Ardales, Andalusia

Today we'd planned to visit and stay overnight in Cordoba. But reviews about the aire, that cost 24.50 euros a night, didn't fill us with confidence. There was no security, and a good chance Margery might be broken into. So we abandoned Cordoba and decided to head to Ardales near El Chorro. We stayed here six years ago, and as it was on our route we decided to return to this pretty area. As we left Granada, we were delighted to catch a sight of The Alhambra up on the hill. What a perfect end to our 24 hours in the city. As of the past few days, fast moving dual carriageways which ran up and over the hills, carried us to our destination. This was olive country. The lower slopes of the hills a patchwork of green. The sun was out, and the temperature rose, baking the already thirsty soil. By lunchtime we'd left the main road and climbed a narrow road lined with beautiful wild flowers on either side.

Sadly the spot by the dam that we'd parked Margery in all those years ago was no longer available. But we found another, so all was good. As with all tourist attractions in the area there were many visitors in the village. And as with all tourist attractions in the area no ticket, no entry. There was no chance of buying any of the cheaper individual tickets to walk The Kings Little Walk. Only guided ones at thirty euros each. They could keep them at that price. The main attraction is a cliff side walk including crossing the water 100 meters below. The whole of the The Kings Little Walk, officially known as the Caminito Del Rey is nearly eight kilometers long, and you can walk a section of it for free.

It is a beautiful walk through leafy shady trees over a loose uneven surface. But it's not a difficult hike. As we passed high above the hydro electric station John spotted some rosemary and wild garlic growing. Obviously we know have a bag of fresh herbs in our fridge. Back in the village we stopped for refreshment before returning to Margery.

Ten large carp gracefully swam in the green water of the resovoir. This evening the tourists now left, the village is peaceful. There are two other vans here with us, it is very peaceful, the quiet disturbed now and again only by the geese squabbling with the ducks in the water behind us.