PEACE WALKS
SATURDAY, 26 MAY 2012
Castañar de Paterna del Río
led by Sarah Steines (Ecologist)
This month, we will walk under the shade in the finest chestnut wood of Almería province, near the village of Paterna del Rio, which runs through a traditional “acequia” (irrigation ditch) in the Alpujarras landscape. It is a route of great beauty with chestnut trees and barrancos (streams) where the soil humidity has allowed dense woodland to develop, making the landscape feel more Atlantic than the semi-arid Mediterranean landscape typical of Almería.
From the parking point, we climb upstream along the aceqia. After an hour and a half we will reach the Paterna barranco that marks the head of the acequia. The path back is along the same route. Returning to the car, we will go on to the recreation area, to enjoy a picnic.
The route lasts about three hours there and back, plus stops. We wil cover about 10 kilometers, including a cumulative climb of 170 metres. It is an easy route, but it is worth mentioning some parts that might be a little delicate for those who suffer from vertigo. We shall make a stop along the route to do our Ngalso practice of "Making Peace with the Environment" *.
Meeting Point: From Benahadux, take the A348 road west to Laujar of Andarax. From the center of Laujar, find the road to Paterna, the AL5402, to reach the village of
Paterna del Rio. In the village centre, opposite the bus stop is the plaza mayor. We meet here punctually at 10 am. Everyone should arrange their own transportation to the meeting point (calculating an hour and a half by car from Almería city).
Degree of Difficulty: medium - the slope is moderate but the trail is well marked. Total distance 10 km. Bring appropriate footwear. Remember that there are no services of any kind along the route.
What to bring? Picnic, drinking water, sunscreen. Do not forget to bring the practice of the Environment.
* The Purification of the Elements practice, undertaken in different landscapes, is our way of helping support the planet and specifically the area we live in; the benefits can be great. We invite you to join us on our excursions for messengers of peace.
Peace with Everything, Everything with Peace
