Trek 3 - La Teja - Red Route

• Departure Point: The Water Gate (Puerta del Agua), Comares
• Return: The Water Gate (Puerta del Agua), Comares
• Distance: 14 km
• Ascent: 750 m
• Descent: 600 m
• Type: Circular
• Suitable For: Walking, Mountain Bikes, Horse Riding
• Estimated Time: 6 hrs on foot, 3 hrs by bike, 4 hrs on horseback.
• Degree of Difficulty: Medium
• Season: All Year
• Footwear and Clothing: Appropriate for mountain trekking
• Water: Needed
• Map: Military Map of Spain, Scale 1/50,000, Colmenar, Sheet 1039

Leave Comares from the Water Gate (Puerta del Agua) taking the Roman road, an ancient track to Vélez-Málaga which the women of the town used to collect water from various wells, including the Fuente Gorda and Fuente Delgada. There are red signs to the right and left, but the easiest route is to the right. There are many relics of the Arab occupation in this area. Walk downhill to the viewpoint at Cuatro Vientos (Four Winds) and continue along the old road, bordering an area of thicket and cultivated olives, vines and almond trees. There is a famous carob tree in the middle of the track, a protected species in Spain. Follow the red wooden signs until reaching the dirt track that later becomes a tarmac road.

Continue in the direction of Comares until reaching a crossroads with several signs. Take the turn to the right, which leads to the Fuente Delgada, a well which has the best quality spring water. Continue downhill, eventually turning left to see the Teja, the source of irrigation for the surrounding fruit and olive trees.

Above the spring are the cliffs of Andualla, where birds of prey such as kestrels and Bonelli’s Eagle nest. To return, head downhill and take the turn to the left and on to the track that leads to Alparrache, an area planted with vines, almonds, olives and other Mediterranean species. Follow the track below the Sierra Andualla to a lane which goes to Pilarejo. To the right is a sign that directs us to the Fuente Sana, or “Healthy Spring”, which issues water with very few minerals and high quality. Take the track upwards to the cliffs of Pilarejo and on to the deposito (water storage tank) of Mollina. Turn left to reach Calle Verdiales which leads to the Puerta del Agua and the end of the walk.

Images courtesy of Wikipedia

For a comprehensive list of flora and fauna, including Spanish and Latin names and links to Wikipedia pages, click here.

The terrain is mountainous, consisting of limestone and dolomite outcrops. There are also areas of clayey loam, slate and shale.

Trek 1 | Trek 3 | Trek 4 | Trek 5

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