03. Cueva Grande - Los Manantiales - Cueva Grande
GENERAL CHARACTERIZATION.
This area is characterized by its water collection infrastructure, particularly unique in Gran Canaria, represented by cave ponds and the use of springs. The latter were directed toward coastal areas, where the island's highest population densities were concentrated and where the main export crops—bananas and tomatoes—were located.
We are in a place composed almost exclusively of Roque Nublo material, mostly agglomerated. Although, between the different flows and phases of this eruption, layers of soil also formed that were later compacted and burned by subsequent flows, forming the so-called paleosols or red ochre. These are of great importance in capturing water, since, once compressed, they have become impermeable. Therefore, the water that passes through the fissures of the Roque Nublo complex, once it reaches the height of these ancient soils, has no way of filtering further. It therefore tends to emerge to the surface through the contact zone between this layer of paleosol and the upper flow, forming the so-called "mothers of water" or "springs." In this way, the water that oozes from the rock is used, first being collected in a pond and subsequently transported to the usual drinking water sources through canals and ditches.
The abundance of broom, rockrose, and brooms is the reason why traditional grazing livestock, although also stabled livestock, became so important in these areas. This is clearly demonstrated by the large number of sheds and corrals present in the area, now abandoned.
The pine forest seen along this route is mostly reforested. Chestnut, walnut, and some white poplar trees accompany these conifers, but the most notable vegetation is primarily broom-rockrose. This scrubland is in a phase of expansion following the abandonment of many of the terraces, especially those furthest from population centers and more difficult to access, as is the case specifically in this area of Los Manantiales.
The cold and low temperatures of winter provide a unique view of this area. During this season, the sea of clouds almost permanently covers the Cueva Grande neighborhood, while above it you can see a magnificent cotton carpet (a blanket of trade wind clouds) that awakens a thousand and one sensations.
Cueva Grande - Los Manantiales - Cueva Grande
We dedicate this trail description to Don Estebita González, a resident of Cueva Grande, because his help allowed us to better understand the area in general and this path in particular.
We are on a circular trail, which departs from Cueva Grande and returns to the same location. The first section to Los Manantiales is uphill, with some slight descents; the return journey follows the same path, but downhill. This walk offers some of the most interesting hydraulic infrastructure at the summit of Gran Canaria, such as ponds excavated in the red ochre, galleries, and water conduits (canals, irrigation ditches, etc.).
The route begins in the Cueva Grande neighborhood, specifically at the bend where the former school is located, now a Residents' Association. We leave the main road, right along the track that climbs up next to the school, and head toward the church of San Juan Bautista. In front of its facade, a dirt path begins. We ascend this dirt path for a few meters until we reach a cement track, parallel to the Barranco del Burro, which remains always on our right. The track leads us to a bend in the main road, above km 3 of the GC-600.
We cross the aforementioned road and take the path opposite (photo below). This road was commonly used by local residents to take their livestock down from the summit toward Cueva Grande and San Mateo. A series of bends can be seen along this road, where livestock passed, while people took advantage of the narrower, straighter shortcuts. We should never stray from the main road, the one with the bends, as it is the one that leads us directly to Los Manantiales.
Shortly after beginning the ascent along this path, you come across a chalet. This trail leads you toward Degollada Blanca. On both sides of the path, you can see broom and rock rose bushes, as well as abundant Moorish and white sage. Upon reaching Degollada Blanca, you can enjoy excellent views of the Cueva Grande area and La Siberia to the north.
After passing through Degollada Blanca, we head toward La Calderetilla. Looking back, we get a good view of the area, cloud cover permitting. Once through La Calderetilla, we head toward Los Manantiales, passing under several terraces or rows of crops. This time, we must continue along the path on the left, as the one on the right leads to Corral de los Juncos, via Montaña de La Arena.
Within the La Calderetilla area, we find a series of pylons along the path, placed by the English who, in the 19th century, purchased these lands to obtain water for irrigating coastal crops. These lands, formerly British, now belong to the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, and the area's water management is the responsibility of EMALSA (1). Abundant gamonas and morgallanas are present alongside the chestnut, pine, and eucalyptus trees planted some 50 years ago.
We continue along the dirt path and cross several terraces or rows that were once used for growing cereals, legumes, fruit trees (apples, chestnuts, walnuts, pears, etc.), and potatoes. Among the terraces, and already at the top, to the right of our path, somewhat camouflaged, we find the house that belonged to Manolito Quintana, a resident and farmer in the area.
From here on, we see the first cave-like ponds that collected water from Los Manantiales. This precious liquid was used both for irrigation and for animal watering, but not for human consumption. After passing a huge chestnut tree, we enter the area known as Llano Blanco and continue along the path to the left, which descends slightly. The one on the right leads to Hoya del Salao. Following the path to the left, we reach La Veguerilla, a reforested area of Canary Island pines planted at the time by the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, the landowner. Looking south toward the summit, we see Roque Redondo.
We then take a narrow path covered with abundant pine needles, where extreme caution must be exercised to avoid slipping. Upon reaching the bed of the Barranquillo de Los Manantiales, we climb up its left flank. We see a black pipe and a blocked water channel. After a short ascent, we reach Los Manantiales, where we find a limestone pond with a channel for runoff water at the top and several openings in the ochre wall that facilitate water drainage. In this area, we must be especially careful with the male nettle plant, whose contact with the skin causes an unpleasant and lasting sting.
We descend along the same path. Upon reaching the bottom of the ravine again, we continue along the path that climbs to El Llanito, where we see an abandoned shed. Ahead, towards the summit, we see Roque Redondo and, behind it, Roque Margarita. In this area, the trail leading to Camaretas begins, a different route from the one we're currently exploring. After admiring the landscape, we return along the same path we came up, until we reach the Cueva Grande neighborhood, where this route ends.
(1) For further information, please consult the book by ENCARNA GALVÁN GONZÁLEZ (1996): The Supply of Drinking Water to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 1800-1946. Island Water Council. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
