Goat to Camporredondo

Stunning landscapes featuring fossils, centuries-old holm oaks and views of the mountains. Perfect for hiking and exploring the Natural Park with its rich bi...

We set off from the Llano Madero track, in the area known as Prado de Rute and close to the Mojardín bridge, and, once we have passed the road from Lucena to Rute, we follow a narrow track running parallel to the Pontoncillo stream through a narrow valley carved out by the strong flow of water channelled over clayey ground. From here, ascending to the Campillo area, we cross the Olivar Greenway until we reach the Cagatrompo farmhouse. There, an old threshing floor welcomes us and offers magnificent views over the Sierra de Cabra and, in particular, the Picacho. From here, sheltered by the fleeting shade of ancient holm oaks dotted along the verges of the Zambra path, we’ll reach what is known as the Alcántara path. This entire area is known as the Valley of the Fossils due to the large number of them found in the outcrops of the Ammonítico Rosso facies of the Subbético, a formation named for the colour of the rock and the abundance of fossilised ammonites it contains. The path runs parallel to the Alamedal stream, also known in this section as the Losilla, and we will pass by the ruins of the Alcántara farmhouse. The path climbs to reach one of the most beautiful spots on the route, thanks to the surrounding landscape and natural vegetation, right at the point where we cross the dry bed of the Losilla stream. We will climb again towards the Parrilla farmhouse, where we can enjoy the shade of centuries-old holm oaks and access the farmhouse’s spring, as a public path encircling the entire hill allows local residents to use it. The descent to Gaena is striking for the profusion of ancient holm oaks that still cover the slopes of the hills where the Cuesta path is situated, a section forming part of the route from Lucena to Carcabuey. This same path will take us through Gaena, passing by the Hermitage of the Immaculate Conception and heading towards the well-known Fuente del Perro spring, a section that has almost been lost due to the clearing of the olive grove. The final part of this route runs through land belonging to the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, first along the road linking Gaena with Algar and then along the Pradorredondo track, popularly known as Praoredondo, a name derived from one of the most important farmsteads in the area. Here, the views over the Sierra Horconera and the vegetation of holm oak groves and Mediterranean scrub invite us to conclude the route by reaching the Tijeras stream, one of the least known and most stunning spots in the Natural Park.