Andalucian Experience – 13 nights Sierra De Grazalema & Sierra De Nevada Walking Holiday (June 2017)

Sierra Nevada & Grazalema National Parks Walking Holiday
Description
A 13 night holiday, walking the best routes through the two best national parks for walking in Andalucia.
Starting in the spectacular town of Ronda before transferring Benaojan to begin  your walk through Grazalema national park taking in the fabulous limestone outcrops and some amazing wildlife.  Then a transfer day using the beautiful Ronda to Granada train route. Transfer to the Sierra Nevada and  walking from Capileira over the highest mountain in mainland Spain to Trevelez  and down the Las Alpujarran valley to the beautiful Alquiera De Morayma hotel.
Length of walking days
8  km – 22 km about 4 – 9 hours of easy to medium walking.
Some walking experience would be beneficial.

Route of walk
Train from Gibraltar to Benaojan –  2 Nights in Benaojan – 1 Night in Villaluenga –- 3 Nights in Grazalema–   Transfer to Ronda – 1 Nights in Ronda and train to Granada – – Transfer to Capileira – 2 nights Capileira – 1 night Refugio Poqueira – 2 nights Trevelez – 1 night Cadiar – Transfer to Granada

Included :-
13 nights en-suite hotel accommodation, 13 breakfasts, 9 evening meals(no meal in Ronda and Grazalema village), Algeciras – Benaojan train journey, Grazalema – Ronda Transfer, Ronda – Granada Train Journey, Granada – Capileira Transfer, Cadiar – Granada transfer, Onward luggage transfers, Comprehensive Walk pack covering the Sierra Nevada and Grazalema, 24 hrs Assistance

Day 1 01.06.2017 Arrival Day

Catch Algeciras train at 15.30hrs – arrives at Benaojan at 16.51hrs
Met at Benaojan Train tation and transfer to Hotel Molino Cuatro Paradas (5mins)

Day 2 02.06.2017 Grazalema National Park

Benaojan – Jimera de Libar 10km(short) 18km(long) 4-6hrs Descent 100m(Ascent 100m on return)
A classic walk from the hotel down to the  village of Benaojan and then to the valley floor where you pick up this lovely path that will take you along the side of the railway to the sleepy village of Jimera de Libar. You can have a lovely meal at the Quercus restaurant before either catching the train back or retracing your steps and making the walk longer.

Day 3 03.06.2017

Benaojan – Villaluenga del Rosario 22km 6-8hrs Ascent 700m  Descent 500m
Walking from Benaojan up a wonderful limestone crag before walking down the long valley of Libar following the GR7 long distance path. You walk along the valley floor with sheer limestone cliffs on either side before over another limestone ridge and then on to Villaluenga.

Day 4 04.06.2017 Villaluenga del Rosario –  Grazalema 14km 5-7hrs Ascent 400m Descent 400m

Another walk from hotel to hotel. Walking from Villaluenga up to the plateau just below Simancon peak. This walk is beautiful and varied taking in some great views and fantastic wildlife.

Day 5 05.06.2017 (Pinsapar could be on this day – depends on permits)

Grazalema Circuit 12km Ascent 200m Descent 200m
An easier day with a beautiful walk with fabulous views of the whole of Grazalema National Park. Walking past the Poso’s(ancient fridges) and another great raptor watching day.

Or

Goat Herders Leap – 17km(long) 9km(short) Ascent 300m Descent 300m
One of the best walks in the area, walking to Benaocaz from Grazalema and back via a different route.(you can take the local bus back from Benaocaz to shorten the walk)

Or

Climb Simancon – 11km Ascent 700, Descent 700m
A high peak that overlooks Grazalema and great views in all directions from the top.

Day 6 06.06.2017

Grazalema Circuit 12km Ascent 200m Descent 200m
An easier day with a beautiful walk with fabulous views of the whole of Grazalema National Park. Walking past the Poso’s(ancient fridges) and another great raptor watching day.

Or

Goat Herders Leap – 17km(long) 9km(short) Ascent 300m Descent 300m
One of the best walks in the area, walking to Benaocaz from Grazalema and back via a different route.(you can take the local bus back from Benaocaz to shorten the walk)

Or

Climb Simancon – 11km Ascent 700, Descent 700m
A high peak that overlooks Grazalema and great views in all directions from the top.

Day 7 07.06.2017
Taxi at 09.30hrs
Transfer To Ronda
Check into Hotel San Gabriel

Day 8 08.06.2017 Check out of Hotel. Catch the 13.36 Train to Granada, arrives at 16.10hrs. ( it is about a 15min walk to the station in Ronda, there are works on this line right now and we are trying to find out when they finish. The train is running but the last bit is by bus)
Met at Station and transfer to Capileira. Check into hotel Finca Los Llanos

Day 9 09.06.2017 Sierra Nevada & Las Alpujarras

La Cabadilla Circuit – 6/7km – 3-5 hrs – Ascent 200m/Decent 200m W1
Walk from the hotel towards the stunnning Sierra Nevada mountain range and the deserted village of la Cebadilla. Abandoned in 1957 after the Hydroelectric plant was finished, a perfect village at the head of the Rio Toril and Rio Poquiera meeting. Walk back along the other side of the gorge to Capileira.

Or

Three Villages – 9Km 5-7hrs – circular walk – Ascent 600m Descent 600m W2
A beautiful walk taking in the three villages of Bubion, Pampaniera, and Capileira in the Poquiera Gorge.

Day 10 10.06.2017

Check out of hotel. You will need clothes for one night stay at the refugio.

We will collect your luggage and bring it on to Trevelez.

There are two walks to the refugio one direct at 5 – 6hrs and the other via the Hydro power station 7 – 10hrs.

Both are great walks and have fantastic scenery along the way.

Check in to the Refugio

Day 11 11.06.2017

Mulhacen – Siete Lagunas – Trevelez 7 – 10hrs Setting off from the refugio you have the choice of two ways up, either  make your way up the to Mirador de Trevelez, where 1500m below you can see the village of Trevelez- this is the easier way or walk towards Refugio Vivac De Caldera before walking steeply up to the summit, shorter but harder. We follow the track up to Mulhacen, the highest mountain in mainland Spain at 3482m, before we descend via the beautiful siete lagunas and then down to Trevelez and to Hotel la Fragua.

Day 12 12.06.2017

Free day or an easy walk to the Rio Culo Pero 12km 4-6hrs

Day 13 13.06.2017

Trevelez – Hotel Alquiera de Morayma – 18km 5-8hrs A beautiful walk through varied landscapes and walking through some beautiful white washed villages.

Check into Hotel Alquiera de Morayma

Day 14 14.06.2017

8/9km – 2/3 hrs
A short walk in the morning from Bodega Los Barrancos down through vineyards and almond grove back to the hotel.

Transfer to Granada after lunch. Arrange a time for this when you are there.