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Outings in Mazarron - Route No.7 |
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DIFFICULTY:- SUITABLE FOR EXPLORATION BY BICYCLE OR ON FOOT. THE ROUTE FOLLOWS AN EXCELLENT FOREST PATH. |
MAP:- Mazarron 976-1 (La
Majada). |
1. Take the road from Mazarron to La Atalaya; the route starts at Km9 next to a restaurant.
2. After crossing a small rambla the path enters an agricultural area with contrasting methods of cultivation; modern greenhouses grow tomatoes under plastic alongside traditional orchards of olives and almonds.
3. The path passes the abandoned mines of San Juan, part of the Coto Fortuna exploitations.
4. Mediterranean pine, eucalyptus and cypress grow in an exotic reforestation as the path climbs towards Sierra de las Herrerias.
5. The path turns to the South and offers impressive views of the coast and towards Ifre - Pastrana.
6. Turning East and then North we start to complete our circle of Coto Fortuna. Drinking water can be obtained at this point.
7. Coto Fortuna was one of the most important mining areas in Mazarron and has been worked since Roman times. Archaeological remains from here can be seen in the Museum at Murcia. The buildings are now in ruins and are used as corrals for animals.
8. The path turns back towards the starting point passing through plantations which give the name "huertos" to this area.
Mazarron.Com notes
This route has been explored by us and is quite excellent. The first part involves a steady pull to the highest point where you can enjoy your sandwiches and cool off in the fine mountain air. After here the route is a gentle downhill stroll as you round the mountain of Coto Fortuna.
There are a few opportunities to lose the path towards the summit, but many
more on the way down. Take a map with you; there are Mazarron.Com route markers
wherever
there may be any doubt so look around carefully if you're not sure of the way.
The route is totally on gravel roads and although there are a few ruts, could be safely navigated by car if driven carefully.
Mazarron.com