Acebuchal - La Cadena - Piedra Sillada - Salto Caballo - Cortijo Ubares

Starting at the ever popular Acebuchal this walk described as Difficult is not for anyone who suffers from vertigo. The exposed ridge of La Cadena requires a steady head for heights and should not be attempted in windy or poor weather conditions. For those who venture along this route the rewarding views are worth the effort; an eagle's eye view down into the source of the Chillar, with green folding flanks on either side contrasting with the bare grey-white of the upper slopes of Tajo del Sol and neighbouring Almendron. A great expanse of peaks stretch across towards the Sierra Nevada and of course Maroma concludes the Sierra Tejeda. If climate conditions are favourable the Rif of Morocco can be seen across the Mediterranean Sea.
Commencing from the Capilla San Antonio in Acebuchal the walk follows the Arroyo de Acebuchal along well walked paths to meet with a track near Puerto Blanquillo passing Venta Cebollera en route. The track is followed to El Carrascal where it is left for a path marked on the left by a small cairn just after crossing the Barranco del Atajo. This is the path leading towards Venta Panaderos. The path turns acutely to the right at the point where the Panaderos path crosses over the Barranco. Continue gaining height as the path twists through scrub and pass the recently built Fuente Angustias. As more height is gained the path becomes more stony with less vegetation. Eventually the track which passes Puerto Frigiliana is reached; noticeable by its shattered white surface of crushed limestone. Turn right and scramble up the rocks on the right marked with a red arrow. This path cuts out some of the twisting track. Re-join the track and reach the summit noting the twin peaks of Cerro de los Machos dominating the left hand view. Just beyond a fenced area protecting tree planting head off to the left (views of Cerro del Cisne beyond)through some unfriendly vegetation towards the ridge of La Cadena. Markers protecting hunting boundaries are placed along the ridge which aid navigation. From the summit of La Cadena where a triangulation pillar is located the ridge line leading towards Piedra Sillada is partially obscured. The full prospect can be seen by continuing a little further along. Some exposed scrambling is required. Piedra Sillada dominates the view ahead. As the ridge widens with some loss of height head left (north) towards a noticeable patch of mature pine trees picking an obvious line upwards heading for the base of the northern shoulder. Some cairns are present and yellow dots mark a route. Exit onto a col and turn south where a more obvious path again marked with yellow dots lead to the summit of Piedra Sillada. The views are excellent.
Cerro del Salto del Caballo can be seen almost due north and is easily reached across much more friendly terrain giving an opportunity to take in the extensive views.
From the Vigilancia situated at the summit the ruins of Cortijo Ubares can be seen below and the track leading towards it; this is the next stage of the walk. The track passing close by the ruins continues in a twisting descent before finally levelling out towards its junction with another track. A left turn here, signed Puerto Frigiliana takes you to this vantage point. A few meters beyond is the outbound route. From here back track to Acebuchal.