High Road

Fantastic day, hiking in the Grazalema Natural Park, north west of Ronda.

Early start as I met my fellow walkers at 8.30 in the tiny mountain village of Benaojan.

Our walking guide was Eva Monika Bratek, an ornithologist who really brought the landscape alive with her insights (and she carried a powerful scope that was brilliant for viewing the wildlife); whilst a friend took professional photos so I'll do a piece on it.

This is a mountain path that formed part of the 6 hour hike. Dating back to the times of the 'bandalleros' bandits, it is still maintained.

Its a stunning landscape of dramatic limestone, pastoral meadows, ancient Portuguese oaks and Mediterranean scrub. Ibex sat on sunny outcrops of rock as eagles and vultures flew overhead - great day!