Hiking in Murcia: Sierra Espuña Regional Reserve
Peter Mckay asks the following question:
“I am coming to Murcia in September and hope to do some walks of between 8 and 12 miles in lenght - I saw your website and wondered if you could recommend any route books etc - many thanks”
Answer
You should visit Sierra Espuña Regional Reserve, located less than 40 kilometres from the city of Murcia and with a wide range of environments: from high-mountain areas, luxuriant forest and steppe, to rivers and reservois, dry crop and irrigated farmland. Places you should visit there: Paredes de Leyva, an impressive area of limestone walls; the Barrancos de Gebas canyons, a unique “lunar” landscape; the deep Barranco de la Hoz canyon, or the Barranco de Malvariche canyon.
There are several hiking routes you can take and are recommended by Espuña Turística and NatuSport:
1.- From Alhama to Gebas
2- Estrecho de la Arboleja de Aledo
3.- Cresta del Gallo
4.- Malvariche
You can read all the information about these routes at Espuña Turística and Natursport.
Sierra Espuña contains Murcia´s largest extensions of forest, as well as being one of its most emblematic areas of outstanding natural beauty. Its modern verdure is due in large part to reforestation campaigns carried out towards the end of the 19th century by Murcian philanthropist Ricardo Codorníu, known by the nickname the Tree Apostle.
The districts bordering the area are Río Mula (Mula and Pliego) and Sierra Espuña (Alhama de Murcia, Totana, and Aledo). Mula and Pliego nestle between the Espuña and Ricote ranges and are places steeped in local tradition and culture, which, along with the area´s scenery make them an ideal stopping place on inland routes in the region. Alhama de Murcia, Totana, and Aledo are all within easy reach of these wooded uplands, which naturally form part of the identity of the towns themselves.
The district is also known for its pottery manufacturing, and Totana is Spain´s second most important area for pottery production. The district of Aledo has kept alive the tradition under the gaze of its Moorish watchtower and has dominated the valley since the days when it bore witness to skirmishes between Christians and Moors.
Useful Info
Murcia Turística
Tourist Information:
902 101 070
Consejería de Turismo:
968 277 777
Región de Murcia Turística:
968 357 761
Centro de Cualificación Turística:
968 357 761
