Elevation gain 439 m

Elevation loss 308 m

Total distance 41.5 km

On leaving town we’re on the road for only a short while before being directed onto an agricultural track. First there are citrus orchards and then general farmland, and then lots of avocado plantations. 

We hear nightingales calling to eachother across the tracks. So beautiful. 

We pass many horses and cattle and are walking under a perfectly blue sky. Although the wind turbines we’re heading towards are turning with without a great deal of energy there is at this moment no wind at all.

A gentle gradient up towards a ridge soon turns into a definitely not so gentle climb.

After walking 5.5 km we reach what I hope is the peak of the hill and pass behind a row of turbines facing across the valley to the mountains beyond, where there is another ridge of turbines. The sound of them gently whirring is quite soothing. 

Walking along the top of the ridge there are rolling green hillsides falling away on both sides with crops of barley, lots of trees dotted about and beautiful wild flowers lining the path. It’s all rather beautiful.

Camino signs are more in evidence today with mojones (bollards) and tiled plaques.

We take a short break just before we hit the road at 9.7 km

By 11 am the sun has become quite intense – it feels much hotter than my forecast says should be 22°. There is not one bit of shade and still no breeze on this road, but I’m very glad the cars are not being driven as fast as they were yesterday afternoon.

At 13.5 km we reach El Fuente bar, but sadly it’s closed. Nevertheless, we take advantage of some chairs set on an nice shady terrace and rest our legs for awhile.   

At 15km we realise we’ve missed a turning. A quick look at the map shows us that we can regain the route by taking the next turn, although it means adding some distance to the stage. On reflection we’re not sure that we did actually miss the turn. The maps that I have downloaded were made by the official Asociación Gaditana del Camino de Santiago. But we have noted from previous pilgrims on this route that there is an area of track that is impassible due to the overgrowth of brambles. So it may be that this is a recommended alternative. 

Whatever the reason, it was a hard slog along another road with no shoulder and a 100 m climb and descent. We reach the town of Los Ángeles at 18.5 km and stop at the first bar for a refreshing fizzy drink. Only a short way to our destination now. Yeah right, but our accommodation is at the very top of Jimena de la Frontera – another 100+ m climb. 

We have an apartment – Casa Rural Doña Catalina (€68) which is very nice with lashings of hot water for a much needed shower. 

As it happens we are not actually at the very top of this beautiful historic town – we decide to go all the way to the castle perched on high because what’s one more climb when you’ve already done so many, and the views from up there are amazing.

There are no shops at the top of town so we visit Bar España in the street below ours for supper and a glass or two of wine.