Walk 5. Alcaucin and Forest

A drive back along the coast to Velez-Malaga and up through Alcaucin to Carrion on the edge of the National Park Forest.

A wide road led slowly up to a viewpoint where sharp-eyed members of the group spotted three ibex grazing on the opposite side of the valley. Further climbing round the head of the valley took us to expansive views across farmland down to the sea with a helipad just below us.

Descending through the forest of pines led to a steep but steady climb through several hairpin bends to our lunch stop round an older, stone-encircled helipad with clear views of our return descent.

A quick climb up the 931m peak behind us before a rapid descent by many of the group back to the start. Others made a more sedate return with a stop off to view the ibex again opposite the life size sculpture of an ibex at the viewpoint.

Easy surface to walk on today, although steep in places, but wide enough to be appreciated by the vertiginously challenged members of the group!

Thanks must be given to Paul and Vicki of "Walk-Andalucia" for making such an enjoyable week possible with their impressive organisational skills! - and to Andrew - our additional driver!   THANK YOU ALL.