Peaks of the Sierra Jatar from Cortijo del Daire

This is a very rewarding walk offering splendid views in all directions. Almost the entire route is on well marked paths or tracks.
Access to Cortijo del Daire is by rough track either from Competa via Casa de Mina, or from the track leading towards Acebuchal, but don't drop down into the Aldea. After parking at the ruins of Cortijo del Daire follow the track for a short distance towards Competa and then turn off right where a path is signed, this is also the GR 249. Follow this uphill along the stony track/path towards the Collado de los Hornillos. Descend a short distance and leave the GR 249 which swings left, and continue heading roughly north passing Puerto Blanquillo below on your left and join with a good path ascending from there. Enter the pine trees for a brief period, swinging in a right hand loop and exit upwards to Puerto de Competa which is indicated by a sign.
Here, take the fire-break which climbs steeply to the left (north) passing by a large rain gauge and exit onto a track where you should turn left and follow this as it turns in ascending loops leaving the trees behind (a short cut can be taken by following the fence). From here the views open up. Malas Camas is to the North-West whilst Cerro de la Chapa is to the North-East. Follow the track as it descends slightly then turn right at the Collado de los Carneros, a patch of open grassy ground. Head down towards the delightful ruins of Haza del Aguadero.
Malas Camas will be seen rising ahead with an obvious track along its southern aspect. Head for this following the track which leads towards it from the ruined Cortijo. Keep ascending and ignore the track which loops back contouring roughly West-East. At the obvious coll (1664m) head off North up a vague path marked by occasional stone cairns, this swings West where the path is less defined before reaching the summit crest. The geodesico at 1792m is a short distance to the West.
The next objective, Cerro de Albucaz 1732m can easily be seen and the route to be taken is the vehicle track that twists up the Northern slopes. From the summit head East and pick up the well defined track and follow this gradually descending, through a gate and join with a more major track. Here continue Eastwards and reach Collado de los Carneros and the track ahead -the outward route is visible. Ascend to the loop at 1629m and deviate off left from the outward route and follow roughly North towards the summit of Cerro de la Chapa. Continue to the high point of the track and descend into a fertile grassy basin. Here there is evidence of domestic livestock and an old feeding trough. The old weather station can be seen on the summit and this can be attained by choosing a route of your choice through the grassy tufts and assorted vegetation. The geodesico is a short distance from the weather station and should be visited for the views that can be seen down the steep Eastern flanks of La Chapa.
To the West the rounded slopes of Cerro Pozuelo can be seen. Back track to the coll at 1725m where a very vague path will be found picking its way through the stony ground towards the summit at 1792m which is marked by a stone cairn. Savour the view and the previous summits attained!
Return to Cortijo del Daire by the outward route.