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This practically flat route runs alongside the channel that runs parallel to the Guadalmina river bed. It is not to be confused with the aquatic route of the Angosturas del Guadalmina, although it can be a good complement to this route.
The route begins at the Mirador de las Tres Pergolas, located next to the access road to Benahavís, 1.5 km before reaching the village, just where the descent of the Guadalmina river ends in the pool called "La Playa" by the locals. There, you can see a wooden bridge that serves to cross the river and there is a parking area. However, at certain times of the year, such as weekends in summer, it is usually full quite early and it is necessary to look for other alternative parking places before or after this point.
This path was opened to the public at the end of summer 2014, when a wooden bridge was used to cross the Angosturas del Guadalmina from the road. The first thing to do is go across this bridge. From there you have an interesting view of the impressive canyon formed by this river. The river starts in the Serranía de Ronda and flows down to the Marbella coast.
This is a very short, easy route, about 4.6 kms. It runs alongside the irrigation channel where more than 1000 years ago the Arabs channeled part of the waters of the Guadalmina River to be used in the irrigation of their orchards and farmhouses. The original channel has been adapted for hiking. This route will allow you to follow the path of the water and cross over the Angosturas canyon by a suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge you will find 200 meters of path ascending to the channel (acequia) that gives this route its name. The route from here becomes practically flat.
From there the path follows the channel for more than a kilometer; In some sections bridges and metal walkways have been constructed to avoid entering the channel itself. You can enjoy excellent views of the lower basin of the Guadalmina. You can also see various botanical species, such as wild olive, mastic, rosemary, kermes oak, gorse, cornicabra, cork oak, algorrobo, among many others. You might also spot some birds of prey. You can also see different reptiles and amphibians that are directly related to the channel, which usually carries water throughout the year. Among mammals, the most prominent are rabbits, foxes and genets.
After a kilometer and a half, the path ends.
Moving along the path you will find two more viewpoints, one looking to the west and the other to the southeast.
From here you can choose to return by the same route you used on the way out or to advance along the path to make a circular route.
Moving forward the path will lead to the Llanos de la Leche, the path ends just in front of a Benahavís golf course, where you turn to the right and go about 500 meters to a bridge.
Once you have crossed the bridge, you descend to the Guadalmina riverbank, where there is a signposted path that will take you upstream from the Guadalmina.
This section of the trail has excellent panoramic views. You will observe the majority of waterfowl and an environment, with a great variety of vegetation that includes reeds, fig trees, oleanders, algae, lichens, ferns and mosses.
When you reach the Hermitage, near the wooden bridge, there is the option, especially in summer, to enjoy the waters of the Guadalmina. To do this, you can descend by a nearby path to a pool that can be seen from the bridge.
You can also go along the road in the Benahavis direction for just over a kilometer to reach the Charco de las Mozas, an authentic natural pool.
© 2019 Graham G Hawker
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