Motorhomers on Tour : From the unusaul rocks of El Torcal to the impressive outcrop rock of Ronda

We decided to stop another day at Antequera so we could visit the unusual limestone rocks of El Torcal. They sit 1300m high, about 9kms south of Antequera, up a steep and winding road to the car park at the bottom. We didn’t get there until about 2pm and figured being a Monday it would be quiet, unfortunately we hadn’t factored in that it is holiday time in Spain and it was chocka and not a spare parking space in sight. We weren’t in any hurry though and about 15 minutes later a space came free. Most people take the shuttle bus to the top from here, but we took the 3.5km scenic walk up – a climb of just over 400m. It was worth the walk as the views and rocks going up gave you a flavour of what you would see at the top.

Unusual to find this renovated hut on the walk up

At the top, there is a visitors centre and from here you can take a choice of 2 walks ( a short and a long route) taking you around El Torcal. We chose the long one (3.5kms), not wanting to miss anything!

Watch your step Mel!

The El Torcal rock formation has been formed as a result of an accumulation of shells and skeletons of marine animals deposited on the floor of the sea, that covered this area during the Jurassic period – approximately 200 million years ago. Then, around 20 million years ago the sediments were compressed, deformed and fractured until they emerged slowly into this incredible landscape. Due to weathering and erosion, the rocks are constantly changing resulting in this impressive landscape.

Found this little fella hiding in the rocks on the way back down to the car park

When we got back down to the car park, about 6.30pm the car park was empty. We were tempted to wild camp here for the night as the views were stunning.

However, we had heard from other motorhomers that you can get moved on and so decided to head back down to the Aire at Antequera for the night, which now was overflowing – 36 of us on an Aire that only takes 18! The downside was it was very noisy as the Spanish motorhomers seemed to want to party into the night – so we didn’t get much sleep.

The next day we moved on to an Aire at Campillos (N37.04282 W4.863490), only 33kms west in the direction of Ronda. It's a pretty drive and was lined both sides virtually all the way with olive trees, new and old as far as the eye could see. They like their olives and olive oil in Spain!

It's a small and very quiet Aire (takes 6) with all facilities. The weather was hot, so we didn’t want to be sat in Sonny too long. It is a sleepy little town, with not much going on. The nicest area is just off the town’s central plaza, with a little garden and church but not an awful lot more to see.

It was a nice day to relax though and give Sonny a good ‘spring clean’. We got talking to an English guy from Nottingham who brought a 4 bed house here in 2005 for €145,000 close to the Aire. He has been living here on and off since then and said he couldn’t sell even if he wanted as it is now only worth €90. All thanks to the mess those banks got us in!

Having had a good nights sleep, we were up and on the road early today heading for Ronda, about 50kms away. We weren’t sure how busy the Aire was going to be and wanted to be there for 10ish and have a full day looking around Ronda – one of our favourite towns in Spain.

The Aire (N36.75188 W5.14798) is new and they are still finishing it off in parts. For €10 you get everything including Wi-Fi and there is even somewhere to wash and hoover out your motorhome for an extra €1, and a dedicated dog walking area – well done Ronda!

A 30 minute walk from the Aire and we were at Puente Neuvo. Ronda is one of the most ancient cities in Spain, built on a rock that is spectacularly split by the 120 metre deep Tajo gorge. Both sides are joined by the 18th century Puente Nuevo (bridge).

Puente Nuevo

A long and steep walk down - Puente Nuevo

Ronda can get up to 75,000 people visiting it daily and we have been here previous years when it has been very busy with coach loads tourists - mostly Chinese and Japanese. Being Easter week it was no exception - very busy popular once again.

Ronda's bullring is an elegant double-tiered arcade of Tuscan columns, constructed in sandstone. It is the widest in the world and one of the oldest in Spain. Ronda is the birthplace of bull fighting, the first fight took place in 1785. It now stages only a few prestigious fights a year;

Bullring, Ronda

There is a museum just off the bullring walk that gives a good insight into the cultural history of bulls and bullfighting and an interesting exhibition of costumes, photographs, harness and livery collection, along with an antique fire-arms collection belonging to Louis XIV, Napoleon and English monarchs form the 17^th-19^th century. There is also a School of Equestrianism here, dedicated to teaching and training riders in classic horse riding on Spanish thoroughbred horses.

Mel decided to give me his best pose as a bull fighter - Mmm, I don't think he has quite got the look I was hoping for!