La Muralla Trail (Jaén) - PR-A 126

The La Muralla trail (Jaén) - PR-A 126, a circular route, starts in the centre of Jaén, specifically at the ring road, opposite number 126. From this point, a path in good condition ascends the northern slopes of the Castillo de Santa Catalina hill. The steep path then turns right and becomes gentler, flattening out as it passes the castle walls.

Once we cross the wall, we come across an olive grove and the road forks off. At this point we will go back down, as this is where the circular section of the trail begins. We take the path on the right, just by the border of the olive grove. This flat section you can see, in order of proximity, the San Vicente de Paúl neighbourhood de Paúl (below), the La Magdalena neighbourhood and the San Juan neighbourhood to the right. On reaching the pine wood, we continue down along a path down for a few metres and then ascend gently, with a path opening up between the pine trees. About 150 metres away is a crossroads, where we must continue to the right. Further on the path passes through an open gate in a fence, the path crosses this enclosure, and exits it further on through another similar gate. Both gates are usually open.

Without leaving the path, in front and below, we can see the lane of the Fuente La Zarza, the forest opens up and leaves space for the olive grove. Without going down to the lane, to the left, on the slope, a narrow path climbs diagonally towards the right flank of the pine wood near the olive grove. Here a continual and pleasant ascent begins. This path links with a track to an olive grove. At this point, and without leaving the pine wood, we ascend to the left, for a short, steep section that then eases off and leads us first along a path and then along a track to the Neveral Hospital.

Due to ongoing works around the Hospital and lack of continuity of the original route of the trail that used to go around the back of the centre, it is now easy to continue straight along the tarmac, which takes us into the Dr Sagaz El Neveral hospital grounds, which we will cross until we come to the exit. The entrance leads out onto the main road, so to avoid walking along it, to the right, we will take the paths of the Neveral recreational area which will take us away from the traffic.

We take a narrow path on the left, over a basketball court, and cross the forest track, a section which is shared with the - PR-A127 Pinares del Neveral trail. The marked path continues to the river bed, and then crosses it to join up with the main road again, about 50 metres from the Centro de Caño Quebrado. Caño Quebrado is the only fountain to be found throughout the route. (End of the section shared with the PR-A127 Pinares del Neveral).

At the Caño Quebrado the road to Jaén, meets the road to the Santa Catalina Castle and the Parador Nacional Hotel, and the road to the Neveral Hospital, where we have already been.

Opposite the Caño Quebrado Fountain. Just to the left of the road that goes up to the Santa Catalina Castle and the Parador Hotel. Take a lane that goes downhill next to some old houses; below and to the right, follow the path, in excellent condition, that opens up between the pines and will take us back to the junction by the wall, which we will cross again, this time in the opposite direction, to return to the start of the trail.