I mentioned last time that I am currently travelling in Mexico and was fortunate to be able to join a Mexican group in La Paz on a short but beautiful walk in La Paz, Baja California. The stop for freshly brewed coffee in the middle of the sierras was particularly welcome. The group was an environmental group interested in learning about plants, herbs and making sure they left nothing behind.
January was a month with only one planned WARM walk, as our first one in the programme was cancelled as so many people were travelling for Christmas and New Year. Our planned walk in Caravaca for 25th January was victim to the snow, so I thought this month I would write a bit about some of the wonderful opportunities there are to walk in Murcia, apart from with our super friendly group.
Spain has a network of Via Verdes (greenways) which are old disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. In Murcia there is a short one from Mazarrón; only 14km, the Murcia to Caravaca route; 77km and Cartagena to Totana; 53km. There is lots of useful information, in English, at www.viasverdes.com. Walks can be done over a few days as long distance walks, or you can choose sections; some of which have public transport connections.
Caravaca de la Cruz is a Holy City and a focus for pilgrims. The Camino de Levante starts in Orihuela and finishes 117km later in Caravaca. There are a range of other routes terminating in the city and the Tourist Office in Caravaca has lots of information.
Back to WARM and the walk to Los Bebedores on 16th January led by Fiona and Steve. It was a day of clear skies and stunning views as the photos show. Griffon vultures soared overhead and this walk included a picnic stop. One of our photographers spotted an interesting face in the rock. Well done Karin.
Our first walk in February was led by Tony and Judy. It started by walking uphill to a place above Moratalla. Then we walked uphill some more and continued going uphill. Once at the top the views were amazing (there were still remains of the snow from a fortnight previously) and the weather was fabulous. The picnic stop at the top near to the Casa de Cristo was very welcome and very well-deserved.
We are starting to develop a range of options for walkers of different abilities and once we have tested out some of the logistics I will write more about it.
If you want to join WARM, these are our next walks.
March
Saturday 7th – Moratalla
Saturday 14th – Casas Nuevas
Saturday 21st – Camping Moratalla
April
Saturday 4thCastellar
Saturday 18th – Cehegin
We send details of the next walk to our WARM mailing list, normally about a fortnight ahead. If you are interested in joining us on a walk and want to be on our mailing list then contact Norma on Warm2005@gmail.com Please indicate your nearest town.
The majority of the outings will be in Northwest Murcia (approximately 1½ hours’ drive from the coast).