Sierra Espuña \ espuñaturística \ ROUTES

ESPUSENDAS \E3

Lentiscos – Ballesteros Track

THIS ROUTE BEGINS IN THE DENSO PINAR DE LAS ALQUERÍAS, FRUIT OF THE FORESTRY HYDROLOGICAL RESTORATION AT THE END OF THE XIX CENTURY DIRECTED BY THE ILLUSTRIOUS RICARDO CODORNÍU FROM CARTAGENA AND OTHER MOUNTAIN ENGINEERS.

The first 3.5 kilometers runs along an authentic repopulated path of well-preserved   sections constructed of masonry. The Lentiscos, a name that comes from yesteryear and very likely associated with the abundance of large mastic trees in this area. Once the first kilometer has been climbed, on a clear day, you can observe in the distance important aspects of Andalusia, as well as the sea. The views of the Guadalentín valley, the Serra de la Tercia and the medieval town of Aledo, are among the most outstanding.

At the end of this first section there is an old plaster quarry, at which point a variety of routes originate. This trek passes through the Collado del Pilón where there is a viewing point for an obligatory stop to observe the spectacular peaks of Espuña and the Barranco de Ballesteros, where the route descends.

From the vantage point, climb through the PR-MU 60.1 to connect with the PR-MU 60. This section also has spectacular views and climbs, zig-zagging through another repopulated path from a previous age. You will love to walk along these roads and discover that once the ice of the old Snow Wells came down at this point. The descent leads to the starting point which passes near the forest of Los Pinos Donceles, a perfectly preserved pine stand. A purely mountainous route that runs through many typical and superb areas within the Sierra Espuña Regional Park.

This route has similarities with the SL-MU 2 «Senda de Las Alquerías» and with the PR-MU 62 «Senda de El Purgatorio», as well as connections to other Espuña trails with the «Umbría de Peña Apartada» and «Pedro López».

Lentiscos – Ballesteros Track | Map of the route
Lentiscos – Ballesteros Track | Technical data and downloads

Type of featuresDescription
HistoricalForest House – Las Alquerías.
Old forest nursery.
Excellent nearby repopulation trails of the late nineteenth century: Villa medieval de Aledo (Torre del Homenaje s. XII. Picota s. XVI. Iglesia Santa María La Real. Obras de Salzillo). Santa Leocadia.
Cultural/ethnographicOld, traditional gardens/orchards.
Balsa Chica.
Camping area.
Nearby: Aledo (Patron festivities in honour of Santa María La.
Real – 2nd half of August. Fiesta del Carro. Auto de los Reyes Magos, a festival of regional tourist interest. La agonía de Viernes Santo. The Puja dance. The jirillos. La Noche en Vela. Festival of gangs. Traditional music.
Crafts: ceramics
EnvironmentalThe entire route runs through a protected natural area
Dense pine forest with numerous species of Mediterranean middle mountain scrub.
Monumental trees.
Wildlife sighting.
Obvious traces of the reforestation of the late nineteenth century.
Wide landscapes of the Espuña central mass of rock and areas outside the park.
Interesting geological outcrops.
Heights in excess of 1,200 m.
Links with other approved trails.
Socio-economic ResourceForest area. Environmental education and ecotourism
activities.
Hostelry/RefreshmentsRestaurant – Los Donceles.
Restaurant – Mandola.
Restaurant – Rincón del Grillo.
AccommodationAlbergue Aula de Naturaleza de las Alquerías.
Hotel La Santa.
Country house – Los Faroles.
Country house – El Pino.
Aledo Rural.
Other establishmentsAutoservicio Miguel (self-service supermarket)
Panadería la Muralla (bakery)
Gasolinera de Aledo (petrol station)
Other activitiesNature Hall of Las Alquerías. Ecoespuña-La Hojarasca S.L.

Tipo de recursoDescripción
HistóricoCasa forestal Las Alquerías.
Antiguo vivero forestal.
Excelentes senderos de repoblación de finales del siglo XIX.
En las inmediaciones Villa medieval de Aledo (Torre del Homenaje s. XII. Picota s. XVI. Iglesia Santa María La Real. Obras de Salzillo) y Santa Leocadia.
Cultural/etnográficoAntigua huerta tradicional.
Balsa Chica.
Zona de acampada.
En las inmediaciones Aledo: Fiestas patronales en honor a Santa María La Real. 2ª quincena de agosto. Fiesta del Carro. Auto de los Reyes Magos, fiesta de interés turístico regional. La agonía de Viernes Santo. El baile de la Puja. Los jirillos. La Noche en Vela. Festival de cuadrillas. Música tradicional. Artesanía: cerámica.
AmbientalToda la ruta discurre por un espacio natural protegido.
Denso bosque de pinar con numerosas especies de matorral de media montaña mediterránea.
Árboles monumentales.
Avistamiento de fauna silvestre.
Rastros evidentes de las repoblaciones forestales de finales del siglo XIX.
Amplios paisajes del macizo central de Espuña y de zonas externas al Parque.
Interesantes afloramientos geológicos.
Cotas superiores a los 1.200 m de altitud.
Enlaces con otros senderos homologados.
Recursos socioeconómicosZona forestal. Actividades de educación ambiental y ecoturismo.
HosteleríaRestaurante Los Donceles.
Restaurante Mandola.
Restaurante Rincón del Grillo.
AlojamientosAlbergue Aula de Naturaleza de las Alquerías.
Hotel La Santa.
Casa rural Los Faroles.
Casa rural El Pino.
Aledo Rural.
Otros establecimientosAutoservicio Miguel.
Panadería la Muralla.
Gasolinera de Aledo.
Otras actividadesAula de Naturaleza de Las Alquerías. Ecoespuña-La Hojarasca S.L.

More Espusendas

El Berro Path

El Berro is a serrana village situated to about an altitude of 600m just at the limit between the municipalities of Alhama and Mula. Their origins as a village are related at the end of the 18th century, but the area has archaeological evidence of more than 7,000 years of history.

Los Azagadores Track

It is one of the most characteristic and surprising trails within protected landscape surrounding the barbecues of Gebas. The hidden wonders of Murcia is close and can be enjoyed by all.

Umbría del Bosque Path

Route PR-MU 78 constitutes one of the most agreeable and attractive visits to the deep pinares of the escarpadas hills of Perona and forest. It gradualy follows the layout of a forest track located in a large part of the route to about an altitude of 700m.

Path of Pedro López

Pedro López boasts an altitude of 1,568m, the second highest summit of Sierra Espuña. The position of this route enables walkers to enjoy beautiful views of the valley. The magnificent 360º panoramic view ensures a treat of spectacular sunsets.