WALKING
ROUTES - FROM RONDA TO CASTELLAS DE LA FRONTERA
A little used way - the C 341 - is the link between
Ronda and Gaucin. It crosses the north west spurs of the Ronda Sierra
and passes through olive groves, corn fields, almond trees and vineyards.
Benadalid lies on the left with its shining whitewashed streets of
undeniable Muslim origin. Benadalid is an eloquent example of the
type of mountain city the traveller is getting to know. The old castle
with four large razed towers is the site of a small cemetery today,
which makes for a unique picture.
Algatocin (29km. from Ronda) also lies on a slope. The church of Virgen
del Rosario (16C/18C) and the city in general deserve a short walk.
The view over the neighbouring valley includes lovely scenery.
Gaucin (8km.) at the foot of Hacho Sierra is one of the most attractive
villages in the region. The steep slopes and winding streets are an
invitation for all lovers of popular architecture. At the top there
are the remains of the Castle of El Aguila, which was built in Muslim
times. Next to it stands the Hermitage of El Santo Niño, from
the 17C and 18C.
At this point the road enters the sierra of Cadiz and the area where
de la frontera (of the border) is added to the place names in memory
of the times when it was the border land between Christianity and
Islam.
Jimena de la Frontera (23km.) lies at the end of a short turn off
on the right of the road. The village lies unspoilt at the foot of
an Arab castle, surrounded by forests and pasture where horses and
fighting bulls graze. The most remarkable buildings are the Sanctuary
of La Reina de Los Angeles and the Church of La Misericordia.
Immediately after crossing the bridge of the River Hozgarganta, there
is an 8km. turn off.
The old part of Castellar de la Frontera (15km.) still preserves a
semi abandoned cluster of houses inside the old Muslim area. The view
from there is splendid and reaches as far as the bay of Algeciras
and the African coast. The city is reached by passing through the
only gate in the curtain wall. In the surroundings of Castellar there
are extensive forests of cork oaks, carob trees, bays, walnut trees
and ash-trees where boar, fox and red deer abound. The Costa del Sol
is again almost around the corner.
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