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Circular path with a length of 11.9 km that runs through the El Pedroso Batholith, where large granite outcrops can be distinguished that emerge to the surface forming bowls known as «Berrocales«. These “Berrocales” house some prehistoric burials and have inspired, since ancient times, the people of Pedro with their stories and local legends, of which the legend of “The Mora Stone” (local legend whose location is at the beginning of the trail).
The trail continues along a forest track leading to different agricultural farms to then reach the Cañas stream, where you can enjoy well-preserved pastures where, in addition to large livestock farms dedicated to the Iberian Pig, you can see raptors.
We will continue next to the Oil Mill through the Almadén road.
During the first kilometers you will see a landscape of pastures dotted with granite batholiths or "porrilla" as it is known here.
This section is divided into small family farms dedicated to extensive cattle and sheep farming.
The Arroyo de las Cañas Route is a unique experience in which you will enjoy the natural beauty of the environment. During the route you will be able to explore impressive landscapes, discover native fauna and flora and breathe fresh air while immersing yourself in nature. This experience will allow you to disconnect from your routine and connect with yourself, enjoying a day of adventure and fun in a privileged environment.
It is about 2 km from the start. The El Pedroso granite quarry has a long history that dates back to the 18th century, when granite began to be exploited in the area. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the quarry experienced a great boom, thanks to the growing demand for construction materials. In the 60s and 70s, the quarry was modernized and more advanced machinery and extraction techniques were introduced, which allowed it to increase its production and improve the quality of its granite.
Furthermore, its natural beauty and its tourist interest make it a place visited by numerous tourists and fans of geology and mining.
After about 3 km you will find the first crossing, which you will continue straight ahead, and after about 300 m, after passing through a more tortuous section, you will enter the Dehesa de Barbosa through a gate located in an old stone wall. You will travel through here for 3 km.
This estate is dedicated to forestry and livestock exploitation. The Cortijo de los Labrados de Barbosa is an architectural complex of great historical and cultural interest located in El Pedroso, Seville. This farmhouse dates back to the 18th century and was originally built as an agricultural and livestock farm. Over the years, the Cortijo de los Labrados de Barbosa has witnessed various historical events, such as the War of Independence or the Spanish Civil War, during which it was used as a center for military operations. Furthermore, this architectural complex is an example of the traditional rural architecture of the area, with its typical central courtyard structure surrounded by buildings and agricultural outbuildings. The Cortijo de los Labrados de Barbosa is a place highly appreciated by tourists and travelers who seek authentic and enriching experiences, and who want to know the history and culture of the area of El Pedroso and the Sierra Norte of Seville.
This pasture has a flat landscape populated with holm oaks and cork oaks, which will accompany you to the shores of its hamlet where you will enter an extensive olive grove.
After about 500 meters, you will come across a large cork oak, perfect for resting from the walk. During the rutting season, it is a perfect place to see and hear the occasional deer at its prime time of the year.
After the break and about 200 meters from the large cork oak, leave the Almadén road and take the Cañas stream to the right and upstream, and continue here for 500 meters along the edge of the olive grove, reaching a crossroads that you will take to the left to ford the stream.
For 1.5 km you will travel straight ahead following the path, with a pasture landscape and accompanied by cows, pigs and sheep, as well as abundant wildlife.
After this section, you will again take a junction to the right to look for the bank of the stream and follow it for 1.5 km, in a terrain full of wild animals and with a little luck you will be able to spot the otter or see the Kingfisher fishing.
After this part, you will reach the Navahonda road, which you will take to the right, crossing the stream again and seeing a huge granite stone about 100 meters away.
This is where the last 2 kilometers begin, continuing to the right along the Cazalla-Cantillana livestock route, arriving at El Pedroso, where its patron saint will receive us in the Hermitage of the Virgen del Espino.
The Virgin came to the municipality through the transhumance of the shepherds from Soria.
It is a building with a single nave with 4 sections and wide span transverse arches similar to other mountain buildings.
See here more details about the Hermitage
Legend has it that at the time of the reconquest, the Almohad king An-Nasir* stayed in the Kura of Firrish* during one of his advances to attack the troops of Tolosa.
The king, along with his chariots and infantry, traveled accompanied by a harem of beautiful Moorish and Christian women, displaying his power wherever he went. One day, a young Christian merchant named Thomas was trying to sell some bread and spices when suddenly he was approached by the most beautiful woman his eyes had ever seen, a Bedouin from the King's harem named Zarha, who always accompanied him on his visits to the souk.
Over time they both fell in love and decided that they only had one chance to live their love; escape before King An-Nasir left the Kura and remain hidden. On a night with a full moon, they orchestrated their escape to the mountains until they found shelter in a natural cave, formed between large stones that emerged from the ground, where they held out for weeks with the only hope of not being found. During this time the King used all his power to hunt them down, waiting for the slightest mistake to find them. One spring morning while searching for food near a stream, Tomás was captured by the army. Imesebelem*, guardians of the harem, and was never seen again, leaving Zahra heartbroken.
After long years of waiting, Zahra went crazy trying to bring Tomás back using ancestral magic spells, until one of them gave up her life to reunite with him. That is why according to legend, all September 8th, a morning star next to a halo of moonlight, kiss the “Mora Stone” and when they both coincide, illuminating the entrance to the cave, the souls of Zahra and Tomás meet for a few moments, right there, giving the people hope for their eternal love.
*Muhammad An-Nasir: Fourth caliph of the Almohad dynasty (1199-1213) defeated on July 16, 1212 by the Christians in the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.
*Kura de Firrish: Arab region to which El Pedroso belonged, whose capital Firrish is located in the municipality of San Nicolás del Puerto, on the Armada hill.
*Imesebelen: Army of black soldiers who fought alongside the Muslims. They were also known as “Black Guard” or “dispossessed.”
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Download PDF of the Arroyo de las Cañas Trail
Also for more information, see this Wikiloc link:
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