The Walk to the Lime Kilns
"Caleras de Igualeja" (SL-A 174)
"Caleras de Igualeja" (SL-A 174)
Prologue:
Living on the Costa del Sol, where one season slides into another almost unnoticed, we like to take trips, especially in autumn, to the white villages (Pueblos Blancos) south of Ronda and to the river valley of Genal. The Genal valley is part of the region of Serranía de Ronda and is known for its chestnut forest also called Copper Forest (el Bosque de Cobre). It is fascinating to observe the natural phenomena when the leaves of the chestnut trees change their colours from green to yellow to orange and brown.
Igualeja is one of the first villages you come to when you drive from San Pedro de Alcántara towards Ronda. It is also here where you find the source of the river Genal (El Nacimiento). The Genal valley (la Valle del Genal) plays an important role in the Serranía de Ronda and it is divided up into two parts (Upper and Lower Genal).
Igualeja at 693 m, is situated in the Upper Genal valley. Altogether there are 15 villages, dotted around like white spots on steep, forested hills, throughout this lush river valley. People have lived and worked this part of Andalucía for centuries and you will find many mule tracks across the countryside connecting the villages.
Today, we walk to the area where you find ruins of former lime kilns "Caleras de Igualeja. It is a geologically interesting area between the chestnut groves, and the rocky terrain of limestone. Lime kilns were built in calcareous areas to obtain the necessary stones with minimal effort. Quicklime is made by the calcinating of the limestone to 1000º for a period of 20-30 hours.
Igualeja has a long tradition of extracting quicklime from the rocks. Lime slurry was used to whitewash houses, also to purify wells and disinfect trees.
Directions:
- You leave the coastal road A-7 or Ap-7 in San Pedro de Alcàntara and drive towards the inland town of Ronda A-397.
- After approx. 45 min./35 km, you reach the high plateau, and just before the petrol station you turn left towards the village of Igualeja MA-7304.
- Igualeja is just 7,5km/15min. from the main Ronda road.
- At the entrance to the village you see a sports ground, you then turn left after the bridge by the restaurant "El Nacimiento". There you will find a carpark and a recreation park.
Map of the hike, click on link below.
- The Hike is a fairly easy, a 4,3 km loop trail, covering an elevation of 144 meters.
- The starting point is by the Nacimiento de Genal, walk along the upper road, Calle Camino del Toril.
From the crossroad (Ronda A-397) the road winds gently towards Igualeja through very rocky terrain. The harsh limestone scenery you see on the first part of the road soon gives way to a more fertile land as you approach the village. Chestnut trees with their vivid colours of orange and browns certainly dominate the landscape in autumn.
At the entrance to the village just after the bridge on the left side, you find the source of the river Genal, which gave this valley its name, The Genal valley.
Across the stream there is a restaurant El Nacimiento, which is worth a visit.
If you follow the flow of water upstream you come to the source of the river Genal.
At the end a pathway you will see a triangular opening in the lime stone rock, this is the source of Genal and depending on rainfall, the spring water either trickles or gushes out of the cave.
This spring water is the third most important water source from the aquifier of the Sierra de las Nieves. The actual source of the river is in the Sierra de Igualeja and is known as the Rio Seco (Dry river), its name changes to Genal when reaching the village of Igualeja. It is a short river and it enters into the river Guadiaro further down near the coast.
Igualeja has since time began, been profoundly linked to this place, it has become emblematic of the village. Until recent times the locals would come here for cooking and drinking water, to do the laundry or simply to pass time. Even today it is a popular place used by the locals and visitors alike, to enjoy this beautiful place, and the nearby recreation park has something for young and old.
You will find information boards on the right side of the park.
Above: This information board is about the birdlife which can be seen in this region.
Another information board is promoting the uniqueness of this region.
The Serranía de Ronda is an inspiration for outdoor activities and nature lovers.
In autumn the chestnuts are harvested where they are collected and processed by a co-operative.
Whole families take part in this activity and the donkey or mule played an important role.
Throughout Igualeja you will find various murals, dedicated to the villagers.
We leave the Nacimiento of the Genal behind us, and follow the upper road.
At approx. 300 meters we turn left and follow the way sign.
We go forward on a narrow footpath of loose cobble stones.
and follow the trail marked SL-A 174 of the Serranía de Ronda.
Steadily we walk upwards.
Left and right of us, lush vegetation!
Holm oaks, wild olive trees and various shrubs line the footpath.
Upwards, we stumble on!
At higher elevation we are rewarded with outstanding panoramic views.
A view across the copper forest and towards the limestone mountain near the village of Cartajema and "El Risco".
Deep down, a glimpse of the sports ground at the entrance of Igualeja.
Amidst the rocky terrain a small chaple.
We carry on along this ancient pathway.
We noticed that many rocks and tree stems are covered in moss and lichens.
At the end of the footpath we turn left and follow the road upwards.
On the left side an olive grove.
Further up, the country is opening up.
We reach a crossroad.
The tarmac road to the right leads back to the village, when turning left you come to the Ronda road A-397.
Across the tarmac road we enter a few meters into a chestnut grove.
From here, the panoramic views are stunning.
What a colourful contrast, In the distance the outcrop of the limestone mountains, the dark green pine forest and in the foreground the red-orange-brown chestnut trees, not forgetting the white villages amidst the countryside.
The chestnut trees (Castañas) thrive on the hilly slopes and acidic soils of the Serranía de Ronda.
Chestnuts are one of the main incomes for the villages of the Genal valley.
Not only is the chestnut seed or nut a culinary delight, but also the wood is highly valuable.
The chestnut is not only used for roasting by street vendors. You can find many culinary delights in Andalucía/Spain.
The chestnut harvest is one the main sources of income for the villages of the upper Genal valley and between October and November whole families get together for the harvesting.
We found an ideal picnic spot!
Surrounded by nature, what a privilege!
Back on the tarmac road we turned left to follow the road downwards.
A sign pointed towards a lime deposit site.
We climbed up a steep hill,
and there it was, the remains of a lime kiln.
From this point, fantastic views towards the limestone mountains and "El Risco".
We noticed in the countryside, that their are many piles of rocks,
possibly remnants from the former production of lime.
After 600 meters we turned right onto a smaller road which lead us back towards the village.
Amongst the rugged terrain Holm oaks (Encinas).
Most of the trees are covered with moss and lichens.
Leisurely we walk along the country lane.
Perfect terrain for roaming domestic pigs.
At the crossroad we turned right,
and followed the country lane towards the right.
Fantastic panoramic views over the Cobber forest, (Bosque de cobre).
In the distance we view the neighbouring villages of Pujerra amid the green vegetation.
Below, we see the rooftops of Igualeja,
a good viewpoint of the village from above.
Back at the starting point "Nacimiento de Genal."
We headed over to the restaurant near the stream, "Restaurante el Nacimiento".
Sitting at the table on the terrace, we felt the closeness of this unique place.
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| Pork loin, (Lomo a la plancha) |
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| Venison stew, (Estofado de Venado) |
After a scrumptious lunch (highly recommended) we explored some more of the village.
On the other side the bridge ,the "Rio Genal" cuts a deep channel through the village.
Another beautiful mural on the school wall.
The village of Igualeja certainly worth a visit.
Map of the hike, click on link below.
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