Rio Chillar re-visited

Its been over a year since we had done the water walk up the rio chillar. What would we find up there nearly a year after the massive storms that flooded the area? Armed with our trusted walking sticks and my new gadget pedometer, we went to find out.

The one thing that hadn't changed is the popularity of this walk. The usual car park near the cement factory was full. We had to drive further up river to find a space. That's normally the trick of the 4x4 drivers. Still, we gingerly crawled over the rocks in first gear and found a good spot.

The first part is a 20 minute walk to the central electrica. This is normally the first point that you encounter water. Not any more. The water has reached almost to the car park. Most 4x4 drivers who ventured further upstream to park in the dry riverbed now had wet feet getting out of their vehicles.


New Waterfall

It wasn't the only place new with water. Just under 10 minutes from the central electrica and you can see that the storms have created a spectacular waterfall on the right. Walking up the river and it seemed that more rock pools had been formed. 5 minutes later and you reach the first of the cahorros.


In the first cahorro

Just after the first cahorro and a new rock pool had been formed. Usually, families that venture up the river begin to stop off and picnic. They usually make it to the first pool, about 30 minutes from the central electrica. However, this new pool seemed a favourite spot. Still, traffic going up the river was still busy. Would we find a secluded spot for our picnic? Doubtful.


In the 2nd Cahorro with evidence of the storm damage

The second, and most spectacular of the cahorros can be seen from the new rock pool. The already narrow passage way was littered with fallen trees from high above. Some felled trees spanned across the rock face making a bridge. However, even the most adrenaline filled dangerous sports fans would think twice before crossing it.

The big pool just after the second cahorro wasn't as busy as I imagined it would be. The new pool has taken a few customers away from it. Still, this is the furthest point most would venture. The next attraction up the river, the rock pools and waterfalls are another hour up river.


1st rock waterfall pool is packed

Its well worth the walk to this point. The one's that do put the effort in and reach here are rewarded by a stunning rock pool with crystal clear water pouring down from the rocks above. A great place to have a dip and cool off. Unfortunately, more and more people are making it to this point so it is a bit crowded, especially on a Sunday. I'd love to see the place during the week. You may be lucky and get the place to yourself.


2nd rock waterfalls

If the crowds are too much, don't despair. I'll let you into a secret. There's another rock pool about 10 minutes further up. There are a series of blue spots painted on the rocks. Follow them. Its a bit of a scramble up the rocks but that means less people will do it. The pool isn't as big as the first but its less crowded. This was our stopping place for a dip.

Still, we weren't alone. We decided to see how much further you could go. The guidebook that we used basically says that not much further up is the end. Unpassable. I'll let you into another secret. There is a way and its not by following the river which indeed does become unpassable. There is a path to the left that is the Liman trail. It takes you to Frigiliana. 5 minutes up this path and it clearly points you to the left, up hill. Ignore it and take the path to the right that follows parallel to the river. 10 minutes later and your back to the river.

We found a rock in the river and had our picnic spot. Not a person to be seen or heard. Our tranquillity only disturbed by the pesky hornets that kept buzzing by us. After a bite to eat and a little rest it was back the way we came.

The end of the walk and we were both shattered. It seems this is our favourite walk to do after I'm recovering from a bad back. Crazy! The pedometer recorded that we had taken 16,771 steps, travelled 11.24 kilometres and burnt off 838 Kcal. Oh, and it took 4 and a half hours. Bloody thing doesn't work. Its at least a 16 kilometre walk!