The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana

A testing 17-kilometre walk in the mountains and valleys of the north Lorca countryside

Zarzadilla de Totana is a village in the “Tierras Altas” area of the vast municipality of Lorca, on the high ground between Lorca to the south and Bullas, Caravaca de la Cruz and Cehegín to the north. It nestles at the foot of the mountains of Sierra de Pedro Ponce, one of the most mountainous areas of Lorca, and takes its name from the abundant “zarza” plants (brambles) which characterize the local vegetation. However, it is also home to plenty of vines, pines and almond trees, and grapes and almonds are a staple of the modest local economy.

The Sierra de Pedro Ponce has been declared part of the Sierra de Burete a birdlife protection zone (ZEPA) and is home to species such as the golden eagle, the booted eagle, the short-toed snake eagle, the buzzard and the griffon vulture.

The walk begins by heading west out of Zarzarilla, leaving the tarmac after 800 metres to start a sharp climb, at the top of which a path on the left takes us to an altitude of 943 m after just 2 kilometres. The route then goes down towards the Rambla del Madroño and past the dwelling known as the Cortijo del Madroño Bajo (km 4.5), which stands next to a spring.

After 6.15 km the altitude rises to 987 metres above sea level, and turning right here walkers head towards El Frailecico, after which there is a steep 17% climb. After the descent a path leads towards El Nacimiento and then back into the village once more: probably a good moment for a rest and a bite to eat!

The second (optional) part of the route heads out to the east and north-east, including the foothills of the Cabezo de la Cruz and then the Collado de las Burras before returning to Zarzadilla.

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