Hiking the Trail El Castillo de las Guardas to Las Cañadillas februar 24, 2024 – Posted in: Andalusia, Spain

Unveiling the PR-A 320: A Rustic Journey from El Castillo de las Guardas to Las Cañadillas

The PR-A 320 trail, a serene pathway stretching across 15 kilometers from El Castillo de las Guardas to Las Cañadillas, offers hikers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the quintessential landscapes of Andalusia. Taking approximately 4 hours to traverse, this route winds through ancient local roads once used to connect neighboring villages, orchards, and farms, presenting an idyllic blend of natural beauty and traditional rural life.

A Path Through Time

Embarking on the PR-A 320 is like stepping back in time. The trail meanders through a picturesque dehesa, a landscape dotted with holm oaks, cork oaks, rockroses, and aromatic plants such as rosemary and lavender. This natural setting serves as the backdrop for traditional sheep and pig farming as well as apiculture, highlighting the region’s longstanding connection to the land.

Waterways and Wildlife

Along the way, hikers encounter various streams, surrounded by broom, reeds, and oleanders, adding to the route’s scenic diversity. The Sierra region, known for its hunting tourism, is home to deer and wild boar, alongside other wildlife such as foxes, weasels, honey badgers, hares, rabbits, and genets. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting storks, bee-eaters, azure-winged magpies, and hoopoes, not to mention a variety of raptors including kites, buzzards, booted eagles, and snake eagles.

The Trail’s Dual Direction

The PR-A 320 is designed as a bidirectional trail, allowing hikers to start their journey from either end – near the Aznalcóllar exit (SE-4401) or from the Fuente Abrevadero in the heart of El Castillo de las Guardas. This flexibility encourages exploration from multiple perspectives, offering fresh experiences for those wishing to traverse the path more than once.

A Convergence of Paths

Sharing segments with the GR 41, a long-distance trail originating from Barrancos (Portugal) and extending to Sevilla, the PR-A 320 and its variant PR-A 320.1 offer hikers a glimpse into the broader network of trails that weave through the region. As the path crosses through private farms, hikers are reminded of the area’s agricultural heritage, with gates along the route that must be opened and closed to maintain boundaries.

The Ascent to Las Cañadillas

With an elevation change of 337 meters, reaching Las Cañadillas marks the approximate midpoint and highest point of the hike. From this village, breathtaking views unfold, revealing El Castillo de las Guardas and the banks of the Guadiamar River, which originates within the municipality. This vantage point serves as a rewarding culmination of the ascent, offering panoramic vistas that encapsulate the essence of Andalusia’s rugged terrain.

Tips for Hikers

  • Prepare for Varied Terrain: Ensure you have sturdy footwear and water, especially during the warmer months.
  • Respect Private Property: Be mindful of gates on private lands – open and close them as you pass.
  • Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the route.
  • Enjoy the Scenery: Allow time to savor the views, particularly from Las Cañadillas, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Conclusion

The PR-A 320 trail from El Castillo de las Guardas to Las Cañadillas is a testament to Andalusia’s natural and cultural splendor. Offering hikers an opportunity to explore traditional landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views, this trail encapsulates the rustic beauty of rural Spain. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the PR-A 320 provides a memorable journey through the heart of Andalusia’s sierras.

Read more about the trail here

« Hiking the Trail From Ipora to Los Naranjos
Hiking the Trail Alcornocal de la Mocheta-Orbaneja »