NEST stands for Nature ESpuna Trails - we do beautiful walks and outings which are a wonderful way to get to know people! We not only make friends but get to see amazing places that would be hard to find otherwise. We have picnics or delicious meals at authentic Spanish restaurants (which are optional). The next two walks are one in the Mar Menor, as a 'seaside outing' away from Sierra Espuna for a change - and easier to reach for those nearer the coast - and then we go to the famous Snow Houses in the cooler heights of Sierra Espuna on 6th June. Do come along and don't be shy if you're single or want to come alone; we're a friendly group for friendly people! The walks themselves are 5 euros, and the meals are at various Spanish restaurants, which have a very good menu del dia at 8 - 10 euros. You need to book, as restaurants need booking and the walks are extremely popular.

Thursday 15th May - Meet 10.00 at Salinas Car Park (Nature Reserve) at San Pedro Port. We meet a bit earlier than usual today so that we can fit in the 4 hour walk before lunch at 2pm! A wonderful long walk - all on totally flat terrain, taking in Las Salinas where people bathe in black mud for its renowned health-giving properties, not to mention seeing the odd flamingo and other wonderful sights around the Mar Menor! This walk will certainly make you fit, as although it is extremely easy and all on the flat, it's a long 4 hours at a reasonably fast pace in order to make the restaurant at 2pm for their wonderful menu del dia. This walk is kindly led by the lovely Lyn and Peter Ewers who know the area well and who are keen yachting enthusiasts as well as walkers! We will then go for a menu del dia at a wonderful, tried and tested authentic Spanish local restaurant on the coast, specially chosen by Lyn and Peter for its friendly service and excellent food. If you don't know that area, directions to Las Salinas Car Park are available by email and will be uploaded to the NEST website.

Friday 6th June - Snow Houses in Sierra Espuna - Meet El Berro 10.30. This is a very easy short walk approx 2 hours with a couple of slopes, to see the famous Snow Houses which are an early form of refrigeration! In times long gone by, ice was packed and stored inside them, in order to later be taken by donkey to places as far as Cartagena for ice cream for the rich and also for hospitals and medical uses. Then we'll have a scrumptious authentic Spanish meal in a tucked away part of Sierra Espuña, at a restaurant where wild boars can often be seen!

To book your places ring 968607927 or 679002147, or email natureespunatrails@gmail.com. You can also find lots of regularly updated walks information and directions to El Berro at www.freewebs.com/louisalivingstone.

To get to El Berro from Alhama de Murcia keep a lookout for signs to Camping Sierra Espuña (which is in El Berro), El Berro, Pliego and Mula and the C3315 towards Mula. (Although you won't be going as far as Pliego or Mula). As you drive out of Alhama into the hills, there is a kind of fork which says El Berro straight on and Sierra Espuña to the left. Make sure you stay on the road to El Berro and don't go down that small left hand road to Sierra Espuña. It is signposted all the way to El Berro. At one point about 10 mins further on into the hills you have a choice of two signs .. the signpost says left AND straight on to El Berro. Turn left and take the fantastic route with amazing views direct into El Berro itself. Just keep your eyes peeled once on the level road for a sign saying El Berro to the right and you will then drive downhill again into the village of El Berro and end up in front of the campsite to your left with the car park to your right. It's very easy!