ALCORNOCALES
Springtime in Andalucia is a riot of colour and noise. The proximity to Africa plus a wet and warm seasonal microclimate have shaped this unique expanse of cork oak woodlands. A haven to a long list of rare plants and flowers, the area also provides valuable feeding and nesting grounds for hundreds of species of birds.
The Nature Park was once home to dozens of families. Callum knows his way around most of the ruins and paths as well as many of the stories connecting them. Many surprising features abound here; Moorish wine presses, ruined mills and castles, are all just a stones throw away in this atmospheric mediterranean jungle.
The pretty white village of Jimena de la Frontera provides a lively backdrop to your week away.
Package includes 6 days guided walking, 7 nights HB accommodation and a la carte dining, wine included at El Anon, a delightful inn tucked away in the cobbled heart of Jimena de la
Frontera. Optional day visit Tarifa Beach or Gibraltar. Free transport.
More Information:
corkoaks... short-toed eagles... toadstools...
rocktombs... orchids... strawberry trees... egyptian
mongoose
Los Alcornocales (The Cork Oaks), is the second largest
nature park in Andalucia. The area is a unique example
of what is known as ‘mediterranean jungle’.
This is thanks to a microclimate created by a southerly
latitude, low altitude and the fact that the Mediterranean
and Atlantic meet just a few miles to the south in
the Straits of Gibraltar.
The cork oak (Quercus suber) is to be found
in pockets around the Mediterranean basin and in Portugal,
but never in such density as we have here. Some 170,000
hectares of rolling sandstone hills and stream fed
river valleys are covered by the park. Although some
of the land is farmed or grazed the majority is now
semi-wild.
These lowland cork oak woods are home to a particular
set of plants and flowers; from the varied and distinctive
heat loving rock roses (Cistaceae) including
Cistus salvifolius and its unusual partner Cytinus
hypocistis to the shadier ‘laurosilva’
collection including laurel, strawberry tree and viburnum.
Making an appearance throughout spring are the heart
flowered Serapia Orchid (Serapias cordigera),
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
and the delicate Squill (Scilla monophyllos),
to name but a few.
The birdlife too is incredibly varied with a good
cross section of Raptors and Passerines. Expect to
see the emblematic Short-Toed Eagle or the Sardinian
Warbler and there should be a showing from the Egyptian
and Griffon Vultures that regularly nest here. Ospreys
have also made a recent appearance, fishing locally
on river stretches.
Today there is little incursion into this idyllic
and protected landscape. Most people moved off the
land in the last 30 years in order to enjoy the comforts
and luxuries (namely running water and electricity)
associated with living in town or in one of the many
white villages that surround the park . The few who
do venture into the park on any kind of a regular
basis are either hunters or those who still know how
to find their way around to dig up toadstools, truffles
or heather roots for pipe making. Of course in summer,
there are the workers who strip the cork trees of
their precious bark.
Grading for Alcornocales
The altitude at which walks will take place will be between 150m and 900m. This does not usually present any problems to those who are used to walking regularly.
*Routes are mainly on good paths, and walks vary in length from 3 to 5 hours. The maximum change of altitude will not exceed 500m.
*You should have a good level of fitness and walking boots are essential.
*The walking will be tailored to fit the capability of the whole
group, with short stops being a good way to take in and find out more about the varied surroundings.
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