Stage 4: Uña – Villalba de la Sierra

The fourth stage of the Júcar Nature Trail begins next to the interpretative panel at the car park in the town of Uña. A wonderful starting point located in an impressive natural setting formed by the Uña lagoon and the typical cliffs of the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park.

As we embark on the stage we say farewell to the picturesque town of Cuenca, heading towards the capital along the CM-2105 road. First, we walk along a pavement before continuing on the hard shoulder, so extreme caution is recommended. After crossing the river Júcar, we cross the road and leave it for good, taking an asphalt track. Before continuing along the route, it is well worth taking a brief detour to follow the signs to visit the Uña travertine, a geological formation of great interest and beauty.

Further on, the trail begins to climb uphill. We pass a recycling bring centre and Uña cemetery on the left, at which point it becomes a dirt track. We then enter a coniferous forest, mainly made up of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and black pine (Pinus nigra), which is becoming more and more evident. As the forest becomes more and more dense, it offers the traveller some pleasant shade.

We then reach a perfectly signposted crossing, taking the left. Shortly thereafter there is a sign indicating the beginning of a section on foot, just as the steep slope that will dominate this section begins.

From this point on, travellers will need a firm and determined attitude as they tackle this stretch of just over 1.5 kilometres that will test their physical fitness while at the same time delighting those who love the mountain scenery. This section runs entirely along a path that zigzags uphill to avoid the steeper slopes.

After the effort of the climb, we are rewarded upon reaching the Mirador de Uña viewpoint, the perfect place for some respite and to regain strength while taking in the panoramic views of the upper course of the Júcar, the Serranía de Cuenca and the town of Uña, a picture postcard panorama. Explanatory tables inform the traveller of the most outstanding geographical features and of the rest of the natural values of this magical spot.

After that short break, we continue our journey along the dirt track from the viewpoint. The route then reaches kilometre 4 of the stage and, shortly afterwards, the fire extinguishing tower, where a short cross-country section begins. The route continues following the Caminos Naturales signposts before crossing the CM-2104 road, taking all necessary precautions, to continue along the dirt track.

We soon reach kilometre marker 5, confirming we're on the correct route. Almost without realising, the traveller is immersed in the spectacular Ciudad Encantada rock formations. Even if the trail won’t take us to the most famous geological formations, this opportunity to discover the less explored corners of this beautiful spot should not be passed up. Enjoy the flora and fauna that quieter travellers can observing in peace and quiet.

There is a succession of changes in the surface of the trail from path to cross country, as we follow the official Caminos Naturales signage. Where possible, we recommended using a mobile device with the official route on the Caminos Naturales website (https://www.mapa.gob.es/en/desarrollo-rural/temas/caminos-naturales/caminos-naturales/sector-centro/jucar/default.aspx).

After passing kilometre 7 of the stage, the most curious rock formations of the Ciudad Encantada come into view. Calmly chiselled by the passage of time, they offer an invitation to the traveller to stop and play at imagining, together with his fellow travellers, what these formations might resemble. Shortly after passing kilometre point 8, turn left at the crossroads and, before another kilometre marker, take the path to the left at a fork in the road, which continues along the crest, enjoying spectacular views of the mountain scenery.

The route gains metres in altitude as it climbs to the Mirador de Villalba de la Sierra viewpoint. A spectacular spot where you can look back and enjoy what you have done and what lies ahead. Before continuing, this place is worthy of a brief stop. You can take some time to regain your strength on the specially placed bench and learn more about the species of ungulates that inhabit the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park thanks to a panel located next to the bench.

After this well-deserved break for body and soul, the descent begins, which is firstly along a path and then metres later takes the dirt track on the left, all duly signposted. The rapid and comfortable descent zigzags down the slope as the dense pine forest, predominant throughout the stage, gives way to a holm oak forest with a rich undergrowth populated by the species typical of Mediterranean scrubland.

The end of the descent is marked by an interpretative panel offering information about the nearby Salto de Villalba, also well worth a visit, as is the nearby Ventano del Diablo. At this point, the holm oak grove also disappears, and the land is occupied by agricultural crops in the nearby fertile lowlands of the River Júcar.

The journey continues, turning left and continuing parallel to the CM-2105 road until it crosses it. On the other side, there is a bridge over the river Júcar and an interpretative panel indicating the end of the fourth stage of the Júcar Nature Trail, which welcomes you to the town of Villalba de la Sierra.