Hike from Ronda to the Cueva del Gato
Including Free GPX file for hiking from Ronda to the Cueva del Gato
Embedded Files
FREE!!! GPX file to hike from Ronda to Cueva del Gato when you sign up for our newsletter!
Read about the Cueva del Gato (Cat Cave) near Ronda, with information on how to hike there and what to expect.
Read about the Cueva del Gato (Cat Cave) near Ronda, with information on how to hike there and what to expect.
The Cueva del Gato
The Cueva del Gato
The Cueva del Gato (Spanish for "Cat Cave") is a well-known cave and natural site located in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, near Benaoján, in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, southern Spain.
Key Features:
Spectacular Cave Entrance: The cave gets its name from the shape of its entrance, which is said to resemble a cat’s face.
Underground River System: The cave is part of an extensive karst cave system that features an underground river connecting to the Guadiaro River. Water flows out of the cave mouth into a crystal-clear natural pool.
Popular Swimming Spot: The pool at the cave’s entrance is a popular place for swimming, especially in summer, thanks to its cool, clean spring water.
Caving & Speleology: The interior of the cave is only accessible to experienced cavers and speleologists with proper equipment, as it involves complex passages, vertical drops, and flooded chambers. It's part of a more extensive network that includes the Sistema Hundidero-Gato, one of the longest cave systems in Andalusia.
Protected Area: As part of a natural park, the area is protected, and certain activities may be restricted to preserve the environment.
The Hike from Ronda to the Cueva del Gato
The Hike from Ronda to the Cueva del Gato
The route starts from the historic neighbourhood known as El Barrio in the Plaza Rueda Alameda in front of the 13th-century city gate, Puerta de Almocábar.
From El Barrio, you will descend below the old city fortification and past the Puente Nuevo, where you will see Ronda's most famous landmark from its most glorious angle.
Once you have filled up your cameras memory with incredible pictures of the bridge you will follow the road below Ronda before heading out into the stunning Andalusian countryside.
On the approach to the viewpoint of the Puente Nuevo bridge, you joined the GR 249 hiking route to Benaojan, which you will follow until the 9th KM of your route, where you will split from the route to connect to another.
Once you leave the valley below Ronda, you will find the following sign, which highlights the number of walking routes that use this section of path.
As you head towards the Grazalema Natural Park, you will cross a local natural landmark, the Union of Two Rivers, where the Guadalevin River and the Guadalcobacin River meet to form the Guadiaro River.
From the start of the Río Guadiaro, you will follow the river and the railway line on an unpaved road, which will turn into the more technical part of the route.
Once you hit the technical section of the route, you will start to ascend a single trail which is exposed in places and doesn't require any scrambling.
The route is mostly dirt and scree with some short boulder sections. These have little impact on the descent but pose a risk and require extra care on the descent.
From this point, you will follow the Guadiaro River to the Cueva del Gato. The route will lead you right to a water hole, where you'll have the opportunity to jump into fresh water. On a hot day, it is bliss, swimming in the cold water; on a not-so-hot day, sometimes it's best just to dip your toe in first and "test the water".
Once you have finished at the Cueva del Gato the route continues a little more. Follow the river until you reach a small town called Benaoján. A town known for its production of cured meats, it is home to the Molino del Santo hotel and restaurant, which makes it the perfect location for lunch.
If you want to return to Ronda from the cave, there is a car park up by the road that runs parallel to the path, and you can call a local taxi to come pick you up.
If you finish the route, you will find Benaoján-Montejaque train station in that part of town, making a charming route back to Ronda. If the train timetable doesn't align, a taxi can take you back to Ronda, also.
GPS route and Statistics
GPS route and Statistics
We currently offer a free GPX download of this specific route for anyone who signs up for our monthly newsletter. Just hit this link to sign up, and you will receive a confirmation email with a link to download, very easy.
Route stats:
Distance - 12.4km
Total ascents - 210m
Total descents - 480m
Paved - 37%, Unpaved 63%
The route is mostly flat and without obstacles and hazards. Between KM 8 and KM 10, you will find the terrain changes to rocky, uneven, boulder field sections.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse