Route No.1

The Western Area - Lorca & Mazarron

1. This route is best explored by motor vehicle or bicycle. To start take the country road MU 6039 from Mazarron towards La Atalaya.

2. As the road leaves the town it passes through a mysterious landscape dominated by abandoned pitheads, wells and mining spoil - all evidence of Mazarron's industrial past.

3. The landscape changes to a slightly hilly nature with plantations of olives and almonds and some cereal and animal farms. To the left are the mountains of Sierra Moreras and on it's slopes Coto Fortua an ancient mining area which has been worked since Roman times.

4. At La Atalaya continue towards La Morata. After crossing the Rambla del Cambron the road approaches the foothills of Sierra Almenara; above these at Puerto Muriel the remains of the mining exploitations of Cabezo Negro and La Jarosa can be seen. Numerous greenhouses dot the area, some in use and others abandoned.

5. Once at La Morata take the road towards the coastal villages of Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre. The road runs via the dry ravine of Ugejar where you can see many typical plants such as rosebays and salt cedars.

6. The country road now joins the N-332 at Km15 and we turn back towards Mazarron. The most important village here is Cañada de Gallego which is situated in a privileged position for cultivation of out of season crops. The territory is shielded from northern winds by the mountains we have just crossed, but is open to beneficial sea breezes. The agricultural investment here resembles a vast industrial site.

7. After crossing the Sierras de las Moreras at Porticheulo the road starts to descend towards Mazarron, with impressive views of the mountain ranges of Algorobo and Peñas Blancas near Cartagena.

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