ESTEPONA, SIERRA BERMEJA – PASEO DE LOS PINSAPOS AND PICO LOS REALES – NEW WALK

Setting out from the car park next to the statue of Carlos Martinez Haro, a firefighter who lost his life during the devastating 2021 Sierra Bermeja forest fires, the route follows the tarmac road to Fin de Sendero viewing spot. From here there is a steady hill climb for 170 m to Pico Los Reales (1,452m) which provides spectacular views of the Sierra de las Nieves to the east and the countryside towards Tarifa and the Atlantic coast to the west. It can be cold and extremely windy at this exposed peak so suitable warm clothing is recommended.

The descent from the summit is along a tarmac road that affords striking views of Gibraltar and the coast of North Africa on a clear day.  On arriving back at the start point it is only a 100m walk to the Venta El Refugio for refreshments and food.

Directions to the Meeting Point

From Marbella

Take the A7 coastal road in the direction of Estepona.  Leave this road at Junction 1067 following signs for Estepona and the Palacio de Congresos.  Take the third exit at the roundabout to pass under the A7 and the first exit at the next roundabout to join the main road into Estepona.  500m after passing Carrefour on the left take the first exit at the roundabout onto Camino Vereda de los Frailes.  There may be a temporary directional sign here to 'Ronda Norte'.  Climb the hill for 300m and take the first exit at the next roundabout, continuing uphill.  Pass the Sierra Bermeja school on the left and take the right turn immediately after this.  Follow this road around to the left with open heathland on the right.  After 300m take the third exit at the roundabout (slight left turn).  Proceed downhill and uphill for 700m, then take the first right at the next roundabout onto the MA-8301.  Cross the bridge over the AP7.

Follow the MA-8301 for 14 km, climbing steadily, until reaching the junction for Genalguacil (straight on) and Jubrique (right) at the Puerto de Peñas.  At this point take the single-track road on the left passing the traffic control barrier.  Continue climbing along this narrow but well-made road enjoying the spectacular views.  After 4.3 km the meeting point is on the left in the car park next to the prominent statue of Carlos Martinez Haro.

The drive from Marbella should take just over 60 minutes if traffic is light.

For convenience enter Mirador Estatua Carlos Martinez Haro into Google or Apple Maps.