On the move again, this time skipping westwards along the coast to the [Costa Tropical](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Tropical), stopping for the night in a [campsite at Castillo de
Tag: Spain
A Mirador to Round Off the Ride of Cabo de Gata
After a day in the hills of the Capo de Gata, this mirador on the coast between Rodalquilar and Los Escallos was a welcome point to take a rest, enjoy the view, and reflect on the days efforts. I also learnt about ‘Love Locks’, so educational as well!
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The Gold Mines of Rodalquilar, Cabo de Gata
The gorge finally tipped me out onto a track leading to the Gold Mines of Rodalquilar. These are impressive open-cast mines, with earlier shafts and tunnels exposed by the latter workings. Mined for thousands of years for various ores, gold was discovered at Rodalquilar in the 1800’s, and mined commercially from the 1920’s until the 1960’s, except during the Spanish Civil War of the ’30’s. It’s now possible to walk freely among the workings, and there is a mountain bike route that circles the main workings.
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A Habitable Cave in Cerro Cuchillo, Cabo de Gata
After seeing smaller caves further up the hill this one, large enough to be habitable, was found on the lower slopes. Straw and footprints, both animal and human, showed recent use, plus a concealed anti-chamber.
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The Deep, Verdant Gorge of Cerro Cuchillo, Cabo de Gata
A very picturesque scene, a deep cutting between two hills that seems more verdant than the surrounding hillsides. There a small caves high on the
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A Rocky Descent of Cerro Cuchillo, Cabo de Gata
A rocky descent which is requiring a good degree of walking. There is an information board which is highlighting some of the flora to be found, this area seems lusher than other parts, probably as what little rain falls is funnelled downwards. The bike is propped against what appears to be a shelter/bunker for hunting purposes, boar perhaps.
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Hunting Lodge on Cerro Rellana, Cabo de Gata
This is a hunting lodge perched on top of a hill called Cerro Rellana. They seem to be big into hunting all over rural Spain,
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Looking Down on Los Escallos, Cabo de Gata
Loosing my grip on the way up, but mollified by the view back down across the bay of Los Escallos. The twin peaks of the Cerro de Los Frailes providing the backdrop.
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Time to Conquer Cabo de Gata
I’m off on a mountain bike trip around the Cabo de Gata, a Natural Park in Spain’s Almeria province. The park is unique within Europe, being comprised of an arid, volcanic landscape, sea-cliffs, volcanic sierra’s and a coastal plain of extensive dunes, stony plateau, small lagoons and salt-pans.
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Decidedly Rough
Sometimes things do get decidedly rough. Fortunately this didn’t block our path, but was a little comedic nonetheless. Once past this the track really did
