Top of the World Hike – Oct 2013

As part of our itinerary we decided one day that we would do only a half day hike and spend some time for the rest of the day doing some wine tasting at local bodegas (wine yards) around Competa. David suggested, as we were planning quite a day of activity, that a nice hike would be to start at, what he calls ‘The Top of The World’ Hike. After a lovely breakfast served by David and Sarah, David and his team transported us from Finca Los Pinos’ accommodation at 10am, to what is officially known as ‘The View Point’ at the top of the white-washed village of Competa. A ten minute transport only, and very comfortable too. What a view. It really does seem as if you are at the top of the world and we could see for miles across different mountain ranges and we could see the sea and the Atlas mountains of Morocco. A treat to see these in the clear skies of the Autumn and Spring months as David advised these cannot be seen through the hot haze of the summer months. I really had no idea how beautiful and lush these mountains still are, even after the long blistering summer months that preceded our visit here. David and his team carried our refreshments and we began our gentle hike across the top of the mountain and down into the valley, before a gentle ascent back to Finca Los Pinos, to the doors of our accommodation on foot. As we walked down the mount track and into the valley we delighted in the scenes of small ‘shepherd’ dwellings, typical Spanish haciendas, white washed with grape vine threaded shades over their front verandas, dotted around the mountains. We were surprised to walk through Eucaplytus tree lined tracks – did not expect to see Eucalyptus trees outside of Australia. We wound our way down into the bottom of the valley, where the vegetation turned into that of a tropical forest and we crossed through two rivers that appear as gurgling deep streams across the mountain track. We stopped for some water and juice and fresh fruit at the bottom of the valley before we had a gentle climb out of the valley and straight back to our accommodation front doors at Finca Los Pinos. David and Sarah had prepared a lovely home made beef stew and dumplings for our lunch on return, which was absolutely delicious, and lined our stomachs well for our upcoming wine tasting tour later that afternoon. A great hike, spectacular views, interesting history and fauna, and perfect if you are going to take part in a separate afternoon activity.