Monday 16 September: a hike from Gata

 We pack away a few things after breakfast and drive the van about 15 minutes north to the small authentic village of Gata perched on the hillside. We head up a stony track lined with walls and Fincas (old allotments of land) into cork oak forests. As we hit the woodland the flies start swarming and we are reminded of our experience last year in the Sierra d’Estrela in Portugal. As a result Simon invested in some fly nets and we are saved by donning them. Not a good look but I honestly don’t think we could have continued without them. Once we’re out of the woods the buzzing abates and we can enjoy the scenery free from infestation! We head for the Torre Almenara perched at 1000metres and enjoy panoramic views before a gentle descent back to the village. It’s hot again and 3 hours of walking has worked up a thirst. We wonder the rustic streets of Gata to the square where we buy fruit from the market stall but all bars are closed. We sit in the shade of the Town Hall cloister and eat our picnic away from the flies and washed down with a cold drink from a local shop. Back to base camp for a cooling dip and reading in the shade. Planning our day tomorrow onwards to Cáceres. 










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