Área Recreativa El Peralejo – Área Recreativa Fuenmayor

A linear and comprehensive route in the heart of the Sierra Mágina, linking a heritage of livestock farming, high-altitude pastureland and water. A peaceful walk, with a gradual ascent to Puerto de la Mata and a refreshing descent through shaded areas and springs, ideal for taking in the scenery at a leisurely pace.

The route begins in the vicinity of Mata Bejid, next to the El Peralejo Recreation Area, amidst a landscape of holm oaks, gall oaks and young pine forest. From the outset, traces of the traditional use of the hillside are evident: shepherds’ huts, old bridle paths and small sheepfolds that accompany the gentle climb halfway up the slope.

The path climbs gently to the foot of the limestone cliffs, where a via ferrata has now been installed, and looks out over the Cueva de la Solana,a small karstic shelter carved into the limestone, surrounded by lapiaz and dissolution fissures characteristic of the Mágina landscape. The path then joins a forest track leading to the Castillejo de Mata Bejid, the remains of a medieval fortification that guarded the pass between the countryside and the high, shady slopes of the mountains.

This section passes through a rare high-altitude pastureland, with scattered holm oaks and gall oaks dotting the mountain pastures – a landscape unique at this altitude. From here, the route continues towards Los Prados, where a spring feeds the Fuente de Los Prados, before tackling the final ascent to Puerto de la Mata, a pass that marks the change in slope.

Once over the pass, the route descends the north-facing slope, which is cooler and shadier. The pine forest thickens, seasonal springs such as Hoya Lino appear, and the atmosphere becomes distinctly damp. In the final stretch, the path approaches the Zurreón once more, whose waterfall may be visible after heavy rain, and the constant murmur of the spring accompanies the final steps to the Fuenmayor Recreation Area, where the route ends.

It is a route that combines history, woodland scenery and water, ideal for a leisurely stroll to discover how the mountains change with every kilometre.

General recommendations

Check the weather forecast, particularly for the area around Puerto de la Mata. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip; walking poles may be useful on the descent. Take plenty of water with you and take extra care on sections of the trail with loose stones and in damp areas near springs.

Rutómetro

Km. 0

You set off from the Mata Bejid Visitor Centre, a good place to leave your car and get your bearings in the park. The route crosses the recreational area via the central path and, at the far end, you pass through the gate leading north-east. You’ll see replicas of shepherds’ huts, built by volunteers, which serve as a reminder of the area’s history as livestock grazing land. The signposted path turns left and winds its way through holm oaks and young pine trees; the track, with sections of small stones, allows you to make good progress on a very gentle climb that warms up your legs without being too demanding.

Km. 0,8

After a few minutes, the Cortijo del Peralejo comes into view; it is still in use, and you can sometimes hear the livestock and the bustle of the sheepfolds. The path runs halfway up the hillside and the gradient remains gentle; if you pause for a moment, you can make out the hill we will descend later and, above, the jagged outline of the Mata Bejid limestone formations. It is a good spot to adjust your pace and follow the trail through the clearings of aromatic scrub so characteristic of Mediterranean vegetation.

Km. 1,2

We continue westwards, always along the hillside, with the limestone cliffs that flank the valley on our right. A recently installed via ferrata has been fitted out along these cliffs, featuring bridges and aerial crossings that catch the eye when you look up. The path narrows at times and the surface alternates between earth and rocky outcrops; it is advisable to place your feet carefully on the bends and follow the signposts. The route maintains its steady ascent, whilst the forest opens up views of the shady slopes of Mata Bejid and foreshadows the forthcoming changes in direction along the route.

Km. 1,7

The path winds its way westwards halfway up the hillside, over a surface of earth and bare rock; an old bridle path with low stone walls, clearly marked amongst holm oaks and scrub. At the lower edge of the route, almost hidden by the vegetation, lies the Cueva de la Solana, a small cave connected to the very rock face where the via ferrata is installed. It is a brief stop to take a leisurely look: a small karstic shelter carved into Jurassic limestone. The entrance, facing the sunny side (south–south-west), breathes fresh air, and all around one can see lapiaz and dissolution fissures, typical of the Mágina karst. There is no evidence of authentic rock art: what can be seen on its walls are modern paintings (imitations), documented in local inventories. We continue our walk, maintaining the same elevation, with a gentle slope and a few short zigzags that help us gain height effortlessly.

Km. 3,4

The footpath winds its way through clearings and, little by little, ceases to resemble a proper path. At kilometre 3.4, it joins a forest track. Turn left (north) towards Mata Bejid Castle. The going becomes easier and more even. The track winds its way through patches of pine, holm oak and gall-oak, with intermittent views of the upper limestone karst formations. A good stretch for finding your rhythm and letting the forest set the pace.

Km. 3,8

A short, steep slope leads to the stone threshing floor below Mata Bejid Castle, the remains of the medieval fortification that guarded the pass between the Guadalbullón countryside and the high, shady slopes of Mágina. Here, one can still make out the circular cobblestone pavement and the dry-stone walls that enclosed the corral. All around, the scattered farmsteads—small farmhouses, huts, and old sheepfolds—speak of a landscape worked daily: grazing, firewood, small vegetable gardens along the springs and paths we follow on foot today. The panoramic view makes the climb worthwhile. You walk through a type of pasture rarely found in high mountains. The dehesa—an open landscape of holm oaks and gall oaks interspersed with mountain pasture and Mediterranean shrubbery—is found primarily at low and medium elevations, where the holm oak dominates and the acorn harvest yields the best results; hence the rarity of finding a well-developed dehesa at around 1,100 m (Mata Bejid), a colder altitude with shallower soils. In spring, thyme, sage, and lavender appear; in autumn, the cornicabra olive tree sets the shaded areas ablaze with reddish hues. At higher elevations, booted eagles or short-toed eagles may be spotted. To the east, the limestone formations feature lapiaz and sheer walls that explain the karstic nature of the surroundings. It is a perfect vantage point to take in the landscape—border, farmland, and mountains—and get some fresh air. It is best not to enter the remains of the fortification: there are unstable areas; the threshing floor offers the best panoramic view in complete safety. From here, you resume the gently sloping trail, leaving the castle on your right and the mosaic of pastureland as a backdrop.

Km. 6,9

The track gradually gains height, with sections of track and a few stony stretches where it is advisable to slow down. To the left lie the ruins of the Cortijo de Los Prados, a former farming and livestock settlement linked to the use of pastures and the mountain passes; a few metres higher up flows the Fuente de Los Prados, a spring that feeds a trough still used by livestock. The flow is seasonal: it runs freely after rain and snow, and tends to diminish in summer. The view opens out towards the peaks that will guide the day’s journey: to the right rises the Peña de Jaén (2,147 m) and, ahead to the left, the Almadén (2,036 m); between them lies the Puerto de la Mata (1,669 m), the pass through which we will cross the watershed. This section follows the GR-7; the corresponding signposting confirms the route as the track winds its way upwards gradually, without any steep gradients.

Km. 9,6

The forest track splits in two. We take the left-hand fork towards Puerto de la Mata (our destination on the southern slope). The right-hand fork leads down towards Caño del Aguadero and the Cuadros Recreation Area (Bedmar), a tempting alternative if you’re looking for a detour, but it’s off the main route. The going remains steady, with the gradient easing off at times; the forest closes in and the air grows cooler, a sign that the pass is near.

11,2

We reach Puerto de la Mata, the turning point of the route. The ascent up the south face ends and the descent down the north face begins, heading towards Fuenmayor. Here the landscape changes markedly: the slope becomes cooler and more wooded, the pine forest thickens in the shady areas and the undergrowth becomes more prominent; at the bottom of the valley, the Fuenmayor stream winds its way between poplars and ash trees, heralding the descent towards Torres. To the left stands Almadén (2,036 m), unmistakable thanks to the antennas on its summit. The path invites you to pick up the pace, but loose stones on the bends mean it is best to maintain a controlled pace; we follow the GR-7 markings, which remain clearly visible during this change of slope.

Km. 11,8

The path continues gently downhill through a pine forest over a surface with a few loose stones. On the left, you’ll come across a small shepherds’ hut and the Hoya Lino spring and watering hole, a hillside spring that feeds a trough by the side of the path: the perfect spot to catch your breath. The flow is seasonal: it is plentiful after rain and snow and decreases in summer. The shade of the pine forest makes for a welcome stop before continuing down the valley.

Km. 13,4

The track forks. We take the left-hand fork, staying on the main path which continues to follow the GR-7. The woodland alternates between dense, shady areas and grassy clearings; the terrain is undulating, generally losing elevation without any steep gradients.

Km. 14,7

Here we leave the GR-7 and continue left toward Fuenmayor. The trail, still a forest road, begins a more gradual descent; as we round the curves, we start to feel the cool breeze and hear the murmur of water at the bottom of the valley. Watch out for some sections with loose gravel and rocks, which prompt us to slow down.

Km. 15,2

The trail returns to the Zurreón area; to the left, the waterfall peeks out from among the vegetation. The waterfall is intermittent: although the spring flows year-round, its flow is very low; the waterfall only appears after heavy rains, and in cold winters, it can freeze over. It’s a brief stop for quiet enjoyment along the path, before resuming the steady descent toward Fuenmayor, which we can already sense nearby at the bottom of the valley.

Km. 16,7

The trail leads us to Fuenmayor, where the recreational area invites us to reflect on the day and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Amid the gentle murmur and coolness of the spring, we bring our hike to a close.

Galería de fotos

people climbing a mountain face — Climbing in the Sierra Mágina

The ruins of an ancient stone building set in an open landscape dotted with trees and rolling hills. In the background, a valley nestled between mountains can be seen beneath an evening sky tinged with shades of blue, violet and orange. — Castillo de Mata Bejid

A mountain landscape with a snow-capped peak at the centre, surrounded by vegetation and snow-covered areas. The scene is dominated by a vast sky with distinct white clouds that contrast with the deep blue of the background. — Peña Jaén

Puerto de La Mata, a dirt track for walking — Puerto de La Mata

The picture shows a dirt track surrounded by mountains and autumnal foliage — The area around the Zurreón Waterfall

An open meadow surrounded by tall trees with bare branches, viewed from a path bordered by a wooden fence. In the background, gentle slopes and mountains stretch out beneath a warm light that creates a peaceful atmosphere. — Autumnal green landscape

240 resultados

Valdepeñas de Jaén – Noalejo – Campillo de Arenas (C1)

Descripción corta para el card

Albanchez de Mágina

Albánchez de Mágina

Turismo activo

Participación Activa

Paisaje

Flora

Fauna

Geología

Tradiciones

Patrimonio

Bedmar y Garcíez

Oficina de Turismo de Huelma

Noalejo

Bélmez de la Moraleda

Cabra del Santo Cristo

Cambil

Campillo de Arenas

Cueva de la Graja – Los Caracoles – Pinar de Cánava (R1)

Albanchez de Mágina – Cima del Aznaitín

Columpio Gigante de Torres – Barranco del Arroyuelo – Portillo de la Zarzadilla

Área Recreativa Fuenmayor – Albanchez de Mágina

Jaén – Puente de la Sierra – Otíñar – Carchelejo – La Guardia (C2)

Fuenmayor, Navaparis, altos de Mágina (C3)

Cambil – Mata Bejid – Huelma –Arbuniel (C4)

Torres – Mata Bejid – AR Río Cuadros –Bedmar – Pinar de Cánava – Puerto de Trisla (C5)

Bélmez de la Moraleda – Cabra de Santo Cristo -Solera (C6)

Cabra del Santo Cristo · Estación de Huesa · Alicún de Ortega · Estación de Cabra del Santo Cristo (C7)

Bedmar – Jódar – Paraje Natural Alto Guadalquivir - Úbeda – Baeza (C8)

Área Recreativa El Peralejo – Área Recreativa Fuenmayor

Área Recreativa El Peralejo – Pico Mágina - Miramundos (R6)

Barranco del Gargantón

Área Recreativa Río Cuadros – Caño del Aguadero

Piedra del Palo

Mirador del Pico Almadén

Mirador de la Alberquilla

Centro de vuelo de Pegalajar - 7 Pilillas

Cárcheles

Huelma

Jimena

Jódar

Pegalajar

Larva

Torres

Mancha Real

La Guardia de Jaén

Antiguo Ayuntamiento de Larva

FUENTE DE LA SEDA

Agua e historia se entrelazan en un manantial que recuerda la antigua prosperidad sedera del municipio.

Ermita,Santuario de cuadros - Bedmar

Castillo de Albanchez de Mágina

Refugio de Miramundos

Paraje de Hútar

Barranco y Área Recreativa El Peralejo

Área recreativa la Peñuela

Área Recreativa de Gibralberca

Área recreativa La Cañada

Paraje y manantial de Fuenmayor - Área recreativa

Oficina de Turismo de Cambil y Arbuniel

Oficina de Turismo de Cabra del Santo Cristo

Oficina de Turismo de Noalejo

Centro de Visitantes Mata Bejid

Centro Interpretación del Aceite de Sierra Mágina D.O.P

Centro de Interpretación "La Leyenda y la Frontera"

Museo de Historia Local de Jódar

Centro de Interpretación Pioneros de la Fotografía - Casa Arturo Cerdá y Rico

Centro de Interpretación “El Pajarillo”

Aula de la naturaleza

Refugio del Cerro de Enmedio

Oleoturismo

Gastronomía

Ecoturismo

Castillo Viejo de Bedmar

Castillo Nuevo de Bedmar

Castillo de Bélmez

Castillejo del Cortijo de Neblín

Castillejo del Barranco de Aguas Amarguillas

Castillejo del Cerro de San Juan

Castillo de Cambil

Castillo de Alhabar o Al Habar

Castillo de Mata Bejid

Castillo de Arenas

Castillo de Solera (s.XIII)

Castillo-Fortaleza de Alburquerque (s.XVI)

Castillo de Jimena

Castillo de Jódar

Castillo de La Guardia de Jaén

Castillo de Ríez

Zonas de escalada de Pegalajar

(1. En bloque: Perdigón, El Ático, Escondite; 2. Deportiva: Arabaico, Aromático, Iniciación; 3. Clásica: Portichuelo, Peña de los Buitres, Peña Grajera)

Vía Ferrata Al Manzur en la Serrezuela de Bedmar

Vía ferrata Cambil

Museo del Agua en el lavadero del Chopo

Conexión con Larva (C9)

Sectores de Escalada Deportiva en Torres

Zona de Escalada de Jódar

Cerro Golondrina

Zona de Escalada de Bedmar / La Serrezuela

Castillo de la Guardia

Piedra del Palo – Embalse del Quiebrajano

Peña del Castillo de Cambil

Sector Santa Lucía

Zona de Escalada de Cueva Palomera

Despegue de la Peña del Águila

Despegue del Almadén

Cultural

Etnografía

Arte rupestre

Paraje del Caño del Aguadero

Torre del Reloj

Fuente de los siete caños

Casacada Caldera del Tío Lobo

Iglesia Parroquial de Santo Domingo

Palacio de los marqueses de Camarasa o de los Cobos

La Puente

Columpio Gigante de Torres

Cueva del Morrón

Cimbras y Pasarelas colgantes

Sendero “Muro Alto”

Torre del Reloj

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Castillos Viejo y Nuevo

Centro de Interpretación Paleomágina

Via Ferrata Al-Manzur

Palacio de los Marqueses de Viana de Garcíez

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Cuadros

Mirador del Torreón de Cuadros

Sociedad Cooperativa Andaluza Bedmarense Magnasur

Consejo Regulador Denominación de Origen Sierra Mágina

Adelfar del río Cuadros

Cascada del Zurreón

Centro de Interpretación de las Caras de Bélmez

La casa de las caras de María Gómez

La Torre del Lucero

Fuente del Gargantón

Cuevas del Chato y Baltibañas

Barranco del Arroyo Gargantón

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Expectación

Centro de Interpretación Casa Arturo Cerdá y Rico

Casa de la misericordia

Paraje del Nacimiento

La encina milenaria - Cabra del Santo Cristo

El Cerro de Cabeza Montosa

Puente sobre el arroyo Salado

Puente de tierra

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación

Ruinas del Castillo de Arenas

Ermita de Santa Lucía y Paraje de Puerta de Arenas

Ermita y Museo de la Patrona Santísima Virgen de la Cabeza

Centro de Interpretación “La Leyenda y la Frontera”

La Casa forestal de Prados Bajos

Sierra de Campillo : Barranco del Monasterio, Mirador de La Alberquilla, El Paraje de la Piedra del Palo

Iglesia de Santiago el Mayor

La Cueva de la Graja

Paraje de Cánava

La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

El Pilar y la Albarrada de la fuente del Moro

La Cruz de la Atalaya

Los caracoles

Pinar de Cánava

Iglesia de la Asunción

Centro de Interpretación “Xodar” de la historia del castillo

Colección museográfica “La artesanía del esparto en la historia de Jódar”

Huerto de la Cora

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista de Mancha Real

Antiguo Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos

Mirador El Morrón

Mirador de Peña del Águila

Pico Mojón Blanco

Sistema hidráulico: Fuente de la Reja - La Charca – Huertas

La Serrezuela de Pegalajar

Área Recreativa “Siete Pilillas”

La Cueva de los Majuelos

Arco de la Encarnación

Iglesia de la Santa Cruz

Ayuntamiento de Pegalajar

Centro de interpretación de la Caminería de La Cerradura

Lavadero Municipal de Pegalajar

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

Convento de Cazalla

Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol

Antiguo Ayuntamiento de Larva

El Cerro de Castellón

Museo de Artes y Costumbres Tradicionales de Larva

Pilar–Lavadero de Larva

Área recreativa “La Cañada”

Castillo de La Guardia de Jaén

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Lavadero público de la Segunda República y Museo

Conjunto Monumental Plaza Isabel II

Necrópolis Visigoda de Cerrillo Salido

Cueva Cabrera

Ruinas de Castellón de Cazalla

Iglesia Santuario del Santo Cristo de la Misericordia

Ermita de San Marcos

Fuente de Carchalejo

Paraje Cazalla

Cueva del Puerto de las Palomas

Los Llanos de Palomares

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Ayuntamiento de Noalejo

Ermita de la Virgen de Belén

Réplicas de las sábanas Santas de Turín

Ruta del Santo Custodio

Centro de Interpretación de La Santería

Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza en Hoya del Salobral

Paraje de Navalcán

Casa de la Fundadora Doña Mencía de Salcedo

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción

El Museo del Agua

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta

Casco urbano de Huelma

Pico Mágina y Miramundos

Ermita de San Sebastián y Fuente del Santo

La fuente de Carchelejo

Descubre nuestra pasión, paso a paso

ExpoHuelma: Feria de Muestras del Parque Natural Sierra Mágina

Procesión del Rosario de Los Hachones

Fiestas Patronales en honor del Santo Cristo de Cabra

Las Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos de Bélmez de la Moraleda

Recreación de “Batalla de 1823”

La fiesta de “Moros y Cristianos”

Castillo de Cambil y Alhabar

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Casa Palacio

Antiguo Hospital de Pobres Pasajeros

Casa de los Salazares

Nacimiento del río Arbuniel

Iglesia Parroquial San Juan Bautista de Arbuniel

Las Fiestas y tradiciones de Huelma

Conjunto histórico

Castillo de las Peñuelas

Ayuntamiento de Pegalajar

El Festival de Arte flamenco

Puente sobre el Arroyo “Salao”

Paraje de “El Pozuelo”

Mirador Campos de Larva

Feria de San Marcos

Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Belén

Fiesta de la Floración del cerezo

Fallas de San José

Moniduras

Conjunto Monumental Plaza Isabel II

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