As usual, I took the wrong turning to the factory. The turning off down to the river on Calle Picasso, near the Almijara I urbanisation results in a long drive along the uneven track along the Chillar. It’s best to use the access point off Camino de los Almachares, past the Sunday Market in the Almijara III area.
After a bone-shaking ride along the track we arrived at the parking area next to the factory. It’s a 30-minute walk to the Central Electrica where the walk in the water starts in earnest. Many people think that their clapped out Seat is actually a 4x4 and drive up to the start but I wouldn’t advise it. Besides, the 30-minute walk now has plenty of stretches of water that you can walk through to cool off. This wasn’t the case a couple of years ago.
In the River again.
The scenery was as breathtaking as ever. The sounds of the water flowing, the colours of the flowers and plants along the river and the feeling of the cold water between your toes makes this a special walk. The spectacular waterfall 15 minutes upstream is still flowing nicely. Its amazing to think that it wasn’t there a couple of years ago.
Amazing Waterfall.
Lovely scenery.
It doesn’t seem that much as changed until you walk through the cahorros. The first large plunge pool that was a haven for the Picnickers who didn’t want to venture up to the waterfalls has disappeared. There is a smaller pool to the left but no sign of the larger one. In past years I remember having to wade through it at almost waist height. Now, it is just another part of the river.
Ettore and Fabiana in the Cahorros.
It is a 6-kilometre walk upstream to the series of waterfalls and rock pools. In total it takes around two and a half-hours walk at a comfortable pace. It is still a very popular destination. The first pool was crowded. We climbed up the rocks on the right-hand side to the second pool and found a good spot for our picnic.
First Pool.
We spent a lazy hour eating and cooling off in the freezing cold pool. The number of walkers arriving kept increasing. There must have been close to a hundred people in the area. We headed back downstream at around 2pm. There were still a good flow of walkers coming upstream. They would be disappointed if they thought they would find peace and tranquillity. Surely there must be a good time to visit this place in relative peace. A Sunday in summer is definitely not the time.
We arrived back at the car a good 6 hours after setting off. A 12 kilometre walk in total. It was time to head back to the beach and a hugely deserved jug of Sangria or two.
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