Pujerra to Jubrique track
Leading out of the back of the Pujerra pueblo (GPS 36* 36' 44"N 5* 9' 6"W Google maps), the road climbs steadily up and past chestnut groves. One of the large commercial co-operative barns here is where the chestnuts are processed in October and November. The road dips into the 'Cañada de los Quejigos' before climbing to the. The
The Jubrique track leaves the tarmac road at an unmarked junction. At (GPS 36* 35' 56"N 5* 8' 31"W Google maps) passes through some of this long mountain range, which was the site of many mines up until the 18th century.
The track, which may be paved in a few years, roughly follows the spine of the coastal range. Although best traversed in 4x4 any car could make the journey except perhaps just after heavy rains.
It continues its windy course following the contours of the hillside. As the road climbs, so the chestnuts give way to pine groves, many of which have been recently planted. Take care on the sharp bends, not just for the drop down to the river Genal but for local farmer in an oncoming vehicle all too familiar with the route. Further on at an unmarked junction (GPS 36* 35' 18"N 5* 10' 32"W Google maps) another track descends to cross the Rio Genal at popular in the summer swimming and picnic location. (GPS 36* 36' 28"N 5* 10' 24"W Google maps). This is near the ruins of the Finca la Fabrica the old Tin factory. The track climbs up through the woods to join the MA7301 at an unmarked junction (GPS 36* 37' 17"N 5* 10' 36"W Google maps) between the villages of Júzcar and Farájan.
Our track climbs to the highest point the 'Puerto el Chaperral' (GPS 36* 34' 39"N 5* 10' 6"W Google maps) where a automatic weather station holds guard, before dropping down near a weigh bridge by the entrance to a gated finca which obstructs the old and more direct route down to the coast via valleys such as the Guadalmansa. This remote zone is only accessible to the sturdy hiker not deterred by fences crossing uncertain ancient rights of way.
One interesting spot in Guadalmansa valley is the Casa des los Banos. Given that the rocks contain many minerals, it is likely this was some form of sulphur pool and well known to the Romans. Access in ancient times would have been up the steep valley from a Roman community known to have existed where the river enters the sea.
Now is is only a short descent to the unmarked junction (GPS 36* 32' 48"N 5* 10' 20"W Google maps) on the paved Estepona - Puerto de Peñas Blancas (1010m) - Jubrique road.