Peñas Blancas

The White Cliffs, the highest point locally, rise to just over 2,000 feet. The rough track starts from the backroad to Cartagena and climbs steeply.

We quickly look back to the road where we parked the cars to see the unfolding panorama.

As we approach the top of the cliffs, we see the valley below as from an aeroplane.

Looking sideways along the cliffs the view is even more dramatic, enhanced by the haze, which is actually smoke rising from the tomato growers burning old plants on the coast way below.

The countryside looks barren from a distance but at this time of the year there are flowers and shrubs that bloom before the savage summer heat.

There are even some unusual butterflies like this swallowtail with a three inch wingspan.

There’s a refuge on the top. Don’t underestimate the chance of severe weather on such an exposed ridge for walkers and climbers even in this generally benign climate. There was a bottle of wine in the hut, so maybe it’s really a party venue.

We take in some disused iron ore mines on the way down. Jan our walk leader guides us to avoid the hazards or in case we get lost. That's quite a drop on the left.

Climbing out is even more of a scramble.

Outside, the spoil heaps were used to shore up the footpath we’ve been using, and which originally must have been a track used by the miners and also to take down the iron ore by mule. Hot work in the summer!

We continued down to the track to the road and the cars, avoiding the thorn bushes. Another great walk, thanks to Jan and Marjon.