Tajo de la Canana, Alcaparain, Carratraca (Málaga)

18 10 2022

Tajo de la Canana, Carratraca

The best way to get to the start of this walk is to go into Ardales, then get back onto the A357 (coming back on yourself). As soon as you pass Km24 take the first turning on your right and take the dirt track road. At the first intersection you come to, turn right and drive for about 1Km where you will come to a helicopter pad and water deposit (for the firefighters).
There is ample parking.

There are three paths. Take the one in the middle that is chained off for cars.

Enroute you will pass what once would have been a lovely Cortijo, a fountain (what’s left of it), three lime kilns and an old wreck. There are lots of pinsapos and other trees, and a reasonable amount of shade.

This part of the mountain is hidden from the main road. When you make your way eventually into the valley, it’s like something out of Jurassic world, the limestone gorge and valley is very impressive. Looking at it you think how the hell am I going to get to the top, but believe it or not there are gentle zig*zags that eventually make it’s way through. The thin path sometimes hard to see is overgrown in places and a bit prickly especially if you have shorts.

Arriving at an intersection with a blue arrow pointing straight ahead will bring you to the Tajo de la Canana, and then one more small climb that will bring you to the summit of Cerro La Canana. This section the path is thin in places but there are cairns as guides.

Although it was a hazy day, these were some of the best views I have ever seen from the summit, (far too many to name) and of the walk itself.

Making your way down back to the intersection, turn right and eventually you will start to zig-zag on the otherside of the valley and arrive back at the parking area.

I would not recommend doing this walk on your own, as there might not be any mobile phone coverage in the area, and it can be a little bit challenging in places.

Wear long trousers as the overgrown bushes and trees by the path will scratch you.
Don’t attempt this walk if you have a fear of heights, and also a walking pole would be advantageous.

To summit it up, this is a medium to hard walk with very memorable panoramic views. I will definitely do this walk again on a clear blue sky day.