Ruta del Fray Leopoldo in Andalucia

[islandwalker]

We are walking in southern Spain right now, and a few days ago when we visited the birthplace of Fray Leopoldo in the village of Alpandeire, we had the good fortune to be able to talk with a great-granddaughter from his extended family. She gave us information about the pilgrimage route that has developed in his honor. She says it is mainly Spanish pilgrims who walk the route right now, but of course they welcome all. We plan to walk more of the route next month, and I will post additional information here when we get it. I have seen references to other villages being on the route in addition to Jimera de Líbar and Atajate, and also to a refuge being built in one of the villages. If you would like to see a few photos relating to Fray Leopoldo and also to the route, I’ve put some at the bottom of this journal page.
Elaine

 

[islandwalker]

We have just finished walking one of the stages of the Ruta Fray Leopoldo. It is a gorgeous mountain route! If you are looking for a short pilgrimage route in Andalucia, I can highly recommend this one. For photos and comments on the route, see Day 41 of our journal: Atajate to Jimera de Líbar (Ruta Fray Leopoldo).

 

[islandwalker]

Day 42 of our journal has details and photos about the section of the Ruta de Fray Leopoldo between Jimera de Líbar and the start of the trail at Barriada Estación. Because of all the rain in Andalucia this March, a small portion of the route is underwater. If you are starting from the station during a month of high water and find the marked trail impassible, walk to the south end of Calle Martin Gil and take the concrete track that goes uphill just before the roundabout. This will join the official route just above the water utility building you can see in the photo directions in my journal (linked above). If you are walking in the other direction (as we were), the directions are on the linked journal page.