After the excitement of the first walk since March 2020 we have continued with our programme and enjoyed some stunning landscapes across the NW of Murcia. We are now offering SWARM walks which are Shorter, Slower and Simpler for people who still want to stretch their legs, but are maybe not as fit as they want to be or used to be.
Our first midweek SWARM walk was on 22nd September led by Petra who sadly is leaving us to move to the Valencia region. It was a gentle ramble starting and finishing at the Carrascalejo estate which has belonged to the Pidal family since 1850. This family has been producing home-grown wines for five generations. The final part of the walk was through woods with a really good selection of different trees, a real change from pine forests. We were thoroughly spoilt as Petra provided biscuits part way round and a drink and nibbles at the end. It was a good opportunity for people to stock up on a lovely Bullas wine.
Our walk on 25th September started about 6km from La Copa in Bullas. Carla and Doewe have unearthed an interesting 6km route with great views from a picnic spot that also had a table and some chairs; a very welcome place for a snack. We had another selection of food and drink back at the parking area and a good chance for people to catch up.
A real WARM favourite is the walk at Bolvonegro. It usually features most years. People love it because, although it is quite short, it takes a long time to walk as some of the views are spectacular. It features in Volume 1 of our walking book and is about 6km, but the stunning geology and running water makes for a different experience every time. Our leader TK was chatting so much he took a wrong turn………he has only done the walk about 20 times!
Finally, Carla and Doewe led another walk near Bullas starting off the road to Dona Iñes. One of our WARMers wrote “Another challenging walk today with perfect weather. Now to jump in the pool to finish us off!!!”
By the time you read this we will have had our Annual General Meeting, which last year we did virtually. As a formally recognised association, the AGM is the only thing we absolutely have to do every year. It would be followed by both a SWARM and a WARM walk setting off from La Bermeja in the Ricote valley.
Future Walks
November
Wednesday 3rd – Moratalla – SWARM
Saturday 6th – Bullas – WARM
Wednesday 10th – San Pedro del Pinatar – SWARM
Saturday 13th – Caves of Zaen – WARM
Wednesday 17th – Cehegin – SWARM
Saturday 20th – Gebas – SWARM/WARM
Saturday 27th – Casas Nuevas – WARM
December
Saturday 4th – Los Grenedicos – WARM
Saturday 11th – Calasparra (Christmas Walk) – SWARM/WARM
If you would like to join one of our walks, please email WARM2005@gmail.com and let us know where in Murcia you live.