The Camino de Los Jarales route runs through terrain with changing topography, including river valleys, mountain ranges, and areas of pasture and cultivation with gentle undulations. It starts in Alco... (plus +)

The Camino de Los Jarales route runs through terrain with changing topography, including river valleys, mountain ranges, and areas of pasture and cultivation with gentle undulations. It starts in Alconchel and leads to the Convent of Nuestra Señora de La Luz, located in the Los Jarales estate. The route coincides with the annual Easter pilgrimage made by the locals. START: The route begins in the western area of the town of Alconchel, from Plaza del Terrero, along Calle de la Cruz, where you will find the starting panel. ROUTE: The journey starts by descending gently to cross the Rivera de Táliga. The terrain here lacks vegetation due to the pressure of sheep and goats grazing daily, but it is still easy to spot passerine birds such as wagtails, goldfinches, and warblers that come to feed and drink from the riverbed. After crossing the river, we take a path to the right and begin to ascend surrounded by young holm oak and scrubland until reaching a pass in the Sierra de la Cubana. Here, we take a left turn, crossing an area of scrubland and reforestation inhabited by coal tits, blue tits, warblers, and crested tits, which leads us to a viewpoint located in the highest area. From this point, we have a perfect view of Alconchel and how its streets have gradually formed throughout history, starting from the slopes of the castle and gradually occupying the flatter areas. It is a good spot to observe birds of prey such as kites, booted eagles, and short-toed eagles that soar over the wide visible area. After a rest, we retrace our steps and upon reaching the pass, we continue along the left-hand path, descending towards the western slope of the mountain range. We cross fields of holm oaks, wild olive trees, broom, and pasture where we may observe a Montagu's harrier and be surprised by stone-curlews staring at us with their large yellow eyes, always attentive and barely visible with their perfect camouflage. After crossing the road from Alconchel to Cheles (EX314), we enter an area of extensive holm oak pasture. During this stretch, where the territory is dominated by Iberian pigs and some herds of Retinta calves, we will be curiously observed by nightjars, tits, treecreepers, stonechats, larks, and crested tits, going about their daily activities around us. Upon reaching the farmhouse of Los Jarales, we take the descending path to the left, leading us to the Friegamuñoz stream. Here, the terrain becomes a pasture with more pronounced valleys and abundant scrubland, where the mastic tree stands out for its vivid greenery and small red flowers and fruits. Upon reaching the Friegamuñoz stream, life suddenly bursts forth, evident in the multitude of bird species, some unusual in this environment, that we hear and observe. The reason for this presence lies in the ruins that provide them shelter. This is the Convent of La Luz, curious in itself, as part of it is excavated in the rock. It dates back to 1501 and was one of the first Franciscan convents in the area. Next to it stands an aqueduct that crosses the Friegamuñoz, through which the monks brought water to the convent from a nearby spring. The crumbling walls are home to new tenants; geckos and lizards scurry around every corner, and birds build their nests in them. Thus, the tranquility of this secluded spot is only broken by the songs of golden orioles, tits, blackcaps, coal 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 martins, along with some kestrels, rollers, and the clattering of storks. This impressive and magical enclave marks the end of the route. Type: 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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