Penas Blancas - south to north traverse



	*Outings in Mazarron - Peñas Blancas*

Penas Blancas - south to north traverse.

This lovely walk is not difficult but is well worth doing, not least because of the marvelous views down into Mazzarron.

It is important to take plenty of water; one litre per person is sensible but two litres per person would not be excessive in summer. There is no natural shade but respite from the sun can be had at the hut at the summit or at the mineshaft entrance 30mins. from the start.

Stout walking shoes with good ankle support should be worn as there are many opportunities to sprain an ankle!

A walking pole is very useful since there are loose downhill stretches which are hard on the knees.

Start. The Isla Plana - Cartagena road has two hairpin bends shortly after it starts to climb up into the hills; at the place where the road peaks after this there is a small lay by, the path starts here and is clearly marked with yellow and white paint marks as far as the summit hut.

After about 30mins. the entrance to a disused mine is passed, there is welcome shade in here but it is rather smelly and unpleasant for the usual reasons!

Keep straight up (N) after this to gain the summit plateau (40mins); the path leads between two open mine shafts, the summit hut is visible from this point.

This plateau is classic limestone pavement with water-worn holes where some water may accumulate after rainfall.

The hut at the summit (55 mins) is a very pleasant little place, ideal for a breather in the shade. There is a visitor's book to sign in; leave some food or drink if you have any spare.

(If descending this way, the bearing of the start of the path from the hut is 320 magnetic.)

From the hut take the spur which descends in a NE direction. This is a small subsidiary spur, not the main spur which leads due E from here.

It brings you out into a small cultivated area; turn L and then R over a small bridge across the rambla, then straight on to gain a track which was not visible from above and which is not marked on the map. Turn L on the track and follow it to its highest point (1hr 30mins.)

From here we can look up left at the towering limestone cliff we have just visited.

Turn R to regain the ridge. It is easy to follow (intermittent path) but no way markings.

The ridge here is geologically different from the limestone of Penas Blancas; it is composed of mica schist which can be very slippery.

The path soon improves into a track (2 hrs) and passes an area where conifers have been planted, protected using green plastic tree shelters supported with lengths of metal rod.

A point on the ridge is soon reached where there is a low, round cairn-like structure; we do not continue to the end of the ridge but go R after this down a good track and then L where an obvious track from the valley bottom joins the ridge.

A nice conclusion to the walk is to turn L here; another 20 mins easy walking along the road leads to Tallante where the restaurant Bien Descanso serves excellent food from its fascinating wood burning oven, and also sells local jamons.