Castillico de las Peñas

"Apparently, there was a downpour in these mountains yesterday, as I see a few puddles along the trail. I still find some late-spring flowers as I climb a small, loose dirt path. I like this place because it's close to home and has good views. There's also a spring at the base of the hill. The cicadas flee when I'm near, but today they barely sing due to the unseasonably cold temperatures. When I return, I photograph a rather large tarantula nest next to the trail." — franciscobirruezo • Jul 25, 2025

"I went this afternoon to Cortado de Las Peñas to climb each of the peaks that are on each side of this geological fault. The surprise was the gale that was blowing in the area and that in some places at the top threatened to throw me to the ground, however the thermal sensation was not cold due to dry winds from the northwest. I looked for a sheltered place to eat while I watched the clouds traveling towards the Mediterranean at full speed and some falcon trying to land with difficulty flying against the wind." — franciscobirruezo • Jan 11, 2025

"Route with some friends to Cortao de Las Peñas, the sun is already low on the horizon but the afternoon looks pleasant. My fellow travelers did not know this place in depth and were surprised by the views and rock formations. We see eagle owl pellets along the path near some recently plowed almond tree plots. In the end we did half of a circular path that crosses the entire area and we stayed another day to do the remaining half. On the way back we stopped to have a few beers in a bar in the town of Fortuna while we watched the soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester on TV." — franciscobirruezo • Apr 17, 2024

"Quick getaway about fifteen miles from home, I go with the sun already going down towards its sunset, the coolest breeze of the evening is already noticeable. The climb is pleasant along a well-signposted path. At the top I meditate a bit while the wind brings me voices and conversations from below. The minutes go by while I watch the sun set behind the Sierra de Lugar, there is tranquility and peace in the mountains and I stay a while longer watching the last rays of sun illuminate the town of Fortuna in the distance." — franciscobirruezo • Aug 14, 2023

"Good Night in Spain today with temperatures up to 24 degrees Celsius, I take the opportunity to walk through the mountains before having dinner with the family. I am surprised to see many butterflies and other insects on these dates close to the New Year. I have had lunch in the solitude of the top and meditated a bit before returning, I have also collected some pineapples to light the fireplace when the cold arrives." — franciscobirruezo • Dec 24, 2022

"It had been a long time since I came to this mountain, but I passed near it coming back from the Sierra de La Pila. I have been pleasantly surprised to see new signs indicating the route, also informative signs and a new path to the top. Previously, half of the route was through the bush, now it is quite steep but faster and with better views." — franciscobirruezo • Jan 29, 2022

"After the heavy rainy episode in the Southeast of Spain, we approached the Cortado de Las Peñas in the afternoon. The first surprise is that we have to cross a stream that I never saw in the previous climbs and the second is that a great slope has occurred at this peak. Precisely in the place where I ascended on a previous occasion. The best of the route were the colors of the clouds over the 619 m peak at dusk." — franciscobirruezo • Sep 30, 2019

"And if the journey were important and not the goal. Life is a path you travel alone, but you can share part of the journey with other people. You just have to move forward with the imagination or with the legs ... or with both. Remember that you don't have to go quickly but look around you." — franciscobirruezo • Aug 2, 2019

"Coming home from the Peak 845 m I could not avoid the impulse to climb this. I used a path and then directly to the top for the worst possible place. I have eaten something at the top enjoying the breeze. Then when I got to the car I had the fall of Friday the 13th and I almost broke my head." — franciscobirruezo • Apr 13, 2018

"The trail is comfortable but does not reach the top, so you have to cross the bush. At the top of this peak we were surprised to see an Iberica wall of 2500 years old. On the ground we saw pieces of ceramics possibly of that time. Going down, a hawk has screeched a little claiming his territory." — franciscobirruezo • Sep 18, 2017