Huéscar-Duda (Canal de San Clemente)-Pantano San Clemente-Ermita Virgen de la Cabeza-Huéscar

Circular route, round trip from Huéscar to the San Clemente Reservoir circling the Sierra de Marmolance clockwise.\n\nThe outward journey is made via the A-326 road (Pozo Alcón-Huéscar) for 13 km. These first kilometers are through rolling terrain in the plains of Valentín, with a steep climb (between pk 43 and 42 approx.) of 1.2 km in length (~6% average gradient). You follow the A-326 until pk 39, at which point you take the Service Road of the San Clemente Canal which appears on the right side of the road (see final note).\n\nThis path is in very varying conditions. Sections where the surface is homogeneous and allows for good speed despite the slight incline, and sections where potholes and gravel alternate, creating concerns for a possible puncture. To the left, you can see the hamlet of Duda. After almost 4.5 km, you reach a small clearing at the base of the dam. You need to take a right turn and go under the building to start the climb up to the GR-9101 road (almost 1 km at over 6%) and there turn right to reach the dam. There is a water fountain at the first parking area for vehicles.\n\nThe return to Huéscar is made by following the GR-9101 for 7 km until the intersection with the A-4301. The surface is good and the road tends downhill with several straight sections and a couple of almost blind curves. If the wind allows, one can reach good speeds.\n\nUpon reaching the intersection, take the A-4301 to the right for almost 7 km. The surface deteriorates significantly, with a lot of potholes, though not as bad as on the San Clemente Canal. The road generally goes downhill, with the exception of almost 2 km after passing the Hermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza where the road rises slightly but with little incline. There is a significant drop afterwards, at a spot known as Hoya Yuza, which is appreciated at this moment. To finish, you arrive at the intersection with the A-326 (the road we took on the way out) and after 2 kilometers enter Huéscar.\n\n*There is the option of not using the service road of the San Clemente Canal. To do this, instead of turning off, one would need to continue almost 3 km on the A-326 crossing the Duda Bridge until reaching the turnoff to GR-9101 on the right. After almost another 6 km, you arrive at the top of the dam. It is a greater distance, but the climbs are gentler than the final ascent of the other route.