance walked 235.5 km
Height climbed today 679 metres Total height climbed 7779 metres
Distance driven today 120 km
Total distance driven 913 km

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