In the Alpujarra, divided between the provinces of Granada and Almeria, are various chestnut groves, some larger than others, highlighting among them the well-preserved chestnut grove of Paterna del Rio, in the province of Almeria, thus identified by its adjacency to this town.
The chestnut grove of Paterna del Rio is catalogued as a ‘Singular Grove of Andalusia’ and can be traversed, admired, and enjoyed through the path that runs along it, often adjacent to the canal that gives its name to the path: the Water Route.
On this route, the hiker will come across varied vegetation where chestnut trees prevail, but will also find other species, such as poplars, holm oaks, and pines. The route takes us into an exquisite natural environment, a beautiful valley formed by the Alcolea River and its tributaries. During the autumn, the already excellent views are amplified by the typical colouring of the leaves of the different tree species.
During the route, the chestnut grove becomes leafier until the path reaches a corner, where it crosses an area of very thick vegetation, descending a fairly slippery terrain to the bed of a stream that is crossed by a small bridge of wood.
The route is classified as of medium difficulty but, especially at the beginning, has steep climbs.
It consists of just over 12 kilometres that can be covered in about six hours at a leisurely pace and pausing to regain strength.
Along with the same wonderful panoramic views of Paterna del Rio, we will find the numerous cultivation terraces and, of course, the attractive chestnut forest.
It is an excellent walk where the water passes through the typical and traditional ditch of the Alpujarra landscape and almost always accompanies the route. It should be noted that these ditches are key to the emergence, development, and maintenance of rural landscapes of extraordinary beauty, such as the irrigation systems of the Alpujarra Alta. They have managed to maintain a good level of soil moisture, creating an environment conducive to the presence of species such as chestnut.
Chestnut Characteristics
The chestnut tree is widely appreciated for its gifts. Its exquisite edible fruits, chestnuts, can be eaten raw or roasted and have been a staple throughout history in many latitudes.
In November, the chestnut tree delivers its tasty fruit for the enjoyment of animals in the forest and the longed-for consumption by human beings. Its leaves are also appreciated for their medicinal contributions as an antidiarrheal, astringent, antipyretic, expectorant, antitussive, and antirheumatic.
On the other hand, its strong wood is used in the floors and ceilings of houses, beams in construction, furniture manufacturing, and barrels. Its use is becoming popular in the production of gaffes for tuna fishing, among many other uses.
The chestnut tree requires climates without great extremes. It does not require a lot of water, but it does require enough for its development and growth, as well as for the production of chestnuts, as it is extremely sensitive to droughts and strong frosts. Siliceous soils favour it, but it is intolerant to limestone. It adapts to environments with soft, non-permanent shadows because it requires heat in the summer to form its fruits.
