Llanos del Rabel, the Pinsapar Seen from Outside

The Llanos del Rabel are the easiest way to see the Pinsapar: a wide, almost flat forest track that runs along the north face of the Sierra del Pinar and lets you see the Spanish fir forest from the outside, with peaks, scree slopes and gorges all around. The Junta gives it 6.2 km each way, about 2 hours and low difficulty, with a maximum height difference of 179 metres, and recommends it for children, older people and groups. You return the same way.

Getting there and permit

From Grazalema, take the A-372 towards Benamahoma; after 1.5 km turn right onto the CA-9104 towards the Palomas pass and, about 9 km later, the trail leaves on the left, near the Acebuches pass. There is a car park with about 5 spaces, so at weekends it is best to arrive early. It needs authorisation, because it enters the Reserve Zone: individuals request it at [email protected] or on 956 70 97 33, at the El Bosque visitor centre; companies and groups go through the park office.

The route

After crossing the gate you follow the forest track to the end. At the start there is a well-preserved old lime kiln and several firebreaks that protect the reserve. The track crosses a stream, climbs gently and, level with a cone-shaped hill, the first scattered Spanish firs appear in the shade. On the right are the limestone walls of the Sierra de Zafalgar, and the path runs parallel to the Pinar stream among holm oaks, mastic and wild olives.

After a bend the Llanos del Rabel open out, with a forest nursery on the right and, in the distance, the amphitheatre of the Sierra del Pinar with the fir forest and the Torreón, the highest peak in the province. The final stretch reaches a spring and makes a small loop through the lower part of the forest, where the firs mingle with Portuguese oaks and holm oaks. The track that continues to the right is not open to the public.

What to see

The Spanish fir is a fir tree that grows naturally only in Grazalema, the Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Bermeja, which is why this area is a reserve. The Junta also mentions a cork oak grove on limestone behind El Montón hill, which is unusual. In the sky, griffon vultures from the Garganta Verde colony; in the forest, goshawks, short-toed treecreepers, nuthatches and blue tits; and in the silence you may hear the bark of the roe deer.

With children

It is the most comfortable route in the park for families: a track with a good surface, a gentle slope and frequent shade. Bring water from home, because the water from the springs is not drinkable. If the children are small, walk for an hour and turn back.

Very close by start the Garganta Verde and El Pinsapar, and the road over the Palomas pass has two viewpoints.