A 5.6-kilometre circular route passes through the Huerta de El Esparragal and the Cantera de La Cueva. The SL-MU 21 Sendero de la Huerta de Monteagudo follows farm tracks through the Huerta and individual paths alongside the irrigation channels. Together with the water management system, traces of quarrying and local heritage, this offers a theme for travellers who want to combine landscape and history during their stay.

Hiking in La Cueva: Circular Route and SL-MU 21

The circular route crosses the Huerta de El Esparragal and the Cantera de La Cueva. From the Iglesia de La Cueva, you can see the entrance to the former, disused quarry. The striking rock formations of La Cueva were created by historical quarrying. On the return leg, the route follows Calle San José to the small Ermita de San José. The Iglesia is located at Calle San José 17. The Iglesia de La Cueva and the small Ermita de San José are separate religious buildings.

The SL-MU 21 Sendero de la Huerta de Monteagudo starts near the Azarbe de Monteagudo and continues to the Fuente de San José in La Cueva. It follows farm tracks through the Huerta and individual paths alongside the irrigation channels. Different points of reference can help you choose: for the circular route, the length and return to the Ermita are important; for the SL-MU 21, the starting point, destination and types of path are the specific reference points. Trail conditions can change; check them locally before setting off.

Water Management and Local History

At the Partidor de la Cueva, the Azarbe de Monteagudo divides into the Brazal Alto de la Cueva and the Brazal Bajo. This makes traditional water management tangible at a specific junction: an azarbe splits there into two named channels. This adds the structure of local irrigation to the perspective of the route.

The two washhouses have a history of use: in the past, they were used by women from Las Lumbreras and La Cueva, respectively. In La Cueva, a long-standing spring was turned into a public washhouse by local residents. A small chapel in honour of Saint Joseph was built above the spring. In La Cueva, the washhouse and chapel connect the history of water use with the veneration of Saint Joseph.

Festivities in honour of the Virgen del Rosario take place in La Cueva in October. As the individual programmes vary, check the specific dates before travelling. This will help you plan your travel dates according to whether you would like to include the celebrations in your stay.

Discover more destinations: La Palma, Santa Gertrudis, Puntas De Calnegre, El Sabinar, Archena, Los Zancarrones, Los Alcázares, Sangonera la Verde

For the broader travel overview: Murcia.