Castillo del Névalo

In the heart of the Sierra Morena Cordobesa lies the village of Villaviciosa. The surrounding area is a sparsely populated and home to a mix of woodland and Mediterranean scrub. Not far from the village are the remains of Castillo del Névalo, which most likely dates back to the time when the Moors roamed this area. Today there are only two towers remaining and an alijibe, which is a kind of Arabic cistern for storing drinking water. 

 

To access the start of the route you need to head for the Parque Periurbano about 2km outside of the village. Following the road past the park, you continue for about 5km until the tarmac ends at a farmhouse. You can park your car here and follow the path that starts behind the house. The route is flanked by Strawberry Trees and Fig Trees and then we reach fields filled with Almond Trees, whose blossom is spectacular in the months of January and February. In summer months you will see Bee-eaters hawking for prey above the orchids.

Bee-eater with its prey

 

Almond Blossom

In the thicker scrubs Robins and Nightingales take shade from the Andalusian sun.

Nightingale

After a while we turn left off the main track and enter a pinewood where Crested Tits flit from tree to tree, inspecting each leaf for small insects.

Crested Tit

Long-tailed tits appear almost out of nowhere in their family groups, not staying more than five minutes before moving on again. Another species that travels through the forest are the Azure-winged Magpies. However, they alert us to their presence with their loud squawking calls that they make to each other. As we climb further we can see Rock Buntings and Subalpine Warblers in the area where the path opens up slightly.

Subalpine Warbler

The last stretch is quite steep, but soon we find rubble from the castle buildings at our feet and the sight of watchtower up ahead. Black Redstarts seem to favour the areas around the ruins and from the top, at just over 800 metres, we have spectacular views over the surrounding Sierra. With clear view of the sky we can see Griffon Vultures gliding by on their hunt for their next meal. 

Castillo del Névalo

To return we have to go back the way we came. In total the route is about 7km and is a pleasant morning walk at all times of the year.