Manilva hiking part 1, Utrera rock formations
Sunday, February 20, 2011 @ 1:55 AM
A two part hike that took place in September 2010 was very near the EyeOnSpain's home, Manilva. To get to the start of the route you take the road uphill to Manilva (Manilva is west of Estepona towards Algeciras), go through to the other side towards the toll road, then continue to the road towards Casares. You pass an area of windmills (subject of the 2nd or 3rd Siesta Show - bring them back!) and on km7 you take a right into a dirt track. You can then see the rock formations that should have made this area a protected zone .... instead there is a mining company ravaging through them! So visit before they are gone.
The proper name of the rock formations is "Torcal de la Utrera" andd is popular with rock climbers. You enjoy great views of the coast whilst descending through dense bushes in between the rocks. Best done nearer the summer months because in winter there are fast waters running through and it is slippery.
Tomorrow in the second part we explore climbing the river Rio Manilva up to its springs. Both of these excursions can be done on the same day.
