Sierra Espuña \ espuñaturística \ ROUTES

ESPUSENDAS \E2

Umbría del Bosque Path

THE EXTENSA UMBRÍA DE SIERRA ESPUÑA HAS A CONCENTRATION OF ONE OF THE MOST DENSE FORESTS WITH TREES OF THE GREATEST HEIGHT OF ALL THE AREAS IN THIS REGIONAL PARK. 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. THE TRAIL IS CLOSED AT THE FINAL SECTION FOR ABOUT 4km, BORDERED BY THE FASCINATING RAMBLA DE MALVARICHE.

The route begins in the beautiful village of Casas Nuevas, about 500m above sea level. Vehicles can be left at the entrance of the town to enjoy a quiet walk and continue beyond the recreational area towards the outskirts. Discover and connect with beautiful, cultivated areas of the plains and existing ditches. Learn about the beautiful cultivated areas of the plains and existing bodies of water available to goat and deer. At the house of Cura, the appearance of the track changes from asphalt to a dirt track which takes on all the charm of the exquisite forest. Cross the Rambla de Malvariche, which will later be used on return (although in another section). During the very rainy years, there is usually a permanent flow of water. Then go through the old forest house also known as the Cura. The Cura has been converted into a mountain lodge.

From here the ascent along the Cuesta de la Mina takes us into the pits of the Pichí (Apurchil – see maps) and the Sabina. Physical features of great depressed features, surrounded by mountains, allowed the accumulation of an abundance of sediments from mainly cultivated and dry land, evident from long ago. Some of them are no longer used to support irrigation during the past years. After moving past the Pichí basin, the route is oriented towards the southwest and runs through the foothills of the vast Perona wall. The landscape is breathtaking and as it opens up to the walls of Piedras Blancas, it becomes even more impressive.

At the foot the great cliffs, there are rocks and vegetation that reveal an unusual and disordered appearance. Above them, there are often birds such as large raptors sometimes bothered by some corvids like the red-billed chough. After crossing the Taibilla channel again and using some time to take-in the beautiful hacienda of El Calderero, which leads to the bottom of the Rambla de Malvariche. From here all the PR continues on its course. It is easy to navigate when it is dry, but if there is a stream, proceed along the perimeters to avoid the wet. In any case, its riparian vegetation and large trees which exists on its banks yields a guaranteed and spectacular view.

At the end of this route is the house of Las Oliveras, however the walkway is abandoned for a short time through Casas Nuevas and concludes at the start point.

Umbría del Bosque Path | Map of the route
Umbría del Bosque Path | Technical data and downloads

TitleSendero de la Umbría del Bosque
PlaceUmbría de sierra Espuña. Casas Nuevas.
MunicipalityMula.
StartCasas Nuevas, pedanía de Mula.
EndCasas Nuevas, perdanía de Mula.
Outstanding PointsRegional Park of Sierra Espuña, zone LIC & ZEPA, rocks of the north slope, great forest of the shade of Espuña, areas of mountain farming, great landscapes, forest wildlife sighting, Rambla de Malvariche, Taibilla channel, geological history.
Itinerary InformationRoute layout does not show springs. During rainy years, be aware there is usually circulation of water in some ravines. Caution in the final section by Malvariche ravine: water in circulation, waterlogging and many pebbles. Always advisable mountain boots.
Guide ServicesECOESPUÑA-LA HOJARASCA, S.L. Ecoturismo.
Tel: 968 636 205, 608 301 115, 639 350 181
Email: info@sierraespuna.com

Type of featuresDescription
HistoricalErmita de María Inmaculada.
Canal del Taibilla.
Cultural/EthnographicCasas Nuevas, a small mountain village located 500m above sea level on the north face of Espuña.
Patron festivities in honour of María Inmaculada: around August 15.
Encuentro de Cuadrillas in Febuary
Orchard and traditional dry.
EnvironmentalGood part of the route runs through the interior of a protected natural area.
Dense pine forest with numerous species of Mediterranean middle mountain scrub.
Rural set of interest.
Wide landscapes of the northern mountain slope
Espuña and the mountains of Pedro Ponce and Cambrón.
Interesting sedimentary geological outcrops and geomorphological structures.
Links to other approved trails.
Socio-economic ResourceAgriculture, rural accommodation, shops and  restaurants.
Hostelry/RefreshmentsHospedería rural Casas Nuevas, with restaurant service.
Bar Teresa.
Colombinos Restaurant.
AccommodationHospedería rural Casas Nuevas.
Albergue Siula.
Other EstablishmentsSupermarket of Casas Nuevas.
Other ActivitiesGuide activities (BTT & hiking). Ecoespuña-La Hojarasca SL
Siula activities.
Via ferrata del Salto del Ciervo.

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