Faraján - Chorreras de Balastar (Valle del Genal)

This loop trail takes walkers through the site of the Berber settlement of Balaster, down along acequias that wind through a double set of terraced plots, past orchards and gardens, and to viewpoints of two waterfalls that carry off the excess water not needed for irrigation. It’s a short trail, but there is much of interest to observe.

The Muslim Berber settlers who began colonizing the Serrania de Ronda during the eighth century located their small villages on hillsides close to the line where permeable limestone rock met impervious clay soil. The natural springs and fountains that occur along this line ensured a source of water for people and animals and facilitated hillside irrigation vía a complex system of acequias. This system of water supply and distribution is still in use in Faraján today, 13 centuries later.

Notes
Be prepared for some short, steep stretches.

Walk 13 of a long-distance walk through the Serranía de Ronda
From our journal:
The trees are a variety of Mediterranean species: plum, fig, walnut, pomegranate, persimmon, and citrus. At this time of year, the almond trees are the showiest. We were surprised to see oranges and lemons growing on the same tree - we checked with the farmer tending that plot to be sure we weren’t mistaken.

Possibilities for eating/sleeping
Casa Carmen is a good choice for a place to stay in Faraján. The rooms are warm in February and have access to a shared kitchen and living room.
Grocery shop in the village - open from 8:30 - 1 and 5:30 - 8. The shop has snacks, fruit, bread, and milk.

Resources
The acequias of Balastar
https://radioronda.net/las-acequias-de-balastar-legado-musulman-de-farajan/

Previous day’s walk: Alpandeire - Faraján
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/alpandeire-rio-genal-farajan-valle-del-genal-72844959

Next day’s walk: Faraján circular
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/farajan-circular-pr-a-227-pr-a-228-valle-del-genal-73505803

Link to journal
http://hiking.topicwise.com/doc/GenalValley