El Acebuchal-Cerro Tres Cruces- Cortijo Calixto-Barranco Moreno

This walk which heads into the foothills of the Sierra Almijara initially follows a well defined path and track to the ruined Venta Cebollero (sometimes named Cebollera or Venta Jaro), thereafter the paths followed are less well defined and head for rougher, steeper ground. The summit of Cerro Tres Cruces is reached by a short scramble over rock slabs. As these are on the north side of the summit ridge they can be slippery when wet so exercise caution. The summit views are well worth the effort.
Vegetation on the descent can be scratchy and in places the path is not easy to find and several alternative routes are available but be careful that the path you are following is not an animal track! In clear weather (most occasions!) this should not present a problem. After the col the path becomes clearer.
An excellent natural seat, ideal for a break will be found immediately to the left of the path just before the Collado de los Civiles. Again vegetation reaches across the path as the route descends towards the track. The next stage is easier as the route follows the track towards the Puerto Blanquillo.
Here, leave the track and follow a little used path which ascends through some old pine trees towards the ridge, where the path passes between a very short and narrow section of rock. Take time here to get the lie of the path traced out in front as it crosses the face of the hill opposite. The ruined Cortijo Calixto can be seen. Watch out for the occasional stone cairn which confirms the route and take care as you drop down into the barranco. Climb out on the right and look for the cairn/marker (see photo) as the ridge clears ahead. Drop back into the barranco on your left and follow the path up to the Cortijo. Enjoy a good look around and let your imagination run riot before retracing your steps back to the cairn/marker.
Continue along the ridge passing another ruin before re-joining the outward route. (At this point (11.8Km) you could back track to the start if you wish to shorten this walk and also keep your feet dry by avoiding the river section! Making your walk 14.0Km).
Join the track to Puerto de Páez Blanca and pick up the path which leads off the track almost directly beneath the sign. This path leads downwards across the sparsely vegetated hillside passing amongst the occasional surviving pine tree standing tall whilst others succumbed to fire and lie charred across the path. Drop into the river bed and follow it downstream (you can walk upstream for a few kilometres before reaching an impressive waterfall which impedes further progress)taking the best line through the narrow defile.
Climb out of the river bed when you see the acequia (water channel) and follow this. Caution! This can be narrow in places and somewhat exposed so extreme care must be exercised. If you do not like exposure then this is not for you! Follow this until you reach the collecting tank and thereafter join the track.
The track descends to the Fábrica de la Luz de Cómpeta where there is a bridge across the water. After several meters the track joins with a tight bend in the Acebuchal-Cómpeta track. Turn left and head for El Acebuchal.