Gañana Path

This route will take us along some of Cabra’s most important cattle tracks, as it lies at the junction of several paths that were once used to drive livestock to nearby villages for sale. These tracks and trails also served as a link between the various grazing areas and the large farmhouses. We’ll start our walk on the greenway, taking the path towards the Sima de Cabra, one of the most important geological landmarks of the Sierras Subbéticas and, by extension, of the Andalusian region. Once we are near the old Chorrón inn, we will turn off onto the Llano Seas path, passing through the area known as Cerrillo de los Conejos via an interesting stretch of botanical interest due to the profuse presence of species typical of the Mediterranean forest, acting as an ecological island amidst the abundant olive groves. From here, we will take a succession of livestock tracks which, having retained their original dimensions, serve as authentic natural corridors between the mountains and the farmland. The footpath of the old Baena road and the Fresno footpath, along with others which, although off the route, converge upon it, are home to abundant natural vegetation which, as it is unaffected by livestock traffic, becomes a source of floral and faunal life, and a refuge offering shelter from the dangers that threaten in the farmland. The return to Cabra is via the Gañana path, the longest livestock track on the route and which, for this reason, gives the route its name. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to pass very close to the Gañana spring, cross the Rata stream, and visit the Cruz de la Nava del Abad, also known as the Cruz de la Benabá or Cruz del Ben-Abad. These types of crosses, known as ‘humiliation’ or ‘boundary’ crosses, are usually situated at crossroads; in this case, they are the subject of numerous traditions that attempt to explain their construction, which has been attributed to Muslim princes, repentant monks or Arab warriors. The final stretch will take us to the well-known spot of Fuente de las Piedras, significant for its spring, as a resting place for livestock, and as a spot much used by the local population for leisure in the countryside. Before reaching the starting point, we will have the opportunity to visit some of the vegetable gardens that have made the town of Cabra famous, in this case at the Cerrillo de la Horca, right at the end of the Senda de En medio.