Villahermosa – ravine walk (2)
LAST week we’d started a route from Villahermosa del Río – the Castellón village which will be featured on this page over the next few weeks – which takes in the spectacular ravine forged by the River Carbo.
Having entered the Barranco de la Hoz – via the footpath at the ‘Roman bridge’ (Puente Romano), which isn’t really a Roman bridge – the path runs along the right-hand side of the Carbo.
The specular nature of the ravine is immediately apparent, with rock walls veering up from the riverbed. In places pine trees cling to impossible perches on the rutted limestone cliffs.
After a very short grassy section the path drops into the stony riverbed.
Here it is dry, apart from after heavy rain. The route meanders along the righthand side of the riverbed, then stepping stones cross to the left ‘bank’, giving notice that there is sometimes water about.
The towering cliffs are partly coated in vegetation, making the ravine verdant, along with the background colour of sandy brown and reddish rock.
Up above, buildings from the village appear on the edge of the precipice.
The path continues along the left-hand side, at times passing under the granite blocks.
In the spots where the ravine opens out there are some amazing views of this snaking passageway through the canyon.
Information boards appear on the left, noting the points of botanical interest, and also the fauna which lives in the caves and fissures of the ravine.
The end of this section of the ravine is signalled by the appearance of another bridge (also not Roman).
The path leads up to a rural road which crosses the bridge. The ‘puente’ offers a very good view up and down the Barranco de la Hoz – pause a while to take stock.
The far side of the bridge marks the start of a via ferrata’
known as ‘La Muela’, which is described on the information board in situ.
This is a climbing route up the side of the ravine which should only be attempted by people with ropes, helmets and proper equipment.
You may want to take a look at the start of the route, but - be warned. Even here, there are sharp drops from the path into the ravine below, and no handrail to prevent a fall which could be fatal. So take great care if you venture along this path.
At the bridge, there are options. The round route takes the walker across the bridge and up to the road, where it is a right turn to get back to the village.
It’s a short, but not overly inspiring stroll along the road, although the views are very pleasant.
The alternative is to retrace your steps from the bridge back along the ravine – seeing this wonderful natural creation from a different angle.