Cueva del Peinero recreation area

Introduction

Cueva del Peinero recreation area is located in the northeast area of the Natural Park. It is a steep area near the River Aguascesbas Grande. To get here take Sierra de las Villas transversal road (JH-7155) at kilometer 34.

The river has beautiful rapids and small waterfalls among the vegetation. In the recreation area the water flows silently, an ideal place to enjoy the natural setting which was declared a site of environmental interest.

The place gets its name because according to tradition a nearby cave was inhabited in summer by an artisan who made boxwood utensils, among them combs, of great quality and elaboration.

The recreation area

In this recreation area there are drinking fountains, tables, barbeques and parking space.

It is located in the middle of a stunning geological formation that looks like a majestic circus. It is one of the steepest settings in the Park. There are enormous outcrops, 600 metres high, with stepped stone ledges covered by unspoilt vegetation due to its inaccessibility.

From the recreation area there is a small narrow path paved at the beginning where visitors will enjoy unique views of rocky peaks and picturesque places.

During autumn, visitors can enjoy the yellow of black poplars, the golden or red tone of maples and old vines that color the wild landscape. Common here, as in other areas of the Sierra, are the pines which challenge the vertical position of the rocks. Big pines that grow on limestone walls make the landscape even more dizzying.

Vegetation is thick and varied since we can find two distinguished areas: the valley and the high slopes of the mountain with typical species of wet and dry places. Thus, visitors can see an unusual botanical variety in a small place including pinus nigra, maples, box (boxus), wild rose bushes, rosemary, yews, ashes, willows, etcetera. Members of the deer family (cervidae) might be found since multiple footprints can be seen.

Water is also important in this setting; its babble can be heard continuously as drops falling from the fountains or the water resound in the canyon. At the beginning of the path there is a small waterfall called El Arroyo de la Honguera. To get there visitors should go deep into the copse surrounding the stream following the babble of the water.

Near the recreation area there are lovely views especially from the old Casa Forestal Cueva del Peinero (Cave of the comb maker forest house).

When accessing the area by the road passing the river dam, caves of limestone rock named toba (a limestone rock that originates fanciful formations very typical in this area) can be seen. In this cave, visitors can find greater horseshoe bats which are in danger of extinction.

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