Hiking the Trail From Luciana to Albergue Juvenil Puente de Retama februar 28, 2024 – Posted in: Castilla-La Mancha, GR114, Spain
Exploring the Heart of Spain on Trail GR-114: Stage 13 from Luciana to Albergue Juvenil Puente de Retama
Nestled within the evocative landscapes of Spain, Trail GR-114 offers an exceptional trekking experience that embodies the diverse natural beauty of the Iberian Peninsula. Stage 13 of this trail, a 10.9 km journey from Luciana to Albergue Juvenil Puente de Retama, is a testament to the rich cultural and ecological tapestry that Spain has to offer. This stage, a serpentine path from the Campo de Calatrava to the Comarca de Montes region, is an immersive journey through the quintessential Spanish countryside, always in the close company of the Guadiana River.
Starting Point: Luciana The journey commences on the outskirts of Luciana, near a children’s playground, and quickly leads to a large rest area adorned with a lush grove, complete with tables and benches for a moment of repose. This initial segment overlaps with the concluding part of the previous stage, guiding trekkers towards the intersection of Luciana’s paths, including those coming from Pozuelos de Calatrava and Alcolea de Calatrava, and the trail from Peñuelas.
Molino del Comendador and the Guadiana River One of the early highlights is the Molino del Comendador, a culturally and ethnologically significant mill, now in ruins, situated amidst a grove of ash trees. Here, the path introduces a pedestrian walkway over the Guadiana River, an expansive structure that spans the river’s two branches at this point. This is a picturesque spot that captures the essence of the trail’s intimate relationship with the river.
The Path Through Nature Beyond this point, the trail briefly diverges, resuming around 15 km later near the Dehesa del Chiquero. It’s accessible via a track from the N-430 at the p.k. 253 marker, descending towards the river through a pastureland before continuing along a scenic route. The trail once again meets the riverbank, crossing it and sticking to the left bank until the end of the stage. The route winds through the El Encinarejo oak grove, skirts the Raña de la Huelga valley, and crosses the Cordel de Navalrincón, a livestock trail, offering varied and engaging landscapes.
Final Stretch and Arrival As the path nears its conclusion, it crosses the dry Riofrío stream and proceeds along a wide trail flanked by pine nut trees (Pinus pinea), leading directly to the Albergue Juvenil Puente de Retama. This youth hostel, nestled under a canopy of pine, marks the end of this stage, offering shelter and rest in the heart of nature.
Conservation Efforts Importantly, the trail traverses areas designated for their environmental significance, including the ZEC (Special Conservation Area) “Middle Basin Rivers of the Guadiana and its Slopes” and the ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) of the same name. These designations highlight the trail’s role in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation in these ecologically rich areas.
Conclusion Stage 13 of the GR-114 trail from Luciana to Albergue Juvenil Puente de Retama offers more than just a trek; it’s an exploration of Spain’s natural and cultural heritage. With its rich biodiversity, historical landmarks, and the ever-present Guadiana River, this trail is a microcosm of Spain’s broader environmental and cultural landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, this stage of the GR-114 presents a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world in one of Spain’s most enchanting regions.