Saunter at The Santomera (Embalse de Santomera)

We Don’t stop hiking because we grow old- we grow old because we stop hiking

Walk- A Saunter at The Santomera (Embalse de Santomera) 

Date- Friday 7^th April 2023- Start 09:00

Distance: 8.5 km approx.  

Height/ Elevation gain – 200m approx.

Estimated duration –   3hrs approx.

Difficulty – Moderate  

RVP (Rendezvous Point) – 09:00– Picnic/recreation area at the Embalse de Santomera. This is a very large car park with recreational facilities and is located at the end of the road leading from the RM-423, it crosses a small access road the Camino del Pantano. I will provide a Pindrop on Google Maps.

 From Frailes, Nieves and Pinoso etc. I think the best route is to head toward Fortuna and then take the RM-423 toward Murcia. As you head towards Murcia on the RM-423 you will see the embalse and further along the road, there is a left turn to the Embalse de Santomera. From Frailes the journey takes approximately 35 minutes.

There is another route which is slightly faster (if you use Apple maps it will choose this) taking you down Albatera bank but as you approach the reservoir(embalse) the satnav sometimes tries to redirect you onto minor roads.

If you prefer you can meet at the Fogon Restaurant at 08:15 for directions and the opportunity to car share.   

Walk Description: This is a circular route that runs partly adjacent to the Santomera Reservoir (Embalse de Santomera). Most of the walk is on dirt trails with great views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains towards Murcia and Fortuna.

We follow the PR- MU 82 route for most of the walk and then deviate from it to make the walk shorter and to return to the car park. The start of the walk takes us across the top of the reservoir wall and we pass through forest and quarries There are some ascents but these are gradual and when we reach the top the views are great.

Dogs

This route is good for dogs but as this is a wildlife sanctuary for the first 2 km dogs must be on a lead (rules of the site).

Lunch– As the walk is on Good Friday and I presume a lot of restaurants will be busy, I will try to book El Peque in Mahoya. I will enquire about this on Tuesday and see if they can accommodate us.

I will let you know as soon as I have done this.

If you are definitely attending and want lunch let me know.

Equipment– Good trekking shoes/boots or trail running trainers. If you have them, I would bring hiking/ trekking poles as when we descend there are some parts of the trail that can be slippy due to small stones.

Ordinary sports or leisure trainers are definitely not recommended.

Parts of the route are shaded but a hat/cap and sunscreen is advised.

At least a litre of water/fluid and a snack/ picnic

Walk leader: Ken