A very good day of walking today. Started with several miles of rolling trail, once again running above both the river and railway. It was chilly in the long shade created by the steep gorge, probably low 40’s with a brisk wind.

I encountered several couples hiking today, I realized that even though it’s a Monday a lot of people are making it a long weekend as tomorrow is a holiday “Andalusia Day”. The trail I was on is not only a Camino it’s one of the several “senderas” or walking routes in the area.

I also ran into a man walking (?) his sheep down by the river.

At 10k I came to the town of Estación de Benaoján. Once again craving a coffee I hoped to stop but unfortunately the town was on the other side of the river and the bridge had been washed away a few years ago. Fortunately the water was low and the stepping stones were both visible and dry.

My breakfast stop took forever, 20 mins just to get the waiter’s attention- I’ve never seen so many people’s eating toasted sandwiches and drinking coffee in my life! But an hour off my feet is never wasted…

Leaving Benaoján meant leaving the Natural Reserve and the stunning canyons. Whereas I had gentle trail within the rugged gorge, entering the wider valley of olive groves and pastureland the Camino decided to go straight up, and down, and up….

The scenery was amazing and as always, thrilled to see the varied signs of spring:

At the top of one such ridge I had my first glimpse of Ronda, half hiding in the dappled sunlight but it was still an hour away.

Entering Ronda from the east one enters the Old Town first, then crosses the famous New Bridge across the chasm of the Gaudiaro. I’ve 2 nights here, a Rest Day tomorrow, so I’ll take in all the sights then!

21.6kms, and a very brisk 50° for a high in Ronda!