The Camino de Los Jarales route runs through changing terrain with river valleys, mountain ranges, and areas of meadows and cultivation, with gentle undulations. It starts in Alconchel and reaches the... (plus +)

The Camino de Los Jarales route runs through changing terrain with river valleys, mountain ranges, and areas of meadows and cultivation, with gentle undulations. It starts in Alconchel and reaches the Convent of Nuestra Señora de La Luz, located on the Los Jarales estate, and its path coincides with the one that the locals of the town pilgrimage every year during Easter. START The route begins in the western area of the town of Alconchel, from Plaza del Terrero, along Cruz Street, where we will find the starting panel. ROUTE We begin our journey by gently descending to cross the Rivera de Táliga. The terrain here lacks vegetation, due to the pressure from the sheep and goat cabins that graze daily, but it is still easy to see passerines such as wagtails, goldfinches, and warblers that come to eat and drink at the stream. After crossing the river, we take a path to the right and begin to ascend surrounded by young oak woods and scrub until we reach a pass in the Sierra de la Cubana. Here we will take a detour to the left that, crossing an area of scrub and reforestation inhabited by great tits, blue tits, warblers, and azure-winged magpies, will allow us to reach a viewpoint located in the highest area. From this place, we can perfectly see Alconchel and how its streets have been shaped throughout history, starting from the slopes of the castle and gradually occupying the flatter areas. It is a good spot to observe the birds of prey that roam the wide visible area such as kites, booted eagles, and short-toed snakes. After the break, we retrace this section and upon reaching the pass, we continue on the path to the left that leads us, descending, to the western slope of the mountain. We cross fields of holm oaks, wild olive trees, brooms, and grassland where we can observe some Montagu's harriers and perhaps be surprised by stone-curlews looking at us with their large yellow eyes, always alert and barely visible with their perfect camouflage. After crossing the road from Alconchel to Cheles (EX314) we enter an area of extensive holm oak dehesas. During this section, where the owners of the territory are the Iberian pigs and some herds of retinta calves, we will be curiously observed by nightjars, blue tits, nuthatches, stonechats, crested larks, and azure-winged magpies, performing their daily tasks around us. Upon reaching the Los Jarales farmhouse, we take the descending path that emerges on the left that leads us to the Friegamuñoz stream. The terrain here turns into a dehesa with more pronounced hollows and abundant scrub where the mastic stands out for its vivid greenery and small red flowers and fruits. Upon the arrival of the Friegamuñoz stream, life suddenly bursts forth, becoming evident in the multitude of bird species, some unusual in this environment, that we hear and observe. The reason for this presence is found in the ruined construction that shelters them. It is the Convent of La Luz, curious in itself, since part of it is excavated in the rock. It dates from 1501 and was one of the first Franciscan convents in the area. Next to it stands an aqueduct that spans the Friegamuñoz, through which the monks brought water to the convent from a nearby source. The ruined walls are home to new tenants; geckos and lizards scurry around every corner and birds build their nests in it. Thus, the tranquility of this secluded spot is only broken by the songs of orioles, blue tits, long-tailed tits, great tits, robins, and nightingales, among many others depending on the time of year. They are joined by the clamor of populations of swallows, swifts, and house martins along with some kestrels, roller birds, and the clattering of storks. This impressive and magical enclave marks the end of the route. Mode: Hiking Approximate time: 7 h. Type of route: Linear Length: 27.40 km. (round trip) Difficulty: Medium Town: Alconchel MIDE Information Environment: 1 Itinerary: 2 Displacement: 1 Effort: 3
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