Parauta, Serranía de Ronda

 A Walk through the Chestnut forest

El Bosque de Encantado and El Bosque de Cobre

Prologue:

On a beautiful November day we decided to drive to the village of Parauta in the Serranía de Ronda, Málaga Province, where we wanted to experience the mystique of the ancient chestnut forest. 

The village of Parauta had a unique idea to create an enchanted forest "El Bosque de Encantado", to attract visitors. Especially families with young children. 

But who is to say! We all were young once, and the stroll along the country lane to admire the wood carvings and the beautiful surroundings, is for everyone to enjoy.

The Enchanted forest of Parauta contains various sculptures and wood carvings of Gnomes, Fairy's  and other creatures from fairy-tales, created by a local artist Diego Guerrero. 

Some other highlights of the walk is the source of the stream Algorma.  the Mill of Molino Real and the ford across the streams, which indicates the halfway point, and if you follow the way onto the other side it leads you to the village of Cartajima.

It is in the autumn that the Copper Forest (el Bosque de Cobre) of the Serranía de Ronda, comes alive. Not only is the harvesting of chestnuts in full swing, and many businesses in the region of the Genal river valley depend on it, but also the natural phenomena, when the leaves of the chestnut trees change their colours from green to yellow to oranges and browns, can be observed.

The Genal valley is famous for its chestnut trees which have been cultivated for hundreds of years. Although most of the area is not public, it is owned by private businesses which provide a lot of work and sustenance for the local people, there are numerous footpaths and walking tracks, which are signposted.

Parauta is situated at an altitude of 799 meters and within El Bosque de Cobre, and with about 272 inhabitants it is one of the smaller villages in the Alto Genal river valley in the Serranía de Ronda, Málaga Province. 
The villages long history, dates back to the times of the Visigoths, Romans, Moors and Christians until the present day.

         Directions:

• From Marbella AP-7 you drive west and just before San Pedro de Alcántara you turn towards Ronda A-397.
• After approx. 48 km/45 min. drive, turn left onto MA-7306  towards Parauta and Cartajema and Juzgar 
• You find yourself on the Legacy Route of Fray Leopoldo de Alpandeíre (Ruta del Legado de Fray Leopoldo).
• After 650 meters you turn left and after 2,5km/5min. you reach the village of Parauta.
• Note: Best to leave the car at the entrance of the small village.

The white village of Parauta is nestled between the chestnut forest "El Bosque de Cobre" and looking onto the limestone mountains of "El Risco" and "El Oreganal".

Map of the Hike:

Click on link: Wikiloc: Parauta, Serrenía de Ronda

• The Hike is fairly easy on a gravel service road.
• In total 7,5 km to the river crossing and back up to the village. 
• Elevations difference of approx. 2x 250 meters. 

At the entrance to the village we pass a beautiful tall "Pinsapo" tree Spanish fir.

Soon after gnomes are greeting you.

What an unique idea! 

Some old chairs have found a good use.

Even part of an old wall looks decorative.

A large mural telling a story of village life.

Lovingly carved benches invites the passers-by to sit down and enjoy the village life.

A story written on tiles talks about "Omar Ben Hafsun" who led a rebellion against the powerful Caliph of Cordoba "Omeyas de Cordoba" in the 9th century.

Another one talks about of the handicraft of weaving of "Esparto" gras into various household items like baskets, window blinds, espadrilles and many more.

At the western end of the village is the start of the walk of the enchanted forest

"El Bosque Encantado".

A mystical mural.

On the board you find the legend about the mystique of the Cobre forest surrounding the village. Which elders and grandparents might have told their children.

The following text was taken from the board and translated.

The ancestors of the place say that a magical legend was born in the Parauta forest, where a lady called "La Escalereta" is the guardian of a magical portal that connects our world with that of amazing beings. This portal opens on certain nights, when you can find fairies, goblins and wizards, who are the caretakers of the four elements, earth, air, fire and water of this wonderful forest.

The trees of this forest have to be worked between November and February, taking advantage of the fact that their sage during these months is "salvia muerto" dead sap, so the tree does not suffer at all. It is then given a healing treatment for its conservation. Since time immemorial, the residents of this pueblo have lived with this forest, pampering it and protecting it for its conservation, so that it lasts over time.

We felt like a child just for one day.

We follow the way sign out of the village in the direction Cartajima.

The information board explains the route from Parauta to the village of Cartajima. 

The total distance is 4,5 km and the elevation level are twice of approx. 220-200meters. 

From now on you will find carvings of gnomes and fairy's everywhere.

If a tree could speak what would it say!!

The view across the valley and towards the Limestone mountain of Oreganal.

To the left, a glimpse of the village Cartajima with the rugged cliffs of "El Risco".

New Fountain (Fuete Nueva) or the wishing well, (Fuente de deseos).

Even the large cactuses form part of the artistic landscape.

A view across a chestnut grove.

In the region you will find some chestnut trees, which are more than hundreds of years old.

They are tenderly cared of by the habitants which harvest still today their fruit. 

A picnic table invites the visitors to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings.

A fairy-tale scene carved into this old tree.

What a pleasure to walk along this lane.

In the distance the rugged outcrop of "El Risco" and below Cartajima. 

The blue moon fairy!

A near resemblance!!

Looking at this carving it is like the tree has come alive!

 A gnomes house set on a hill,

You will have fantastic panoramic views from There.

A mischievous looking pixy.

The statue of the blue horse marks the end of the walkway and 

The Enchanted Forest.

From here we follow the road downwards.

What a majestic cork oak (Alcornoque) tree with its bark removed.

This old pine tree looks rather impressive too.

A view across the Cobre forest.

From this way sign, it is 2,7 km to Cartajima and 1,8 km back to Parauta.

We are coming closer to the river crossing and the lowest part of our walk.

The vegetation is getting different, much more lush now.

You find very tall Poplars and Beech trees.

Across the stream Algorma, the road leads up to the village of Cartajima,

We decided to walk back the same way we came on.

What a lovely spot!

 This bench invites you to take in the surroundings and enjoy the panorama.

Above, a close up photo of the karstic ridge of  "El Risco ",

with the village of Cartajima below it.

This old tree still has some life in it.

A look back from whence we came,

and we say a fond farewell to the gnomes for the day.

We whispered a wish at the wishing well, and headed back to the village.

Back at the village we take a different route back to the car. We walk through the arch 

"Arco de la Calle Altillo", a Mudejar arch dating back to the Moorish period. 

We come across some ruins which were once the village comunal oven and the site where a castle once stood.

In the village centre stands a tall Spanish fir tree (Apies Pinsapo).

We follow the road up past the Pinsapo.

This unique corner, you will find a little further up from the "Plaza de Constitucion".

The lovers bench! 

Kiss me in Parauta!

In Calle Calvario the Restaurant Anafe is worth a visit.

Map of the Hike

Click on link: Wikiloc: Parauta, Serrenía de Ronda

How to get to Parauta

Related blogs: A Walk from Igualeja to Parauta on the chestnut trail

                                   Pujera, El Bosque de Cobre, the ancient Chestnut Forest