Casa Laura, Frigiliana - El Cielo via Sendero del Iman and Fuente del Esparto

Although this walk starts at Casa Laura it is doubtful that anyone else will start there! A more realistic starting point is Frigiliana where ample car parking is available and this reduces the distance by approx. 6km.
I only started at Casa Laura as this has been my holiday destination for many years and the view of El Cielo on the eastern horizon has always beckoned me and presented this challenge.
From Frigiliana descend into the Rio Higueron following the GR 249 and after passing the Pozo Batan turn right at the sign and immediately climb the twisting path of loose stones. The path improves slightly as height is gained. On reaching the crest El Cielo is seen rising on the horizon beyond the green ridges which present the next challenge. The path - also known as the Sendero del Iman - can be seen ahead leading towards the Cuesta Jimenez. Continue along this.
Descend into the Rio Chillar where route finding becomes a little more problematic, but look out for the red and white route markers. Cross the water and after about 70m the path starts to ascend. Continue upwards and cross over the acequia. The path continues and finally meets with the old track leading towards the Cortijo del Iman. Turn right and at the Collado de los Apretaderos turn left. Almost immediately after passing the Venta Mineros you will find the Fuente del Esparto (the water is potable). Continue along the track, pass by some ruined buildings and then take the right junction dropping down to the barranco.
At the barranco crossing turn into the barranco and follow it upwards (heading east) and after passing limestone cliffs on your left look out for a stone cairn marking where you turn off right into a secondary barranco. The path continues through vegetation occasionally marked by stone cairns and then turns right and starts to climb steeply up the western flanks of El Cielo.
On these lower slopes the path is well worn and obvious. Height is quickly gained giving splendid retrospective views of the route already travelled. Be aware that the more obvious path leads towards the Loma del Pozo Seron, so pay attention and watch for a larger stone cairn acting as a "round-about". Here, the more obvious path swings away from the target peak, whilst the intended route follows a less obvious path through vegetation. Small cairns mark the route and a few isolated pine trees are good markers.
Vegetation becomes less, and loose stones present a problem and the path is less defined although cairns help in finding the best route. By now the summit cross is easily seen and a perfect aid to assist in finding the route. Upwards is easy! Descending is not so; an occasional look behind will help find the route for the return!
Continue to the summit and enjoy the rewarding view - particularly the route you have travelled.
Return via the same route. Refreshment awaits in Frigiliana!