Trail el Rumblar
Sierra Morena is a great natural space of internationally recognized importance. Much of the water resources consumed in the Guadalquivir basin, especially for urban supply, come from its vast territory.
The path begins in one of its water reservoirs and runs through spaces where we will find the explanation of its valued quality, which is no other than that of the conservation of the Mediterranean mountain, the dehesas and other ecosystems where many animals live, including the Iberian lince.
Leaving the town of Baños de la Encina, which well deserves a visit, we will head for the dam of the Rumblar reservoir on the road JH-5044 (5.5 Km). After crossing it, we will find the beginning of the path (see on the map), which runs in its entirety on the unasphalt road JV-5041.
We start the road parallel to the top of the reservoir, to get away from it by the moving Lomas of the Mesonero in a west direction. We are surrounded by a Mediterranean mountain made up of characteristic species, including the oak. A place where many animals that benefit from the water, and also from the microclimate, of the large artificial lake are camped. After two and a half miles of road, the relief and vegetation change radically, entering us in a plain with olive groves and open spaces where they embrace braves. It is a suitable place to see deer, especially during the summer season in autumn.
After crossing a stream and passing through other land of work, we will surround the imposing joint of La Nava de Andújar or Santa Amalia, which has, among other buildings, its own hermitage and school, as there were many families of farm workers. Immediately after the corrijada we return to a more rugged forest land next to the Mosquila saw, whose most outstanding hill we will see in front of us.
Walking the two kilometers of dehesas that separate La Nava from the Friscalejo House we will have the opportunity to see one of the many animals that live here. It won't be hard to see deer if we go quietly and watch. They often come close to the boarders we will see in the surroundings of the house. It is much more difficult to see a lince, but we will be attracted to the collaboration between owners and Administration to protect this emblematic species, from which is reported by signs along the way.
Later on, the path surrounds the House of Gorgogil, putting us at the foot of the Mosquila saw where, after a curve, we will find the birth of the Gorgogil stream. We continue to climb up the hill of the Mosquila which, after a firewall, we find again with a denser and more wooded vegetable cover. To our right, there continue to be dehesas in a flattened land, where we will find once again brava livestock.
If we look at the fences, we will observe the use of granite pilotes, the rocky material that dominates the area. But we will also discover samples of many other uses of this noble stone, such as eating machines and all kinds of works or buildings. And when it comes to geological resources, we approach the Scoriales, where the path ends. This is an old mining enclave from which different types of metals were drawn. Its name is derived from the scum or waste from the exploitation and treatment of minerals, which were accumulated here.
From Baños de la Encina will go south along the road leading to the Rumblar swamp. Arrived at the junction, we will be diverted by the JH-5044 to the right. After about 5 km, the Rumblar dam is reached, which must be crossed. Next to the relief, the path begins.
It is recommended to wear safe drinking water and clothing and adequate footwear. Ensure the potability of the water from the sources. Be careful with the traffic. This path can be realized throughout the year. In summer, due to the special conditions of height, the insolation is very strong which, together with the lack of shadows, requires important solar protection. The months of October and November are especially recommended, coinciding with the deer's berrhea.
- Mediterranean mountain and oak and cork dehesas.
- Presence of Iberian lince and brave cattle.
- Dam del Rumblar (1941), 65 meters high and 126 Hm3 of reservoir capacity.
- The Navy of Andújar.
- The birth of Gorgogil stream.
- Scorial mining enclave.
Leaving the town of Baños de la Encina, which well deserves a visit, we will head for the dam of the Rumblar reservoir on the road JH-5044 (5.5 Km). After crossing it, we will find the beginning of the path (see on the map), which runs in its entirety on the unasphalt road JV-5041.
Circular path
