We went via Mula and took the C5 out of Pliego. We stopped in Mula, and the Tourist Information Office was very eager to help us, and gave us lots of leaflets & maps. However, I find with alot of these small towns, there are some really nice buildings with great decorations, balconies etc., but you have to work really hard to find them. We did our routine stop at the local cafe with all the bones and debris from the tapas left on the floor. Pliego too looked to have some interesting sights, but we didn't stop there.
The Sierra Espuna is vast, and most of the trees are 100 years old because they were all planted after a fire at the start of the last century (Tourist Info). There are places to stop, but not many and they are not sign posted. It is incredibly quiet and very pretty. At the end of the C5 we turned left along the southern edge of the Sierra. It is here where you suddenly come across vast vinyards sunken into the side of the Sierra. Further on and you come to a road on your left (the road in the photograph), which takes you to the Espuna peak. There is a restaurant on the way, where we had a great Paella. You can drive to the top, but there were some walkers and cyclists too. Going down the other side towards Alhama de Murcia was again really pretty, but the road was very bendy!
You could approach it from Alhama de Murcia, which is just off the A7 / E15
It was very hot, too hot, when we went, so I think it should be much better in the Autumn.
Have a great time!
Paul