El Dique on the Río Turón

When we have been here before, we have always used the dirt lane that runs along the south bank of the Rio Turón to get to the footpath that goes over the mountain to Ronda. So we thought this time for something different, we would try the path that goes along the north bank of the river. We picked out a Wikiloc track that would take us up the river and across the dam called El Dique, the first dam of three that have been built along the river for flood control.

The path started out beautifully wide and smooth. Soon, however, we got to a sign saying the route was closed due to rock slides. We found we could get around them easily. As we continued up the river, we marveled at the bird song and the flowers and the sunshine. We could see on the map that there was a large acequia beside us, and indeed, the trail made its way up to it, and we were able to walk beside it or in it almost all the way to the dam we were hoping to cross.

But when we got close, it looked like there was water coming over the top of the dam, and the closer we got, the more water we saw. By the time we got to it, it was very clear that it would be impossible for anybody to cross. So we continued on, working our way up the north side of the river on a very nice path that took us to an old era where we had beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Every once in a while, we could see the remains of old mills along the river as well.

Later, back in town, some workers cleaning a bridge told us the flooding in March had been enormous, engulfing orchards, roads, and houses near the river.

www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/el-burgo-rio-turo…Read more