HUERTECICA AND CAÑAVEROSA ROUTE

Our route begins at the spot known as “Los Viveros,” which is accessed via the turn-off from the road leading to the Sanctuary of La Esperanza.

Following the paved path for about half a kilometer north, we find a dirt track on the left that will lead us to the Moratalla River. We cross the riverbed at a designated crossing point, arriving at the area of La Huertecica. This spot is notable for its traditional fruit and vegetable crops. The path then takes us into a lush gallery or riparian forest that grows on both sides of the Segura River's course. A characteristic of this forest is that the vegetation is perfectly adapted to the soil's humidity conditions.

This section along the river coincides with the GR-127, which covers a large part of the river's course.

The route continues along a path of about 700 m next to the left bank of the river, among white poplars, black poplars, ash trees, hackberry trees, tamarisks, willows, osiers, brambles, oleanders, reeds, common reeds, etc. The water quality in this section of the Segura River allows otters to thrive in perfect conditions, although they are difficult to spot due to their elusive behavior towards humans. We can also see and hear a multitude of songbirds and aquatic birds, such as the common nightingale, the golden oriole, the blackbird, the long-tailed tit, the green woodpecker, the bee-eater, the kingfisher, the grey heron, the cormorant, the mallard, etc.

Upon leaving the riparian forest, we take the path on the left that ascends to a viewpoint, from which we can enjoy a panoramic view of the riparian forest nestled among mountains with drought-adapted scrubland.

From the viewpoint, we continue along the dirt path through esparto grass fields towards the west.

Approximately one kilometer later, we take the first path we find on the left, heading southeast, which will lead us to the Moratalla River. We cross the riverbed again, arriving at the farmhouse known as Casa del Cura. Continuing our journey, we ascend the Lomas de las Torrentas until we reach Cañada Manrique.

From this point, a path branches off through a pine forest, which will lead us to a paved road, taking us back to the starting point.