OJO DEL MORO (THE MOORS EYE) - TAVIZNA

This is an easy walk, best enjoyed in spring or autumn but choose a clear day. Some areas are a little overgrown so long trousers are advisable - see photo!

The path itself is quite rocky and can be slippery so good boots or walking shoes are essential. The hike begins on the outskirts of Benaocaz near a rural hotel called "Los Chozos". As you head up the road from Ubrique or El Bosque to Benaocaz, about a kilometre before you get to the village there is a sign for Los Chozos on the left. From the turning to Los Chozos is about a kilometre of fairly rough track so you can either park near the main road and lengthen the walk or drive down to near Los Chozos and find somewhere to park near the entrance. Just before the bridge over the Arroyo del Pajarito, hidden in the vegetation on the left, is an old, barely legible sign marking the beginning of the walk.

Initially the path heads down towards the stream bed (nowadays usually dry as changing weather patterns bring less rain during the winters) then runs parallel to it for a short while before crossing via an old stone bridge.

Once over the bridge continue on to a small rickety gate and then on to a semi-sunken stone structure which is actually an old lime kiln.

Here the local stone would have been processed in a sort of primitive blast furnace to turn it into lime for use in mortar for building and the whitewash which created the very essence of the Pueblos Blancos.

There is a fork here and for this short walk we take the left-hand path more or less following the river bed (although sometimes quite high above it)until we come to another gate where the path ascends quite steeply and heads away from the stream. At this point you begin to see how this area got its name as the views get more and more impressive as you head out of the valley
and by the time you reach the small rest area where the walk ends, you can see for mile after mile including the imposing Aznalmara Castle perched high on its impenetrable peak. Any lookout posted in such a position would have spotted enemy troops in plenty of time to raise the alarm. However the beauty of this walk (and indeed of most walks in this area) is not just the big picture. As you walk, take it slowly and take the time to look at the birdlife, the incredible rock formations (including the gorge which the stream has carved out of the rock) or at the dozens of different tones of green and the individual plants that cling to life on the rocks. The walk as such ends at the somewhat basic viewing point so after you have sat for a while you can just retrace your steps to the car and pop off for lunch in Benaocaz or Ubrique.

If you are feeling more adventurous there is a continuation which takes you beyond the viewing point and down to the meadows near the River Hondon. It is an easy enough path down and not terribly difficult coming back up but be sure to stick to the path (if in doubt follow the muddy hoof marks left on the rocks by the goats). If you get off the path (especially if you try to stick to the base of the cliff as we did on one occasion) you may find yourself having to clamber over some very large boulders that can lead to the odd grazed knee or arm! The extra distance down to the meadows and back will take about two hours not allowing for stops.

Another interesting detour takes you up towards the Salto del Cabrero and then back to Benaocaz. For this one you finish the outward leg at the Ojo del Moro viewing point and do not head down into the meadow. Then make your way back to the lime kiln and take a path that heads steeply up on your left. For most of this section you can just keep the wire fencing that runs around Los Chozos on your right hand side and keep following it uphill and then down again past the base of some wonderfully sculpted cliffs which are home to a colony of vultures. If weather conditions are right you may see groups of these birds taking off from the cliffs and soaring above you. After you have finished birdwatching, head down into the little enclosed meadow and at the far corner of the meadow you will see a sturdy metal gate leading out of the enclosure and onto the path back towards Benaocaz. Follow this path back across the Arroyo del Pajarito, past a few farms and up into the village. Just as you enter the village you will see some modern houses with a small steep flight of steps by the side. Take the steps and then the ramp that follows and you will find yourself in a square next to the Mesón El Refugio, well worth a stop for a drink and a few tapas to keep you going. Once you have regained all those calories you had walked off, head downhill away from the mesón, eventually turning right and heading back to the Ubrique road. Follow the Ubrique road down to the sign for los Chozos and back to your car. Total distance seems to be approximately six kilometres but it certainly felt like more because of the many ups and downs.

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