Sendero Raso de Juel
Undoubtedly, it is one of the most forgotten trails, but its of a huge geomorphological, ethnological, ethnographic, agricultural and livestock interest. This route is part of the NE of the town, and runs a big part of Majona Natural Park. We can do it on foot or by bicycle, and must take special care when going down to La Campana, because of its steep and slippery terrain.
The access to this route can be taken from the height of 8.2 km from the GM-1, at a place called “Las Casetas”. From there departs the Enchereda forest track, which we must take. After a steep climb, and without deviating from the track, we pass by the houses of “Enchereda”, an area of agricultural and pastoral use, abounding herds of goats and sheep and where a very apreciated smoked cheese is made. Following the main trail, we reach an open area to the trade winds, (EL Helechal) with abundant vegetation and areas where various species of pine alternate.
Our next benchmark is “Raso de Juel” (start of this route) on 720 meters of altitude. The dirt road becomes paved until you reach an area of high fertility and high humidity, the head of the ravine of Juel. Continuing, we start a descent wrapped in a rich plant ecosystem. The influence of the trade winds as well as high humidity are detected, it allows us to recreate with plant species, such as pine, beech, heather, and transitional vegetation (algaritofe, melosillos, meerschaum and others).
This area, because of its height and orientation, has a great landscape and offers natural viewpoints, leaning towards the NE, let us contemplate the deep and fertile ravine Juel, an overview of the Natural Majona and the coast of Hermigua until the beach of La Caleta and – as a background, the silhouette of the island of Tenerife and countenance of the imposing Teide, that has been witness of the historical development of the agricultural and livestock area par excellence in Hermigua.
As we make a steep descent, we will still have the opportunity of a splendid panoramic view of both the grazing area, the cultivation of vines, known as “El Palmar” and “La Campana”; a magnificent geological structure that crowns the top of Taguluche, which has become a haven for many feral pigeons, known as Whitewater. About 300 meters above sea level, the vegetation changes dramatically, finding species such as vinaigrettes, passion, serrajonas, rock plants, used as pasture. It is a scrubland.
After traveling approximately 4 kilometres downhill, we reach an intersection, where we continue straight towards “El Moralito”. Taking the right path we will arrive at the area of “Palmar”, “Las Casas de Juel” and “Taguluche”. After the crossroads, we initiate a route with gentle ascents and descents, will cross the “Barranco de La Caleta”, where there is the settling of “El Moralito”. The path is open, rough with smooth contours and plains. At some points the way has abundant vegetation, coinciding with a bed of a canyon where a small stream flows.