Walking EuropeEl Torcal de Antequera nature reserve
Walk 6080
Country - Spain
Region - Malaga Province (Andalucia)
Author - Lou Johnson
Time - 1.50 hours
Grade - easy
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.
The nature reserve of El Torcal de Antequera is located in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range south of the city of Antequera in Malaga province. To reach the reserve, take the A45 road to Malaga south from Antequera. The reserve can be reached from the main road by a tarmac link road which leads to the parking area and information boards. Arriving from the Antequera direction the turnoff is before reaching the village of Villanueva de la Concepción.
The reserve protects one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Europe. Karst landscapes are those shaped by the dissolution of a layer or layers of rock by water. The rock is usually limestone or dolomite. However, some distinctive karst features are formed where some layers are less soluble than others. Some areas of the reserve are more dramatic than others. However the walk does allow you to walk in close proximity to the spectacular formations.
This area sees very high temperatures in summer so visits are most common at other times of the year. In mid-winter it does not get light until after 0900hrs and on the day of this visit no one else was seen in the reserve. There are three possible walks - the longest is for 4.5km with alternatives of 3km and 1.5 km. Do be careful as in the early morning the limestone can be damp and slippery. There are also a number of places where you need to be fairly nimble. The route is colour coded and there is a one way system with walkers going anti-clockwise around the circular path.
During your walk you are likely to see some wildlife. On my visit there was a large herd of Spanish Ibex. The males with their large horns are very impressive beasts. Rather more mundane were the local farmer's black cows!
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.