Acebuchal - Casa la Mina - Cerro Juliana

Starting in Acebuchal, where ample car parking can be found this walk follows the camino towards Competa as far as the Rio Torrox. Pass by the rejuvenated Fabrica de Luz, and cut out the bend in the track by walking up beside a stand of eucalyptus trees. Continue twisting upwards along the track passing Los Olivillos. At a lefthand corner where an electric pylon stands with no wires a path will be found which follows straight up the stony ridge (white limestone) This path exits back onto the track a short distance below Casa la Mina. Pass the Hotel on your right and after approx.300m look for another electric pylon on your right beside the track. A path leads off here and twists upwards until it meets with another track immediately below Cerro Gavilan with its Vigilancia Forestal. Turn left here and follow the track which affords extensive views down onto the terrain which you have just walked. Cerro Verde and El Fuerte are near neighbours. Your target peak of Cerro Juliana can be seen directly ahead. Continue along the track, now sadly bearing the devastating evidence of a recent forest fire. Descend to the Collado with its neat picnic area. Scramble up the Corta Fuego to the summit of Cerro Juliana which is marked by a small cairn. Retrace your steps to the Collado and take the path which starts its descent at the side of the perimeter fence of the picnic area.
Beware! This path is steep with loose stones in places and at first drops in very tight zig-zags. Eventually the severity of the slope lessens and the path swings tightly to the right. This path, eroded in many places, continues across the face of the hill and eventually exits near a water pumping station near to the Torrox-Competa Road. Make your way to the road and then head downhill, (left) for a short distance before turning left onto a dirt track. This is variously signed, but Acebuchal is what you are looking for. Follow this track and return to your start point.