| 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 (16 km, 5 hrs, CUSs 500m). |
| 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.
OPTION: Montejaque to Cortes. The isolated Líbar Valley has a beauty all its own and if you'd like to spend today exploring it, please contact us. This walk can be done in addition to, or in place of, your final day in Ronda. Taxi back to Montejaque (pay locally). (6 hrs walking (allow 7 hrs min), 18km, CUSs 550m). |
| Day 7 |
Free day to explore Ronda (use Guy's excellent "Ronda Circuit" to have a good look around the old town)
OR, if you spent night 6 in Montejaque,
Montejaque to Ronda (as Day 6 above) |
| Day 8 |
Depart hotel (or choose to stay further nights). Try http://the2scompanytravel.com for a selection of romantic hideaway cottages in Andalucia for a rest after your walk!
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