Moderate Walks and Hikes

Moderate walks and hikes in the foothills and lower mountain valleys around Nerja, Frigiliana, Maro and Acebuchal.

 

Main Features

Walking Time	6 hours (includes stops for lunch, breaks, photos, etc.)
Walking Distance	12 – 18 kilometres
Types of terrain	Unsurfaced forest roads, foothill paths, groomed forest trails, some overgrown paths, dry river courses, low river valleys, some old mule routes, low mountain passes, ascent of some modest peaks (<1000 m)
Level of Difficulty	3C (rating explanation)
Walking Pace	Relaxed and easy going with stops for rest breaks, photos, water, etc.
Facilities	Some hikes allow for having lunch in a mountain inn. Refer to specific itinerary for more detail.

 

Overview

The Moderate Walks and Hikes are fairly vigorous outings that combine walks in the lower foothills with hikes in the lower mountain valleys of the sierras. The routes will typically take you along dry river beds, well-worn mountain paths and trails, through pine forests and mediterranean scrub, with some walking along paved or unsurfaced forest roads on the odd occasion, as is the case with the Acebuchal walk, for example.

These Moderate Walks and Hikes are usually perfect for the walking enthusiast with infrequent to regular countryside and hill walking experience and with a fair to good level of fitness. The pace is relaxed and measured through invigorating, hilly terrain. On these walks and hikes, we usually see some interesting geographical features, such as high crags, deep pine-covered valleys, shady and tranquil dry river beds and beautiful gorges. There will be frequent stops for taking pictures, short rests and for admiring the scenery.

On some of these walks, there is the odd chance that you may see the Iberian ibex, although there is no guarantee of this as we are restricted on these walks to the lower elevations. However, it is precisely in these locations, in the thick pine forests that cover the lower foothills, hillsides and valleys, that you will hear and see a fantastic variety of bird species. There is also an abundance of red squirrels in these areas, not to mention the many interesting Mediterranean plants that inhabit these lowland habitats, like the many species of spectacular orchids that can be typically found here.

On most, if not all of these walks, there are always splendid panoramic views, either from the highest point of each itinerary or at various points along our route as we work our way along the paths, venturing up valleys, through low mountain passes and along hillsides and mountain slopes.

Note: The walks and hikes in this category are all classed as moderate. However, within this broad category, some will be classed as moderately easy walks and hikes, compared to others that may be classed as moderately hard walks and hikes. As such, please refer to the specific difficulty rating for each walk or hike for a more detailed classification.

 

The Moderate Walks and Hikes