Benaojan to Ronda

Lyndon and Jennifer Jolley

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This route can be done in its own right as a one-way walk returning by train to Benaoján, or combined with Walkingworld route 3435 as a superb circular day walk. The walk starts at the small hamlet of Estación de Benaoján – Montejaque, close to the Molino del Santo Hotel. The route follows the old road up into Benaoján Village itself and then takes the old road to Ronda (Camino Viejo de Ronda) over the southern end of the Algarrobo ridge, dropping down into the Guadiaro Valley. The old road now follows the railway for a while before climbing over onto the Hoyo Tabares below the spectacular cliffs of Ronda. The view from the base of the cliffs is especially magnificent in the rays of the evening sun and you pass the ruined mill at the base of the Tajo (Ronda Gorge) with probably one of the best views of the new bridge. The walk ends at the Barriada San Francisco, but you can vary the last stage to take in the old walls if you want an even closer view of the gorge. If you are doing the walk one way you can return to Benaoján by train after taking in some of the sights of Ronda.

Spain - Southern Spain - Malaga - Serrania de Ronda

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Restaurant
3/9/2020 - Kaye Leggett

Completed this walk in March 2020. Some of the signage indicated in the narrative is no longer in place but has generally been updated. The way to go was easy to find. The only opportunity for refreshments is the first village and there is a good café by the main roundabout . The walk by the railway is a little dull and lacks shade, walking the other side of the railway , albeit officially a road rather than a track, affords more shade and the opportunity to rest beside the river. The final climb back into Ronda is currently only doable on the road , the paths as at March 2020 directly from the escarpment are being refurbished and access barred. There were no indications of when the work will be finished but it looks like it is ongoing .

10/12/2013 - Keith LEES

Completed this walk in September 2013. An enjoyable walk on country roads and some dedicated walking trail - good views but the landscape suffers from the many unoccupied and neglected buildings resulting from Spain's current economic situation. After waypoint 5 there is a newly constructed, re-routed path downhill that makes walking very easy. Just beyond waypoint 12, opposite the Equestrian Hotel keep left on the road. There have been extensive changes to signage and route numbering, so follow route instructions without relying on numbers.