Huelga Utrera - Cueva del Agua – Pontones trail – PR-A 195

The Huelga Utrera - Cueva del Agua – Pontones trail – PR-A 195, is one of the most interesting and pleasant routes of the Sierra de Segura. At the start it passes through the peaceful village of Huelga Utrera and then goes back up Segura river by vegetable patches and large walnut trees, in the midst of a beautiful landscape of Corsican pine forests, from which imposing limestone shelves emerge. Then, the valley becomes narrower and as we walk we are flanked by spectacular vertical walls, punctured by numerous caves and steep slopes covered with holm oaks. Next to the trail there are many hazelnut trees, wild rose and barberry bushes, with maple trees, juniper and Portuguese oaks as well.

The route descends to the Segura River next to the impressive Charco del Humo, where the river falls with force into transparent pools in amongst dense vegetation of hazelnut trees, willows and mountain elms. From here we take the alternative path that leads up to the village of Poyotello passing by the Cueva del Agua cave, a prominent example of the karstic landscape of Segura. From this large hollow, where the water normally flows, you can enjoy unforgettable views over the Segura Canyon.

If we follow the main route we leave the Segura river, by the narrow valley of the Patas stream, to the Segura, to return to the Segura and go up to Pontones, staying for most of the time next to the unusually-shaped vertical shelves, poplars and small vegetable patches. Among the abundant fauna in the area, there are golden eagles. Most of the route takes bridle paths, except the section before Huelga Utrera, which takes the road, and before Pontones, which takes a narrow track.