Article and photos by Richard Mead
Seven British walkers joined about 40 members of Club Alpino for the 20km route across the Sierra del Molino starting out at 8.30am Sunday morning from the Casa de la Juventud in Calasparra.
We were provided with goodies, namely water, “bocadillo” and an orange to enjoy at the lunch break.
Setting off at a reasonable pace through the Town it soon became clear they were experts in the art of “Power Walking”. Needless to say we were not the only ones to lag behind as we made our way up the Molino. Getting to the top and seeing the devastation of last year’s fire was quite a shock to anyone who has not been up the mountain since it happened.
The walk then took the gentle slope down to the road where a re-grouping session took place. However, once everyone had arrived it was off up the hill on a goat track which was a good 1:4. There were a few trees, bushes, rocks and helping hands for those of us with insufficient personal effort required for this climb.
Luckily, it was all downhill after this but again a Goat Track which was wide enough for one, goat that is: walkers were single file. This track led us down the Valley of the Almadenes, just above the River Segura, where we stopped for lunch where, in true English style it started drizzling. But again the hospitality with more water/cola/wine came to the rescue and who cared what the weather was like.
Carrying on after half an hour’s rest we started our way back along the road, which would have been an easier route. But this was the Club Alpino and we quickly moved off the road to the left which, surprise, surprise took us uphill again.
This time the track was little easier to find however as we got to the top Alan and I lost it completely, the track that is! So we stood and listened for voices which we could hear but not see. We took a snap decision: turn left through the dense undergrowth and straight up where we were greeted by a mass of people who had obviously knew where the track had taken an easier route.
A steady walk down a track / road brought us back through the Valley. On our right we could see the Tunnels, the Look Out Tower and the Amphitheatre. Then onto the Sewage Works and back to the Casa de la Juventud, where everyone was NOT there to greet us. They had obviously seen sense and disappeared for their Sunday Lunch !
A well organised event with the Club Alpino making us feel very welcome and hospitality, as usual, excellent. A tough walk but with stunning views and friendship, it was worth it.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
