Day 2 - Approaching Zahara from the west (Ed and Midge Minot) 
Route summary
£525.00 (2008)
TBC (2009)
7 nights B&B
Medium
4½ - 6 hours per day
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What previous customers have

said about this walk

“The walk from Grazelema to Montejaque took a lot longer than the notes said because we stopped frequently to look at the flowers and birds.”

 

“This was our first such holiday and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.”

 

“The Griffin Vultures were truly magnificent. We sat and watched at least 30 of them circling (quite low) overhead.”

 

 

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Route summary
How much walking
When you can go
Itinerary
Where you'll stay
Price includes
Picture gallery
How to get there
Highlights
Route designed by
Andalucia
White villages of the Ronda Mountains
Route map
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Zahara, one of the finest white towns, and a chance to explore its narrow streets and the old castle atop the crag.
Day 2 Zahara circuit - an easy but memorable first day’s walk, which takes you to the heart of the Sierra. You follow a narrow path up the beautiful valley of the Parralejo stream. There are views into gorges, home to Europe’s largest colony of Griffon Vultures.  (15½ km, 4½ hrs, CUSs 400m). Alternative: Stroll around the village, visit the castle and relax!
Day 3 Zahara to Grazalema
The day starts along the lake before a hillside track (again with wonderful views) takes you into pine woods to the Gaidovar valley and a final rise up to a viewpoint before dropping down to the area’s most famous white village  (15 km, 4½ hrs, CUSs 585m).  Alternative - 3 hrs plus short taxi ride.
Day 4 Grazalema to Benaocaz (or Rest Day)
A morning walk is best along this high ridge to an abandoned farmstead in remote isolation before dropping into Benaocaz - try lunch at one of its terrace restaurants with views towards Ubrique, before getting the afternoon bus back to Grazalema (12½ km, 4½ hrs, CUSs 425m). Alternative - have a look around Grazalema and its surroundings.
Day 5 Grazalema to Montejaque
A gentle walk in some of the most remote parts of the Grazalema park, through fantastic scenery and quiet meadowland, before arriving at Montejaque, perched on the rocky mountainside over the Guadiaro river valley (15 km, 5 hrs, CUSs 245m).
Day 6 Montejaque to Ronda
A varied day of drovers’ paths and wooded river valleys, with an early prospect of Ronda on its clifftop, and at the end of the day, an entry into the citadel itself. (14 km, 5 hrs, CUSs 615m). Alternative - 4 hrs plus short taxi ride.
Day 7 The Guadiaro Valley (or Rest Day to wander around Ronda)
Mr Henderson’s railway takes the determined strider to the start of a good walk down the dramatic Guadiaro valley, before taking the late afternoon train back for a second night in Ronda. (18 km, 6 hrs, CUSs 100m) OR use Guy's excellent "Ronda Circuit" to have a good look around the old town.
Day 8 Depart hotel (or choose to stay further nights).