We begin in the forest house at Tamadaba, a building integrated in the pine forest on the edge of the road, which has a meteorology station. Tamadaba has been exploited for its wood traditionally, but it is an excellently preserved forest as well as that, its cliffs are an area of exceptional botanical richness, where a great number of endemic species take refuge.
We go through a damp pine forest, which is unusual on the island of Gran Canaria where dry pine forests are dominant. We notice it because beardlike lichens hang from the pines and even the undergrowth in the ravine where we go through Myrica Faya and we feel the almost permanent humidity in the forest.
This cave has been excavated in the rock and has a front wall and door which protect the interior. It was used by people who worked the forest’s resources, mainly pine needles and coal. It is a reminder of an age when the area was generous to local people with its resources.
On the left of Lomo del Faneque, we see the Barranco del Risco and in the middle of its riverbed is the cliff’s hamlet, belonging to the municipality of Agaete. It is known as the area of Charco Azul (Blue Pone) because of the sheet of fresh water in the river bed in El Risco ravine brought about by the existence of a pothole, formed by the erosion of the constant torrent which falls on the rock. The rapid flow of the runoff make these formations get rid of any sediment thus making it into that striking sheet of water.
The view over the northwest coast of Gran Canaria is splendid from the northern slope of the Lomo del Faneque; at our feet is the Guayedra ravine, on the coast Las Nieves harbour, Agaete on the right in the ravine of the same name flanked in the north by Tamadaba, right on the edge is the lighthouse of Sardina del Norte and finally the views of Gáldar mountain with the original aborigine capital at its foot.
We end this route in this round hillock which is an exceptional viewpoint over Roque Faneque, after having passed by Los Pasitos mountain pass. The view is vertical and really wonderful; at our feet the cliff falls straight down to the sea. These panoramic views make it a place to enjoy and it makes the walk back worthwhile as we can see the splendour of the Tamadaba pine forest.
- Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
- Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
- Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
- Respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
- It is safer to keep your pet on a lead.
- Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).