Black pine forests and olive groves mark the contrasting landscape of Cañada Catena. There are also two circular hikes with different focuses, the nearby Poyo de los Burgos natural area, and traces of historic transhumance. Cañada Catena serves as a gateway to the Sierra de Segura. The valley’s former use for moving livestock is also part of the character of this place.
Landscape Between Black Pines and Olive Groves
Cañada Catena is surrounded by the first stands of black pine, which stand out against the olive groves in the landscape. Another landmark is Monte “Cañada Catena”: it runs roughly parallel to and close to the Arroyo de Cañada Catena. The boundary of the natural park meets the outer edge of the monte. This makes it possible to identify the landscape features around the village by their specific mountain and watercourse names.
Hiking: Two Circular Routes with Different Focuses
The PR-BS-38 circular hike passes Piedra del Moro, Cerrillo de las Particiones and Barranco del Pinarón in Cañada Catena. At 11.5 kilometres, with an approximate duration of three hours and a moderate difficulty level, it offers clear details for planning a hike. Those who choose this route can factor its duration and difficulty rating into their day’s plans; the named landmarks also give an idea of the landscape features along the way.
The SL-BS-37, also described as a circular hike, goes via Alto de las Muelas and offers panoramic views of the valleys of Cañada Catena and Segura de la Sierra. The two routes therefore differ mainly in the landmarks described: the PR-BS-38 focuses on named places along the way, as well as distance, approximate walking time and difficulty level; the SL-BS-37 is defined by views of two valleys. The Spanish imperial eagle is among the characteristic animal species along the route over Alto de las Muelas.
Poyo de los Burgos: Natural Area and Access
Near Cañada Catena, the Poyo de los Burgos recreation area lies on the slopes of Monte Fuente Pinilla. It offers tables, a spring and barbecue areas for a nature outing. The area is a destination in its own right, in addition to the circular hikes, and adds a place with specific facilities to the area’s natural attractions.
Access is via the A-6301 from Cortijos Nuevos to Beas de Segura. After Cañada Catena, at kilometre 16, there is a turn-off to the left after 2,400 metres. From there, a track leads to the area after a further 1,600 metres. If you are planning a visit, you can use these details to find your way there.
Olive Oil Route, Livestock Trails and Local Festivities
The Ruta cultural del Aceite passes through Cañada Catena along a section between Beas and Cortijos Nuevos. Another cultural trace can be found in the construction of the oldest houses: they were built using rock overhangs or caves in the rock. These once served as livestock pens and overnight stops for herds travelling from Beas into the Sierra. The valley of Cañada Catena was also formerly used for moving livestock between the mountains and the plains as part of transhumance. The buildings and the valley setting thus point to different aspects of historic livestock farming.
The patronal festival in honour of the Virgen de las Maravillas takes place in early September. Over the weekend, it includes a public street festival and various recreational activities. The programme from 17 January 2018 is preserved as a historical account of another celebration: the San Antón festivities in Cañada Catena included a bonfire in the village square at night, a Mass, a procession and a communal meal. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas is located on Calle Iglesia.
For the broader travel overview: Beas De Segura.
