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Great Sierra de las Nieves Path (GR 243). Stage 03. Yunquera - Tolox

Diputación de Málaga
Yunquera. Foto encabezado Etapa 3 GR 243

Great Sierra de las Nieves Path (GR 243). Stage 03. Yunquera - Tolox

Route On foot
Difficulty - Green - Very easy
Access -
1. Access to the starting point

Los Patos Mill, reachable from the centre of town along Calvario and Agua streets.

2. Access to the finishing point

San Roque Avenua. Entrance to Tolox along the A-7250 road.

Connections with other routes

SL-A 246: The first hundred metres of the stage.

A Note of Caution

It is prohibited to pick fruits from the private land alongside the pathway. Not only is this private property, but they are the livelihood and way of life of local residents. Although there is limited road traffic, stay aware of passing vehicles to avoid any accidents. It is not permitted to walk along the irrigation dams, nor along those linked with the hydroelectric complex. On rainy days, it is advisable to wear mid-calf length walking boots, as some sections of the track can get muddy. Despite the short distance and keeping to tracks, be careful not to overdo it on the steep sections on the climb from River Grande to the rise of La Pola. A pair of telescopic poles will help here.

Duration - 3:00 horas
Length - 8800 Km
Routes

At the end of Agua Street is the building of the old mill, Los Patos and several of its most significant elements, such as the double water channel and the aqueduct that crosses the street. It was used specifically for milling wheat, propelled by the waters of the river Plano. Upstream from this, is an interesting agricultural system made up of a web-like network of irrigation channels and terraces that follow the contour lines, held in place by thick dry-stone walls. Apart from the occasional vegetable garden, the terraces are home to Vineyards, Fig, Fruit and Citrus trees. In recent years tropical plants, especially Avocado trees, have become the crop of choice. It is a quite stunning setting; a seemingly masterful visual reading of an outstanding agricultural and cultural landscape. It combines well with the overbearing and harsh Sierra Cabrilla mountains and the white-washed village of Yunquera. Its travertine bedrock is subject to the raggedness of the slope’s ancient method of multiple cropping. Water, soil and seed in perfect symbiosis. This is the Andalusian concept of the vegetable garden. Now it is called sustainability. From this site, we can also see the installations of the Yunquera waste water treatment plant.

At the valley bottom, we cross the modest Plano River and continue along the track towards the Castaño pass. This a meeting point of paths and an interesting site to appreciate the external geological processes and the overthrust faults of varied rock formations, including sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks, such as the peridotites. We go straight over this crossroads, down a steep descent to the water’s edge of the River Grande. Before crossing over, it is worth taking the short detour to the right to see the San Pascual power station building (2.6 km).

The track climbs up the steep slope to bring the irrigation channel into sight on one side, which is well fenced off. In Yunquera they call it ‘the Dike.’ We move away from the river and climb high enough to contemplate the enclosed valley with few arable fields. The surrounding pine-covered slopes are completed with Olive and Almond trees. Due to less agriculture, Holm oaks, Wild olive trees and Carob trees are reconquering territory, accompanied by a thick undergrowth. Along the riverbeds, due to the humidity and less exposure to the sun, Gall oaks grow freely.

On one side of the path, we can vaguely make out the remains of one of the derelict canals, small dams and the interesting small bridges crossing over to the other side. Further on, you will see an old entrance to a tunnel that was later deepened by a local in search of riches, hence its nickname, ‘the Treasure Tunnel.’ Shortly before the GR-243 turns south and leaves the River Grande, take extra care when crossing of the Aguilera ravine, which is quite rugged and surrounded by abundant vegetation. From the track, you go down a short but steep trail to the canal which carries water to the abandoned San Augusto power station. Be careful, the descent is not recommended for sufferers of vertigo or those not comfortable on unsteady terrain. A viaduct crosses the stream that plunges down to the River Grande in several waterfalls.

Returning to the path, we continue between ridges covered with Olive and Almond trees, enjoying splendid panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. If we look closely towards one of the meanders of the River Grande, we can make out the attractive, reasonably large and country estate of La Puente, with an air of stateliness. Next to the main building there is a small chapel. Nearby, we can also see the beautiful bridge with a semi-circular arch over which one of the roads from Tolox to Yunquera used to pass, as shown on a map from the Geographical and Statistical Institute dated 1953.

La Pola ridge (6.9km), where we meet a crossroads and water deposit, marks the end of the climb. The reward is an enjoyable and easy track from here, following the gentler slope of the River Grande as it flows between farmed ridges towards the Guadalhorce Valley. To the south and west, the mountainous nature of the Sierra Parda persists, in stark contrast to the grey of the Tolox mountain range. Against this backdrop of green, reddish and earthy tones, the town centre of Tolox, our destination appears in all its splendour.

Before reaching the Avenida de San Roque in Tolox, we need to cross the Alfaguara River, which in this section and until it joins the river Grande in the area of Las Millanas, is known as the Almozara.

Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 73. Yunquera Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 73. Yunquera Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 71. Tolox Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 71. Tolox Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 102 Molinos de los Patos Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 102 Molinos de los Patos Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 105 Fábrica de luz San Pascual y el Güichi Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 105 Fábrica de luz San Pascual y el Güichi Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 106b Caseta de aforos Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 106b Caseta de aforos Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 106d Canal por el barranco Aguilera Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 106d Canal por el barranco Aguilera Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 107a Túnel del Tesoro Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 107a Túnel del Tesoro Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 103 cultivos en bancal Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 103 cultivos en bancal Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 107b La Puente Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 107b La Puente Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 110 Plataforma travertínica cercana a Arroyo Seco Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. pag 110 Plataforma travertínica cercana a Arroyo Seco Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Atardecer en la Sierra de las Nieves Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Atardecer en la Sierra de las Nieves Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 18. Atardecer en el pinsapar Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 18. Atardecer en el pinsapar Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 26. Niebla en el pinsapar Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 26. Niebla en el pinsapar Sendero GR 243. Etapa 3. Yunquera - Tolox Imagen de Sendero GR 243. Etapa 3. Yunquera - Tolox Sendero GR 243. Etapa 3. Yunquera - Tolox Imagen de Sendero GR 243. Etapa 3. Yunquera - Tolox Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 58c. Almendros en laderas de solana en contraste con cultivos de regadío Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 58c. Almendros en laderas de solana en contraste con cultivos de regadío Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 43. En primer plano pinar de resineros sobre peridotitas y en segundo plano pinar de carrascos en calizas Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 43. En primer plano pinar de resineros sobre peridotitas y en segundo plano pinar de carrascos en calizas Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 16. Antes de afrontar la etapa, debemos sopesar el esfuerzo a realizar Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 16. Antes de afrontar la etapa, debemos sopesar el esfuerzo a realizar Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 58a. Aceituna aloreña Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 58a. Aceituna aloreña Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 44c. brinzales de pinsapo Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 44c. brinzales de pinsapo Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 40f. Narcissus bugei Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 40f. Narcissus bugei Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 42. Daphne laureola Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 42. Daphne laureola Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 27b. Pinsapar de Yunquera Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 27b. Pinsapar de Yunquera Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 13. Señal de continuidad Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 13. Señal de continuidad Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 11. Avanzando por el pinsapar Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 11. Avanzando por el pinsapar Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 56. Barranco Aguilera. junto a la etapa 3 Imagen de Topoguía GR 243. Sierra de las Nieves. Pagina 56. Barranco Aguilera. junto a la etapa 3 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 001 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 001 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 002 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 002 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 009 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 009 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 003 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 003 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 005 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 005 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 008 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 008 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 004 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 004 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 010 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 010 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 006 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 006 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 007 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 007 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 011 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 011 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 013 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 013 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 016 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 016 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 012 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 012 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 020 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 020 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 014 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 014 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 019 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 019 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 015 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 015 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 018 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 018 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 017 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 017 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 021 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 021 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 022 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 022 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 028 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 028 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 026 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 026 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 023 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 023 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 027 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 027 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 024 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 024 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 030 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 030 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 029 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 029 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 025 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 025 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 031 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 031 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 032 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 032 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 033 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 033 GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 034 Imagen de GR 243.3 Yunquera - Tolox 034 Etapa 3 Collalba rubia (Oenanthe hispanica) Imagen de Etapa 3 Collalba rubia (Oenanthe hispanica) Etapa 3 Canal en el barranco Aguilera Imagen de Etapa 3 Canal en el barranco Aguilera Etapa 3 Culebra lisa meridional (Coronella girondica) Imagen de Etapa 3 Culebra lisa meridional (Coronella girondica) Etapa 3 Cultivos sobre travertinos Imagen de Etapa 3 Cultivos sobre travertinos Etapa 3 Ranita meridional (Hyla meridionalis) Imagen de Etapa 3 Ranita meridional (Hyla meridionalis) Etapa 3 Meloncillo (Herpestes ichneumon) Imagen de Etapa 3 Meloncillo (Herpestes ichneumon) Etapa 3 Pinares en Sierra Parda Imagen de Etapa 3 Pinares en Sierra Parda

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