The walk from Benaoján-Montejaque railway station to Cueva del Gato follows the Guadiaro River through a landscape of limestone hills, riverside vegetation and abundant wildlife. The route is relatively short, making it a popular outing for visitors exploring the countryside around Ronda.
Important: Cueva del Gato walking route temporarily closed
As of November 2026, the Junta de Andalucía lists the route and access to the Cueva del Gato Natural Monument as temporarily closed following damage caused by flooding during the winter of 2026. Repair work is under way, but the authorities have not announced a reopening date. Do not attempt the walk or cross the river or railway line while the closure remains in force. Check the official Junta de Andalucía notice before making plans.
The Hundidero and Gato Cave mouths close to Ronda
The Walk to Cueva del Gato
The walk from Benaoján-Montejaque station to Cueva del Gato follows the Guadiaro River through a landscape of limestone hills and riverside vegetation. The official route is approximately 2.2 km each way and normally takes around an hour to walk in one direction. The terrain is generally easy, although conditions can vary, particularly after rain when parts of the path can become muddy.
Birdwatchers and nature lovers will find plenty to look out for along the way. Birds you may spot include white wagtails, grey wagtails, griffon vultures, golden orioles, alpine swifts, melodious warblers, grey herons and bee-eaters. You can also see barbel in the river, while Iberian ibex are frequently visible on the rocky slopes above Cueva del Gato if you keep your eyes open.
Start the walk at Benaoján-Montejaque railway station. Cross the railway line about 100 metres beyond the station, then follow the road for another 150 metres until you reach the River Guadiaro.
You’ll see a sign pointing to three walking routes. Take the path towards Ronda, which follows the river through the valley towards Cueva del Gato.
The path is easy to follow as it runs alongside the river towards the cave. When you reach the Hotel Molino Cuatro Paradas, continue past the side of the hotel rather than heading uphill towards the car park. From there, keep following the path towards Cueva del Gato, whose impressive entrance becomes visible as you approach.
Reaching Cueva del Gato
The walk brings you to the impressive entrance of Cueva del Gato, where the river emerges from the cave system beneath the limestone mountains. The clear water and dramatic rock formations make this a memorable spot, and it’s easy to see why the area attracts walkers and nature lovers.
Take some time to enjoy the surroundings before retracing your steps along the river to Benaoján-Montejaque station.
Explore More of Benaoján
If you have time to explore beyond the walk to Cueva del Gato, there’s much more to discover in Benaoján. From the village’s narrow streets and traditional food to its prehistoric caves, surrounding countryside and places to stay, our guide to Benaoján covers the area’s main attractions and helps you plan a longer visit.
Read more: Benaoján: Prehistoric Caves, River Walks and a White Village
The walk from Benaoján-Montejaque railway station to Cueva del Gato is approximately 2.2 km each way and normally takes around an hour in one direction.
The route is generally considered easy, following the Guadiaro River through the countryside. Parts of the path can become muddy after rain.
The area is good for birdwatching, with species including bee-eaters, grey herons, griffon vultures and golden orioles. Iberian ibex can often be seen on the rocky slopes above the cave if you keep your eyes open.
The walk starts near Benaoján-Montejaque railway station. From there, the route crosses towards the River Guadiaro and follows the riverside path towards the cave.
The Junta de Andalucía has listed the Cueva del Gato trail and access routes as temporarily closed following flood damage in winter 2026. Check the official Junta de Andalucía notice for the latest information before planning your visit.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!