|
|
Introduction |
 Las Alpujarras are the green and fertile mountains of Andalusia just south of Granada, which became famous when Gerald Brenan
came to stay in a tiny village here in 1920. This was the last refuge in Spain for the great Moorish King "Boabdil",
who said a tearful farewell to his beloved Alhambra Palace when the Christians re-conquered Granada in 1492. The walking
is spectacular, through huge open landscapes, peppered with white Berber villages, flower filled meadows and orchards bursting with fruit.
The villages are incredibly rural and largely untouched by the passing of time and all in spectacular settings with houses all
huddled together on the edge of dramatic river cut gorges and the snow-capped peaks on the Sierra Nevada towering above. Each
village has its own identity and speciality dishes to try in the evenings or for welcomed tapas breaks during walking.
The Alpujarran village of Trevelez is world famous for its mountain cured Jamon
Serrano and hand made basket ware, rugs and ceramics are all locally produced. |
|
|
|
|
Walking Itinerary
for Las Alpujarras |
|
Day one : Arrival to Las Alpujarras |
|
Arrive Granada, Malaga or Almeria airport, collect hire car and transfer to your traditional rural hotel in the high Alpujarran village of Berchules which will be your base for the week. |
| Day two : The Acequia
Circuit 10km |
|
To get the feel of the area you can start your walking by taking a long half
day, circular walk out from the hotel which takes you up into the green
mountains of Las Alpujarras and along stone laid mule paths which criss-cross
the countryside. You will pass a beautiful stone acequia (water channel),
left over from The Moors and enjoy the first stunning panoramic views of the region.
|
| Day three : The walk of the Rìo Trevelez
15km |
|
This is a really scenic circular walk which starts from the high Alpujarran
village of Trevelez. It is here you get the most famous cured ham of
Andalucía so be sure to have a tapa in the village square before you leave!
Small stone paths lead you up an out of the village following the huge river
gorge that cuts the mountain range. You will pass by some authentic working cortijos
which will give you the chance to see life as
it has been led in rural Andalucía for hundreds if not thousands of years.
(In late Spring or Summer this walk, or
any other, cab be replaced by the stunning but very challenging 7 Lagoons walk,
which takes you to
THE special place of Las Alpujarras - 20km 8 - 12 hours) |
| Day four : Yegen and
the walk of Gerald Brenan 2 x 5km |
|
Gerald Brenan's South of Granada
introduced the world to Las Alpujarras when the book was published early
last century, detailing the life of an English scholar living in the high Alpujarran village of Yegen. In the village you can see the
house he lived in and also take two short 5km walks out from the village ,
one of which is said to have been his favourite afternoon ramble along the
olive terraces, with time for lunch in the village in between. |
| Day five : The Giants Castle Walk from the village of Juviles 8km |
| This is a short walk that is long on legend and full of
history and interest. You will pass by giants lairs and the site of a Moorish
castle, walking amidst the industrial archaeology of Las Alpujarras. Again, with
stunning views and also much botanical interest. |
| Day six : Free day |
| A free day to explore the surrounding Berber villages of Las Alpujarras, relax by the hotel
pool or maybe even take a visit to The Alhambra Palace in Granada. |
| Day seven : Both Sides
of the Valley 14km |
| This walk we call "Both Sides of the Valley"
takes you along a varied mixture of paths, tracks and rough terrain
following two sides of a river valley. The wild and uninhabited east bank is
in contrast to the tame chestnut and oak woodlands of the west, which
provide welcomed shade and a bit of
watery interest. |
| Day eight :
|
| Transfer back to Granada , Almeria or Malaga Airport for your flight home |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 nights B&B accommodation in a rural hotel in the high Alpujarran village of Berchules 7 days car hire of a Renault Clio (5 door) type model with air conditioning
and GPS
Detailed walking maps and guidance notes for 5 days walking in Las Alpujarras
Driving maps, notes & GPS coordinates
A comprehensive holiday guide pack sent to your home by post
Access to our telephone support line should you need any assistance whilst in
Andalucía
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
Arrived home on Wednesday evening after a thoroughly
enjoyable holiday. We were completely satisfied with the arrangements made
by you. The information pack you sent in advance was excellent and I can't
see how you could improve on it. We were
equally delighted with the hotel Berchules, the walks exceeded our
expectations and the scenery is stunning!!
Right from the start I have been impressed by the
thought and personal attention you gave to our requirements. You are a hard
act to follow and we will certainly be recommending you to our friends and a
acquaintances who will appreciate such excellent service. We ourselves have
had an unforgettable holiday and fully intend repeating the experience. |
| |
| Ian Donald, UK |
| Walking in Las Alpujarras |
| Sept
2006 |
| |
|
|
|
