Gran Senda de Málaga Stage 32 Part 1 of 4 Ojén to Monda

Even though this stretch of Stage 32 of the Gran Senda de Málaga covered a few less km than last week’s effort, the total elevation was double - and we had to go uphill right from the start!
We passed through the beautiful El Cerezal botanical (though somewhat wild) gardens, where we were surrounded by ancient chestnut and cork trees…and some humongous fennel!
It was a tough slog up, and up, and up after that. We were aided by 4 newly-installed chains on the journey up, and we stopped a couple of times - to admire the views to the coast of course!
When we reached the highest point of the hike (890m), we stopped to fill up on coffee and some light snacks - and we were also rewarded with views of the magnificent mountain ranges of Málaga (and Granada) provinces.
It was mainly downhill all the way to Monda from there - with a steep descent after our mini break, but then gentler as we headed out of the foothills of the Refugio de Juanar woodlands. Llanos de Purla recreational area was a great place halfway along this hike to have our ‘proper’ boskit break - with real picnic tables and benches - what a luxury!
We followed the trail from there, which was nestled pretty close to the A-355 road - until we went under a large iron bridge of said road, onwards and upwards for the final section which took us back into Monda itself.
We had a well-earned lunch at Café-Bar La Luna in Monda - fab food!
Today’s stats: Approx 13.5 km, 660 m elevation in 5 hrs 40 mins
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Thanks to Patrick Patrikios for the music in this video.