La Vieja Reservoir
Singular places
, Santiago Pontones
The lush slopes and rock faces are reflected in the blue-green waters of this tiny reservoir, which resembles a natural, high-mountain lake more than it does a man-made feature. La Vieja is formed by the waters of the River Zumeta, and is a serene, tranquil spot that is the perfect place to savour a moment of peace and quiet.
From the main road you will see a track leading down to the dam, from where the view is even more breathtaking with the impressive Pico Morrión rising majestically upwards in the background.
This area of the park represents better than any other the world of mountain villages: scenery, culture, cuisine, smells, colours and ways of life that seem fantastical to city-dwellers, as though it were not possible to live in harmony with nature or to live off the resources nature provides us without harming them.
In certain villages around the reservoir, time seems to have stood still and each offers its own traditional dish: the bread and cakes from the village of Tobos, made in old wood-fired ovens, or the magnificent spirit from Vites used to prepare delicious homemade liqueurs like pacharán (sloe-flavoured liqueur) or mistelle.
We recommend…
- Having a meal at one of the establishments near the reservoir: you will be sure to enjoy Segura lamb, traditional pork products or any other mountain dish.
- Visiting one of the villages next to the reservoir, such as Marchena, La Muela or Miller.
LOCATION
La Vieja is located halfway between the town of Santiago de la Espada and the village of Las Juntas de Miller, on the JF-7038 local road, next to the village of Morrión.
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