![Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745532/centros de informacion.png/60780e65-181f-7445-7af7-d2d09665ec8e)
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
The path begins at the back of the esplanade where the hermitage of Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles is located, the starting point of the old bridle path that connected Alájar with the village of El Calabocino and the town of Castaño del Robledo. A few metres from the Peña area we find the sign marking the beginning of the trail. The first part of the route goes through a wide stretch, adapted for vehicles and with a good road surface.
It goes up along the western slope of the Peña de Alájar and gets narrower after the turnoff on the lefttowards the village El Calabocino, here it reverts into an old mule track. The road surface becomes much more uneven, followed by stark areas in which rocks emerge and in which the vegetation is gradually covering the old stone walls. Along the way you can see the remains of old rural buildings which are now abandoned. During the tour you can enjoy wide panoramic views of the Rivera de Alájar valley that stretches along most of the journey.
Along this path, especially in its first three-quarters, you can enjoy an environment influenced by lush vegetation with an arboreal canopy characterised by its density and high bearing. Cork oaks and stone pines dominate the upper stratum, with frequent isolated specimens of chestnut trees, Valencian oaks and Pyrenean oak around, accompanied throughout by a rich undergrowth where strawberry trees, narrow-leaved mock privet, laurustinus and heather bear witness to the qualities of the season in which we find ourselves. This floristic diversity together with the absence of silvicultural interventions that can be seen in the mountain offer an unusual and very attractive landscape to the hiker.
As we approach the end of the route, the vegetation becomes more monotonous, dominated by the presence of centennial chestnut trees exploited for their fruit. This area of the sierra favoured by the altitude and, above all, by the ordinary rainfall, has the largest and best examples of traditional chestnut groves, a characteristic element of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park. In addition the attraction of nature, this route has a clear historical interest since it is the path that Arias Montano used to use to go from his retreat in Alájar to Castaño del Robledo, a town where he was the parish priest.
This path converges with that of the Rodeo al Cerro del Castaño, a circular path on which visitors can enjoy an emblematic route among some of the best landscapes in the Sierra.
From Alájar, along the A-470 towards Linares de la Sierra, take the turn-off to the left where it joins the HV-5214 towards Fuenteheridos. After 1 km, we take a new turn-off to the left that takes us directly to the Hermitage facilities, where we can park the vehicle and from whose esplanade we access our path.
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
Do not disturb or feed the animals. You would negatively alter their behavior.
Check the weather forecast before starting your activity.
Bring water, sun protection, suitable clothing and footwear.
Bring a mobile phone with enough battery in case of emergency (112), but remember that there is not always coverage.
For your safety and that of the environment, do not go off the signposted trail or take shortcuts.
Extreme caution in adverse conditions and in the occasional presence of animals or motor vehicles.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Avoid going out alone. If you do, communicate the route and time of return to other people.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
Find out in advance about the possible existence of hunting activity and remember that all public use facilities are declared safety zones.