C2C March 2020. Important update (thanks to Malcom Maughan)
The route described between the turning off the A-405, via Castellar de la Frontera and the eastern side of the railway line, is no longer possible. The level crossing just before the point where the route rejoins the cycle path beside the A-405 has been closed and an access gate wired shut.
Instead you should follow the course of the GR7 for this section of Day 18 which sticks to the cycle path next to A-405.
So please replace last paragraph of page 179 and the first three paragraphs of page 180 with the following:
'Bear right along the A-405 following signs for ‘San Roque’ and ‘Algeciras’ past a depot where cork is stored then Venta La Cantina. Beyond the venta (roadside restaurant) the road arcs right then crosses a bridge.
Follow the A-405 as it bears right then, ignoring signs left for 'Castellar de la Frontera' and 'Ayuntamiento', continue along the cycle path that runs parallel to the left side of the road. After 5.8km follow the cycle track as it passes beneath the A-405 then merges with the A-405R2 leading towards San Roque. Passing Venta Juan Carlos you reach a GR7 marker post for ‘Los Barrios 6.25 hrs’ to your right.
Page 41 Paragraph 1:
Replace the line:
" ... the path angles left and climbs steeply before dividing by a marker post. "
with
"...the path angles left and climbs steeply before dividing by a marker post where a large arrow on a rock appears to indicate you should keep straight ahead. You, however, should turn left. "
Page 85 "Refreshments None en route" :
There is now a bar that serves food, Venta los Moriscos, 7km from Riogordo next to Hotel Casona los Moriscos.
If you would like a GPX track of the diversion from the pond page 145 contact the author via guy@rondatejar.com
June 2019
Page 145 Paragraph 3 currently reads:
'Passing a pond and a sign ‘Fin de Sendero’ you reach a metal gate with signs
for ‘Zona de Seguridad’ and ‘Prohibido el Paso’. The latter isn’t true: you’re on a public footpath which the farm owner would prefer to have to himself.'
The farmer has wired the gate shut though it's possible to squeeze through the bars or climb over. If you do not like the idea of doing this there is an alternative, slightly longer way to the gate at the end of the valley:
Reaching the pond and Fin de Sendero sign turn right and walk 110m parallel to a wall then turn left through a gate passing a second Fin de sendero sign.
Follow a path parallel to a wall topped by a fence as it angles right and climbs into the trees. After approx 150m of climbing close to the wall cut left through a gate (may be open) then descend on an indistinct path back to the flat plain.
Ahead of you you will see the Cortijo de Líbar.
Angle right, leaving the trees, to reach a driveable track (which leads back to the farm). Turn right along the track which runs through an area of fenced saplings. As you pass the last row of fenced saplings angle 45 degrees left and cross to opposite side of the plain to the only section of wall visible in that direction. Here go through a gap in the wall (the gate may be open) and follow a line of cairns up into the rocks. Sticking to the most clearly defined
path, which crosses three grassy clearings .... etc etc
Day 13 Ronda to Montejaque Page 134, final line.
The steep path described is temporarily closed for repair following storm damage.To reach the bottom point of this path the best way is to continue through the old town to the square by the cathedral and town hall, La Plaza del Ayuntamiento.Cut diagonally across the square then drop down a flight of steps. Turn right and follow the road, Calle Cuesta Las Imagenes, down hill, passing a small park beneath a high stone wall. At its far end leave the road to the right and drop down a flight of steps, then turn right and descend to reach the bottom of the blocked path.
Day 14 Montejaque to Cortes Page 145, paragraph 2.
The gate described just beyond the pond has been intermittently shut by the farmer who doesn't like walkers, even though the path is a public right of way.
If you find that gate is shut you can turn right here then follow the farm's boundary wall/fence, keeping the open expanse of meadow immediately to your left, for approximately 2kms - -you'll see the farm over to your left as you follow it along - to reach the gate at the southern end of the valley which is at: 36°39'40.57"N, 5°20'3.68"W.
Day 15 Cortes to Comenar Page 153, paragraph 4.
If you have initial trouble picking up the path beyond la Casa del Conde bear in mind that the Puente de los Alemanes is 275m southwest of the farmhouse.
Day 18 Castillo de Castellar to Los Barrios
A new road is being built beyond Castellar. It's easier, though not so pretty, to follow the cycle path south from bridge described on page 179, paragraph 2. This is the route that the GR7 follows down the valley.
Page 81, final paragraph line 1
The waymarking at the junction has disappeared.
April 2019
Page 68 - change 'Refreshments: none en route.' to: Refreshments in Pilas de Algaida towards end of the walk.
Page 79 - there are now 6 sets of galvanised metal gates.
Page 80 - the MA-157 has been re-numbered. It is now the MA-4102
Page 85 - no accent on Nazareño ie should be Nazareno
Page 89 - where it is written 'you pass to the right of a pile of painted white rocks.' one reader's feedback suggests that this should be left. I think it's possible to pass to either side so it would be best to put simply 'you pass a pile of painted white rocks'
Feb 2019
Page 46 Line 2: The Santo Cristo restaurant is now closed so change the second line to::
'Ignoring GR249 waymarking off to the left continue along the road for 170m then cut left up a steep footpath ...'
