PR-A195 Huelga Utrera - Cueva del Agua - Pontones
The route starts, almost literally on your doorstep and you’ll often see hikers filling their bottles at the spring in square. The clearly marked trail takes you up out of the village. For the first few kilometres, you walk through pine forest and then walnut groves - this is a good area to spot wild boar and red deer especially at dusk. A sharp ascent takes you to the high orchards of Huelga Utrera and depending on the time of year, a few walnuts or an apple or two will make a pleasant snack. The vegetation is reminiscent of the UK, with hazel groves and brambles along the trail. The Griffon Vultures soaring overhead and the climate will remind you, that you are not at home.
Just short of halfway along the route, the River Segura is joined by the Charco de Humo (pool of smoke), a mountain stream that forms an impressive waterfall as it joins the river.
A little further on, you’ll find the Cueva de Agua, this impressive cave has a abundant spring that gushes out from the floor and provide irrigation for the high orchards.
A kilometer or so beyond the cave, you can take a detour to the village of Poyotello - this is a great detour for several circular routes that will take you to the high ‘calar’, limestone plateau at 1700m, with stunning views to the valley below. Poyotello, although less than 3km as the crow flies, this is nearly 50km away by car!.
Continuing on your route, you’ll finally arrive to the village Pontones, where a refreshing beer awaits you.