62 kilometres of new hiking and cycling trails coming to Murcia's forests

Cycling and walking paths, a campsite and viewpoints are all part of the plan to make Murcia's forests easier to explore 

In the next few weeks, work will start in Coto Cuadros and Los Ásperos, as well as in Valle y Carrascoy. These are two of Murcia’s biggest green spaces, covering 1,455 and 6,760 hectares. The plan is to make the forests healthier, better able to cope with drought and climate change, and more enjoyable for visitors.

The regional Ministry of Environment, Universities, Research and Mar Menor has given the contract to a temporary partnership between Naturforest and Aureca. The work should take about three months, so the new hiking and cycling trails and improvements should be ready by June. This is part of a larger overall project to improve public forests across the region, funded through NextGeneration EU, the European recovery and resilience programme. Just over €1 million will go into the project, with most of that being spent in Coto Cuadros and Los Ásperos.

The biggest change will be a network of 62.65 kilometres of forest paths. Six new trails will be created, and one existing route in Los Ásperos will be adapted to make it more accessible. Two paths will circle the forest ranger cabin, another will lead to Cabezo de Torregorda, one will pass the fire watch points, there’s a 21-kilometre cycling trail, and one will run along the Santomera reservoir.

There will also be a new camping area near the Casa de los Cuadros, covering 3,450 square metres, and a new viewpoint near the Garita Nueva de Los Cuadros. It will be a quiet spot to rest and enjoy the views.

Work in the forests will include thinning, pruning and clearing to improve tree health and reduce the risk of fires. Around 128 hectares in Coto Cuadros and 127 hectares in Valle y Carrascoy will be treated. Opening up space lets more light in, helps trees regenerate, encourages a variety of shrubs, and creates habitats for wildlife like rabbits and birds of prey.

The project also helps the forests cope with climate change, especially long periods without rain, which in recent years have caused a lot of tree loss. Previous work at Coto Cuadros included pest control, clearing, using timber, and improving trails and visitor areas.

Local environmental group Ecologistas en Acción has said the work should start as soon as possible. They say it will help protect wetlands, one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in southeast Spain. They also warn that the new Arco Norte road, which will pass near Coto Cuadros, could have a big impact on the area. Litter along the Fortuna road is another concern, and these projects are seen as a chance to protect the natural environment while making it nicer for people to enjoy at the same time.

Image: Parque Regional El Valle y Carrascoy