We Don’t stop hiking because we grow old- we grow old because we stop hiking
Walk- A Visit to the Ventanas, the Dragon’s Spine and the Rambla Salada.
Ernie the stunt pooch.
Date- Friday 12th of May 2023- Start 08:30
Distance: 22 km approx.
Height/ Elevation gain – 750m approx.
Estimated duration – 5.5 – 6hours approx. + 20 mins break
Difficulty – Hard- due to distance, elevation and terrain. Note: This is a hike and not a walk.
RVP (Rendezvous Point) – 08:30 At the carpark of Hondon Los Frailes Municipal Piscina just off the CV845.
Description: This is a physically challenging long hike that starts in the carpark of the piscina; we head up towards the Blackhead mine/quarry and take the Carretera la Cantera down to the Ventanas. As we do so we will have great views across to the coast and the surrounding mountains, we will be adjacent to the Rambla Ventana, the trail is stoney and rocky in places.
When we reach the trail that takes us to the Rambla Salada we will first stop off at the Ventanas, a rock formation that resembles a dragon’s back (in my imagination anyway) and that has random holes all the way through it, hence the name of Ventanas.
We then continue along the trail and go down to the Rambla Salada. Following the river which on Saturday 6th of May had water flowing and deposits of salt we go to what is known as the Black Rocks. The geology and rock formations are fascinating and when we leave the river, we will pass mountain rock faces that resemble cinder toffee, okay that could be my imagination as I was a tad hungry on Saturday. The trail will take us across aqueducts dating originally from the Roman and Islamic periods.
Our return journey via a different route will involve a hard ascent up the Rambla Ventana trail. This trail has deteriorated in places and is quite steep but offers a different view and challenge. The end of the trail brings us out at the Camino La Ermita, a tarmac road. It is then a case of following the roads back to the piscina car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but at times they will need to be placed on a lead for safety. This is a hard hike in very warm temperatures and your dog will need to be fit and agile.
Lunch– I will not be booking a meal for this walk.
Equipment– Hiking boots/shoes or trail running trainers. Ordinary sports trainers are not recommended.
Hiking/walking poles, these will be good to assist with some of the descents on stoney/sandy terrain.
At least two litres of water with the addition of electrolytes and a snack.
If you are bringing a dog, make sure you have additional water for the dog. As a guide I took 2.5 litres for Ernie in addition to my fluid. You can use the water in the rambla to cool your dog but they will not drink it due to the high salt content.
A cap and sunglasses for sun protection due to the duration of the hike and there is limited shade on this route.
Walk leader: Ken
Hondón Walking Group 
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