Kilometre-by-kilometre description
KM 0–16: Across the Vega to Huétor Tájar and Villanueva Mesía
The stage begins in Loja. Cross the bridge over the Genil and turn right, following the signs for Huétor Tájar – Montefrío. At the next junction continue right on flat ground towards the neighbourhood of La Esperanza, passing near the area known as the “infiernos” of Loja.
Leave the road by turning right onto an earth trail that runs parallel to the Genil and crosses the fertile plain of Huétor Tájar. Enter the town and follow its outer streets parallel to the river, then continue on an earth trail towards Villanueva Mesía.
After fording the Arroyo Milanos the route continues across the plain, which is filled with asparagus plantations and typical riverside vegetation, until reaching Villanueva Mesía. Pass through the streets (Calle Pósito and Gran Capitán), leave the town next to the Cruz del Visillo and descend into the Vega de las Viñas.
KM 16–25: Cerro de la Mora and the approach to Tocón
Cross the Arroyo de los Pinares next to Molino de Don Felipe and continue through vegetable gardens. A short but steep slope leads up towards Cortijo Leanes; turn right here and return to flatter ground. Wide views open over the irrigated plain of the Genil. On the far side of the river, Cerro de la Mora is visible — a hill that was continuously occupied from the Bronze Age through to the Middle Ages.
At Cortijo de Cerro Colorao turn left and descend into a large poplar grove that follows the river as far as the dam. This dam diverts part of the Genil’s water into the irrigation channels of Villanueva Mesía and Huétor Tájar. At the crossing next to the dam turn left and climb gently through olive groves, cross a bridge over the Arroyo de Tocón, pass Cortijo Turilla and join a wide, well-surfaced earth track.
KM 25–35: Through Tocón and along the Arroyo de los Molinos
The track climbs slightly and joins the Tocón–Brácana road. Turn left, cross the railway tracks carefully and continue into Tocón. Pass Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Horno, Calle Nueva and Calle Perchel, then leave the village on an earth track that joins the Tocón–Montefrío road next to a fountain shaded by a large walnut tree.
Continue along the road to the bridge over the Arroyo de los Molinos. Stay straight on Carril de Mairena to Lebrija towards Cortijo de la Barandilla. After the cortijo turn left onto Camino de las Ventas. About 300 m later leave the asphalt, turn right among riverside trees, rejoin the road briefly, cross the Arroyo Molinos next to Cortijo de la Máquina and take the earth trail that climbs alongside the stream.
KM 35–39: The final climb into Montefrío
The Arroyo de los Molinos remains on the right. The trail becomes more difficult in places as it enters a narrow, winding valley, passing a succession of old mills (Cortijo de la Fábrica, Molino de Hierro, Molino del Pelao). At a junction (around km 33) continue downhill to the right, ford the stream and immediately tackle a hard, steep and stony climb. After the top the path descends briefly to Cortijo La Venta. Cross the stream on a small bridge and take the trail that rises to the left.
The last section is the most demanding of the day: a continuous climb over successive hillocks among olive trees. Once the ridge is reached a short descent on an older trail opens the first full view of Montefrío. Enter the town via Calle San Cristóbal and Calle Enrique Amat, which lead to the church of La Encarnación in the centre.
Map of the rural roads
