Duration: Approximately 6 hours. This scenic route takes you through the heart of Sierra María, offering a blend of cultural and natural landmarks.
The journey begins in the quaint town of María, where the trail to the Umbría de la Virgen mountain shelter sets the stage for an unforgettable trek.
María, nestled in the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, is the northernmost village in Almería. At an altitude of 1,198 metres, it's known as the 'bread basket of Almería' due to its extensive cereal cultivation.
The village is surrounded by the mountains of Las Muelas, El Maimon, El Gabor, and Sierra Largo, providing a dramatic backdrop, especially when covered in snow during winter. Inhabited since the Mesolithic period, María was a strategic location linking the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula with Andalusia.
The oldest buildings in María are the 16th-century parish church, Nuestra Senora de la Encarnación, and the 17th-century Hermitage de la Alfahuara. Despite its harsh living conditions, María is a haven for those seeking tranquility, clean air, and access to the natural park's extensive walks.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tr2xQvu5QWRktyru8
As you leave the town, the path leads past the serene Virgen de la Cabeza hermitage, a site of local reverence and beauty, before reaching the shelter.
At the trail's end, the route veers southwards towards the Sierra María mountain pass, with the distinctive Peñón de las Cucalas serving as a guiding landmark.
The ascent presents a challenging stretch with undulating terrain. The first significant peak, Pico María, stands at 2,045 metres, crowned by a dense forest teeming with wildlife.
From the summit of Pico María, the neighbouring peaks of Pico Franco and Cabezo are visible, each surrounded by a lush oak grove, offering a moment of tranquillity amidst the grandeur of nature.
After conquering the peaks, the descent leads back to the main trail, which guides hikers to the concluding road of this picturesque route.
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