Walking in Sierra de la Cingla in Jumilla

Prehistoric rock art and spectacular scenery in the mountains of Sierra de la Cingla

The main walking routes in the mountains of Sierra de la Cingla, the ridge which runs along the northern side of the N-344 road between Jumilla and Yecla, are full of historical and environmental significance, featuring stretches of road, paths, tracks and even ravines as they make their way through the rural districts of La Alquería and Fuente del Pino.

The highest point of the range, at 1,079 metres above sea level, is known as the “Picacho del Infierno” (Hell’s peak), and at all times there is a marked contrast between the scenery on the sunny southern side of the mountains, which is practically without vegetation, and the northern side, which is steeper and features thick pine woods. The main route is accessed from La Alquería by a forest track which runs along the northern side of the Sierra.

Among the points of interest for walkers are the following:

Peñarrubia and Grajas

Spectacular vertical or near-vertical rock faces, of interest not only to geologists but also to ornithologists: this has been declared a wildlife protection area, and is reached by taking the MU-11-A road which leads from Jumilla to Fuente Álamo.

Barranco del Buen Aire

This is another area which most walkers will find simply stunning, but which apart from being visually attractive is also of interest to naturalists, geologists, botanists and archaeologists. For these reasons it attracts plenty of walkers exploring the countryside of Jumilla and the north of the Region of Murcia, and it is reached either along the forest path of “Camino del Buen Aire” (which runs from La Alquería), or from the MU-11-A road by means of rural paths which are perfect for cyclists as well as ramblers (see top image).

Cave paintings in Los Abrigos del Buen Aire

In the valley of Buen Aire are two rock folds which were used as shelters by Man in prehistoric times, and inside examples of rock art have been discovered which are included in the World Heritage Site of the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Regions of Spain. The south-facing shelter contains 85 designs, including many belonging to the Levantine genre of rock art on one 15-metre wall and various more Schematic paintings on another.

The east-facing shelter contains only a few Schematic paintings, depicting various animals, comb designs and other forms which are hard to identify.

Both shelters are protected with iron grilles to prevent damage to the paintings.

More rock art in the Cueva del Peliciego

Further archaeological interest is provided by another part of the World Heritage Site located in this cave, which is also known as the Cueva de Los Morceguillos.

The rock shelter here contains depictions of human figures, horses, deer and others, and the natural cave to which it leads runs for a distance of around 40 metres.

Again, access is prevented by metal grilles, although the site can be reached along the path which leads to Cuesta Blanca from La Alquería: this is a steep and difficult path, and only the fittest walkers are advised to attempt it.

La Alquería

The main square in the village of La Alquería marks the starting point of the main walking route, and contains information panels alongside the spring known as “Manantial del Chorro”: this has been diverted into pipes to provide drinking water, and a large group of field elm trees which have been awarded protected status.

The small church, dedicated to San José, dates from the early 19^th century.

Fuente del Pino

Another starting point for a walk in the Sierra de la Cingla is the main square of this village in the Jumilla countryside, where there is a small church dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario and another monumental group of elm trees, one of the oldest and largest to have survived the outbreak of Dutch elm disease in the late 20^th century. The trees are located in Calle de Abajo and Los Manaores.

Los Manaores and the Pino de la Era in Fuente del Pino

This is a recreational area alongside water supply infrastructures which were built during the centuries of Roman rule in the Iberian Peninsula, including a dam and a storage pool. These stand alongside the natural spring of Los Manaores, which provided the water supply of the surrounding countryside until as recently as 1962.

Access is along the Camino de Los Manaores from Fuente del Pino.

Cueva de los Mármoles

A favourite among potholers, this is a natural cave formed by tectonic movement and, to judge by the fallen boulders, seismic tremors. It measures 110 metres in length and descends 10 metres (although climbing equipment is not required). The entrance is closed to curious visitors by a metal grille, and the area is hard to reach along the mountain path of Sierra de la Singal which starts in Fuente del Pino.

The pine tree of La Casa Quemada

An unusually large pine tree providing shade to an area of 380 square metres and reaching a height of 16 metres. Located on public land of La Casa Quemada, the tree is protected by local bylaws.

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