Sendero Cruz de la Chimba

MUNICIPAL TERMS BY WHICH IT RUNS

DESCRIPTION

The path begins at the source of the Cañada de las Azadillas, before a small round where the asphalt road ends. To the right of the source and along the valley, we climb perpendicularly from the road for approximately 80 m. We make a turn of just over 90º to the left where a bridle path begins that passes over the slope of the fountain. Once on the road there is no loss because it is very marked, only a few fallen trees cross the road, but these do not present difficulty avoiding them.

This first section is a constant climb and the good layout of the path facilitates progression. As you gain height, the tops of the bushes adjacent to the trail partially occupy some areas of the trail, but in no case does it hinder or hide the trail. At the top, the slope is smoother and soon in a clear area we find the remains of a poorly marked lane that leads to an esplanade where forest cars turn, and the start of the track. This point is the access point and to which we must return, if we want to visit the Cruz de la Chimba forest hut about 200 meters away, hidden by the dense pine trees. There is no trail marked as such, so it's easy to get confused even though the distance is short. The best option is to walk along the track for approximately 20 m from where it begins and the passage of vehicles is marked, perpendicular to the lane and to the right of the track (west direction, heading 247º) we enter through the pine forest in a path area poorly defined, but with traces of the passage of the people, and that ascends slightly until arriving at a meadow where the booth is.

The Cross of the Chimba. It is the star point of the excursion. It dominates one of the best panoramic views of the Sierra de Jaén. Behind the booth is La Pandera, down the valley of the Quiebrajano river, and heading north, the Castle of Otiñar and in the background Jaén. It is in a semi-wild state thanks to the respectful care of its visitors. Caution must be exercised if we are accompanied by children or suffer from vertigo, as the booth is located in the vicinity of a steep area without any protection.

For the return to the track, the same route is used on the way out. On the forest track again, continue to the right, the terrain is flat. This area is known as the Llanos de Navalopos. The track does not present any confusion. As it passes and to the left it passes close to a plain and later it borders a second plain ascending to a hill. At this point the track descends steadily until it returns to the Cañada de las Azadillas. But first we will find a chain that cuts the way for cars and a little further on there is a crossroads with the track that connects the Cañada de las Azadillas with the Llanos de Palomares and the Town of Carchelejo. We continue to the left, descending towards the Cañada de las Azadillas. When we arrive at the entrance of the Nature Classroom we will have finished the tour.