Quercus

FOR some time Quercus has been the pot of gold at the end of one of the best walks in Andalucia. Dubbed Mr Henderson's Railway walk, the path follows the ancient branch line as it inches its way uphill into the Ronda mountains from Algeciras.

Built by British engineers in the 19th century, what they certainly didn't have was a stopping off point half way as good as this. Beautifully renovated, this former railway station has a roaring fire in winter, and is tastefully decorated with interesting antiques and solid oak beams.

Run by two local ladies (Maria Luisa Martin and Pepa Garcia) the place has a really healthy menu, comprising mostly local food from the nearby Serrania de Ronda, and many of the restaurant's vegetables from their own huerta.