Km. 0
The route begins next to the fountain at the Virgen de Cánava Chapel, a place of worship and the gateway to the Pinar de Cánava. You must ask for the key to the cave at the adjacent petrol station (the Town Hall can also provide one, subject to availability). Take the tarmac path that climbs to the right of the chapel (signposted for Pinar de Cánava, Cueva de la Graja and the football pitch). Follow the path, using a low stone wall on your right as a guide. The climb is gentle and continuous on good ground; halfway up the slope, on the left, there is a small viewpoint offering a panoramic view towards the Serrezuela de Bedmar and the countryside of Bedmar and Garcíez, whilst Jimena lies below, now behind us. We continue along the tarmac road, climbing gently, to the football ground car park.
Km. 0,5
From the car park, turn left and take the stepped path leading to the Cueva de la Graja. It is a short but challenging 240-metre climb, with a surface of earth and rock, crossbeams, and a final section secured by a handrail and steps. The slope is steep; take care on the uneven ground to avoid slipping. The reward comes quickly: through the trees, the view opens up onto the patchwork of olive groves in Bedmar and Garcíez.
Km. 0,74
After a 240-metre climb along the path, you reach the Cueva de la Graja, a Site of Cultural Interest, famous for its schematic cave art—in shades of red and brown—featuring anthropomorphic and zoomorphic motifs, as well as unique figures of great scientific interest. The cave is protected by a gate; access to the interior requires the appropriate key. It is a fragile site: please do not touch the walls, and a brief visit without flash photography is recommended. After the stop, retrace your steps along the same path, taking care on the steps and on the polished rock, until you return to the car park.
Km. 0,98
Once back on the tarmac, we head back a few metres downhill to the point where the low wall ends. Here, we take a track on the left lined with stone walls: this is the Camino de las Pilas de Trisla (km 1.2). The route climbs again through olive groves and patches of pine forest; the intermittent shade is welcome, especially on hot days. The surface is even and comfortable, allowing you to maintain your pace without too much effort. From this point, our route runs parallel to the C5 cycle route.
Km. 1,2
At the next junction, the left-hand path leads to La Saleta del Moro and El Pilar del Moro—landmarks in the vicinity that are closely associated with the area—; continue straight ahead to follow the route towards Pinar de Cánava.
Km. 2,9
The Camino de las Pilas de Trisla trail climbs gradually through olive groves and patches of pine forest until it reaches a clearing where a signposted path begins on the right. Take this path and you’ll enter the Pinar de Cánava, a forest of centuries-old Aleppo pines declared a Natural Monument for their stature and gnarled forms. The atmosphere is pleasant: almost constant shade, the scent of resin and clearings that, at times, offer views of the hamlet of Jimena and the olive-covered hills. The terrain changes: the track gives way to a stony path, with sections of rock and roots where you need to watch your step. We continue following the signposts, first on a gentle climb through the pine forest and, upon reaching the open hillside, a more demanding ascent begins towards Los Caracoles, an old quarry where extraction faces and scattered blocks still remain, a reminder of that trade.
Km. 3,3
As you reach the top of the steep slope, a wooden bench appears beside the path – the perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the views: the Aznaitín stands out in the distance; to the south, the main peaks of the Sierra Mágina come into view; and on the left of the horizon, the olive groves of Bedmar stretch out like an orderly sea. We resume our walk with a left turn, joining a section where the path crosses a lapiaz: a striking geological formation of limestone carved by water which, over time, has become fissured and sculpted into ridges and channels; the rock protrudes from the surface, forcing you to place your feet carefully. The surface changes to bare rock with patches of earth; the slope is short but demanding, and it is advisable to avoid getting your footwear caught in the cracks and not to rush, especially if the ground is damp. Once past the karst section, we continue, guided by the signposts. The path continues towards Los Caracoles.
Km. 3,7
At this point, you reach the area known as Los Caracoles, a former quarry site that has now become part of the landscape. On either side, quarry faces and stone walls stand out, serving as a reminder of the trade: cut blocks, old spoil heaps and tool marks that time is gradually covering over. The dirt and rocky path remains clearly marked; the climb is steep, through clearings that offer occasional glimpses of the hamlet of Jimena. It is advisable to take care on sections with loose stones, but the going is comfortable if you maintain a steady pace. Follow the signposts and you will gradually reach the hilltop where the Cruz de la Atalaya stands.
Km. 4,8
At the summit, the Cruz de la Atalaya offers a natural resting spot and a sweeping viewpoint: Jimena lies in the foreground, the Aznaitín rises up to the south-east, and in the distance, the peaks of the Sierra Mágina stand out against a sea of olive trees. It is a good place to sit down, catch your breath and take in the scenery. From the cross, take the path to the right (west) and begin to skirt the old quarry, which marks the direction southwards. The surface alternates between exposed rock and earthy sections, with some easy ledge sections where it is advisable not to rush or get too close to the edge; the path is clear and signposted. The terrain is gently undulating, with no steep inclines. On the descent, the path winds through patches of Aleppo pine, alternating between open spaces and shade; in the warmer months, the respite under the canopy is welcome as we skirt the quarry and resume our southward course.
Km. 5,3
Following the trail markers, turn left and head east. The path, made of earth and rock, winds gently through Aleppo pine trees and clearings that allow the landscape to breathe. The walk is comfortable if you maintain a steady pace. In the hot months, the intermittent shade of the pine forest is a welcome relief. Gradually, the forest thins out and the first terraced olive groves come into view, heralding the boundary we are about to reach.
Km. 5,6
At the edge of the olive grove, the path curves gently and winds its way around the farmsteads along a track of firm earth and small stones. The view opens out towards the foothills of Jimena; opposite, on a slight rise, stand the ruins of the Cortijo del Lanchar, a reminder of the farming life linked to the traditional use of this area. You continue alongside the olive trees, following the signposts, until you join a more clearly marked path.
Km. 6
Take the barely marked path that descends gently toward the south. The trail is rocky, with faint wheel tracks, but it’s easy to follow if you don’t rush. Among the scattered olive trees, patches of pine forest reappear, providing occasional shade. After a few minutes, the path joins the main trail.
Km. 6,2
When you reach the main road, turn left (west) and continue along the lane. The path gradually descends through olive groves and stands of pine trees. The surface is smooth, though loose gravel may be present on the curves: it’s best to slow down. Continue to the intersection where, on the ascent, you left this trail to enter the pine forest: here the loop closes, and you return to the main route.
Km. 7,2
On the right, you can see the turnoff from the trail that previously led to the Pinar de Cánava; at this point, continue straight along the descending path. The slope is gentle and steady, with even ground that allows you to maintain a steady pace without effort. Through the clearings, the view opens up again toward the Serrezuela de Bedmar and the hamlet of Jimena, now nearby. The final descending sections alternate between compacted earth and dirt paths alongside stone walls and terraces, signaling the return to the area around the chapel.
Km. 8,9
The trail leads to the paved road, and after a short final descent, you’ll reach the Virgen de Cánava Chapel once again, the starting and ending point of the loop. Remember to return the key to the Cueva de la Graja at the adjacent gas station (or at City Hall, depending on availability). This completes a varied and well-marked route that combines local paved roads, a path through pine trees, and a forest trail, with moderate ascents and a comfortable return through pine and olive groves, always with the mountains on the horizon.
