The Hidden valley of Arroyo Alpujata,
and a Walk to the Mount "Cerro Gordo" (PR-275)
Prologue:
The small village of Monda, in the Province of Málaga is just a short drive inland from the town of Marbella. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves to the west and the Sierra de la Alpujata to the east, the village is certainly a worthwhile visit. It's long history dating back to the Romans followed by the Moors until modern time today, the people of Monda have cultivated and worked the land surrounding the village.
I call the valley of the stream Arroyo Alpujata the hidden one, because you easily drive past it and it cannot be seen from the main road nor the village itself. The drive along the river valley is very enjoyable, especially in early spring when the almond trees are in blossom. There are various hiking trails around Monda from were you can explore this hidden gem.
I added the many information boards in this post, which I found very informative.
We take the road to the left and drive alongside the river.
Directions:
- Coming from Marbella on the AP-7 take turn off towards Ojen A-355.
- You will reach Monda after 17 km - 20 minutes.
- Take the 2nd exit of Monda and follow the Camino de Alpujata towards the right.
- Continue for 1,2 km until you reach an area with picnic tables Area Recreativa Arroyo Alpujatas.
- It is here where you can leave your car and start your hike.
- The actual hike to the mount Cerro Gordo is on the other side of the river.
- We only walked approx. 2,8 km to a height of 470 m above sea-level, partly up to the mount.
- No matter what, the panoramic views along the way are amazing and in the winter you are able see the snow-cap peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves in the west.
Map of the Hike, click on the link below
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| >> Wikiloc: Monda, Cerro Gordo |
After leaving our car at the crossroads, we followed the way sign to Cerro Gordo.
The walk took us towards a dry riverbed and along a gravel road towards the left and up the hill to the mount Cerro Gordo.
We came across various information boards, which are beautifully illustrated and also have a detailed description in English.
The title of the following board reads:
Thanks to the resources the man appropriations have been varied throughout time, giving rise to numerous trades and occupations that have been forming for centuries, the landscapes we can enjoy today.
This information board is about the stream "Arroyo Alpujata "
and its long history it has with the people who live around the Monda region.
The following board explains about the various trades the inhabitants of Monda practiced.
An explanation about the use of limekilns
Remains of an old limekiln.
This board describes of the various birds in this area which you can observe throughout the year.
After we soaked up all the information we headed towards the dried out river bed.
Along the way we passed almond groves and olive orchards.
From mid January until the end of February the almond trees are full in pinkish white bloom.
A view across the dry riverbed of the stream "Arroyo Alpujata".
Looking south from whence we came.
As we followed the gravel road upwards we become aware of the uniqueness of this area.
On the other side of the stream, small farms with olive and citric orchards and amongst them almond trees.
On the hill side the terrain is rockier, and covered with a pine trees.
Near the road side you find on rocks various moss, some of which are in bloom.
Also herbal plants, like rosemary, thyme, broom bushes and rock roses and many more amongst this rocky terrain.
A view across the lush valley.
In the distance we see the Sierra de las Nieves, the snowy mountains.
The road takes us through a pine forest.
A pole as a way sign.
At about 2,7 km we come across this artistic bench.
We noticed a parasitic plant (dwarf mistletoe) growing on this pine tree.
Below you see rock rose bushes, they bloom in late spring.
We decided to walk back the same way we had come.
A lovely old almond tree still holding up.
Making our way back down.
Back at the river, we head towards the picnic ground.
In this area we found Silver Birch trees.
The picnic ground Area recreativa "Arroyo Alpujata" is right next to the riverbed.
It is amazing to see all these Birch trees here.
A view towards the mount Cerro Gordo.
Map of the Hike, click on the link below.
How to get to Monda - Valley of Arroyo de Alpujata
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