The Ricardo Codorníu walking route in the Sierra Espuña 2.2km

A short 2.2-kilometre route starting and finishing at the Sierra Espuña visitors centre in the regional park

The Sendero Ricardo Codorníu (SL-MU 1), which is named after the man responsible for repopulating the forests of Sierra Espuña in the late 19^th century, is a walking route of just over 2.2 kilometres in length which begins and ends at the visitors’ centre in the mountains, an institution which is also named after the same man.

Despite its mountain location, the walk involves ascents and descents totalling only 80 metres, and should take around 45 minutes to complete at a brisk pace and without stopping.

The route takes walkers to the heart of the area around the River Espuña, which is popular among visitors on account of its natural beauty, and begins at the visitors’ centre, an old mountain residence which was restored and refurbished for its current purpose in 1997. Within a few minutes, the path in the Huerta Espuña leads to a monument which was erected in honour of Ricardo Codorníu in 1927, commemorating his role, along with José Museo and Juan Ángel de Madariaga, in restoring the environment of Sierra Espuña and enabling future generations to enjoy the forests which exist there today.

Crossing the road, the walk then takes us to the Casa Forestal de Huerta Espuña, which was used as a centre of operations by Sr Codorníu and was then the headquarters of the forest rangers for many years. From here, the route follows the pleasant “Senda del Agua” path alongside the Caño de Espuña water supply channel (which leads from the Fuente del Sol to the irrigated farmland of Alhama de Murcia) to the Fuente del Hilo recreational zone. The section to the Azud de Carmona weir dates from 1869, but the lower part of this infrastructure is attributed to the time of the Moorish occupation, which in this part of Spain ended in the 1240s.

Before reaching the Fuente del Hilo the route passes the old Casa de la Marina, at which point it leaves the Caño de Espuña and climbs the steps alongside the bar-restaurant. This takes walkers to the Campamento de los Exploradores, which is home to the Casona and the recreational area. From here, take the path is marked by two enormous pillars, which in the past formed the entrance to the large camps which were held here, and this leads back to the monument to Ricardo Codorníu, just a few minutes from the visitors’ centre.

Click for map, opening times etc: Ricardo Codorniu Visitor's Centre

This walk is particularly popular with young families who want to stay on established paths near to parking and amenities, as the paths are smooth and wide enough to cope with buggies and prams.

Click here for further information about visiting the Sierra Espuña in English: Sierra Espuña

Click here for full information in English about the Alhama de Murcia municipality