The Cerro de la Cruz walking route in Zarzadilla de Totana

A mountain walk for all the family in 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, but it is also home to plenty of vines, pines and almond trees.

It is in this context that the local tourist board has named the “Cerro de la Cruz” route as an ideal choice for family groups looking for a day out and wonderful views from the hills and mountains, and the 6.5-kilometre route starts at the “Los Grifos” washhouse and the Los Olivos park, where there are various very old olive trees. After a kilometre walkers leave the tarmac and follow an uphill track to the right before reaching an altitude of 974 metres after 2 km.

From here a well-maintained path on the left leads up to the top of the Cerro de la Cruz at 1,185 metres above sea level, surrounded by pine trees but with great views clear through the foliage. To the north it is possible to see the Sierras del Madroño, Pedro Ponce and Cambrón and to the south the northern slopes of Sierra Espuña, including the Morrón de Espuña y Pedro López and most of the highest points in the Region of Murcia.

At this point the path continues towards Peñarrubia but for inexperienced and younger walkers the advice is to turn back here!

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