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Price
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€ 20 |
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Day & Time
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See walking calendar (walking calendar) |
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Meeting Point
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Nerja bus station, Nerja (map) at 09:30, and then at the Nerja Caves (map) at 10:00. |
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Minimum Group size
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Limited number of spaces available on each walk in order to maintain group safety and good walker/guide ratio. |
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Start Time
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10:00 at the Nerja Caves (map) |
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Finish Time
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17:00 at the Nerja Caves |
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Walking Time
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6.5 hours (includes stops for breaks, photos, etc.) |
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Lunch at Restaurant
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Yes. 1.5 hours |
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Walking Distance
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12 kilometres (circular route) |
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Height Gained
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700 metres (from Nerja Caves) |
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Level of Difficulty
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3B (rating explanation) |
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Risk of vertigo
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Minimal |
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Recommendations
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Hiking boots or walking shoes with thick socks are recommended. Trainers/tennis shoes not ideal but will suffice. Definitely no flip-flops, sandals or similar, please. A decent level of fitness required. Bring something to have as a snack, sufficient water and appropriate clothing for the conditions and the season. There is a natural spring en route. Either shorts or trousers are okay as there is little or no thick and prickly undergrowth to negotiate. |
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Additional Gear
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Walking poles might be handy for one uphill and downhill section. |
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Highlights
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Spectacular mountain views, pine forests, natural mountain spring, wildlife spotting, walk through secluded mini-gorge. |
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Facilities
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Lavatory, drinks and food available at the Nerja Caves. |
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Observations
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For those who intend to use public transport: Walkers based in Frigiliana who intend to use public transport for getting to the start of this walk should catch the 08:00 bus to Nerja and meet the main group at the Nerja town meeting point (map) at 09:30. Transport to the starting point of this walk will be by a previously organised car pool or by bus (dependant on circumstances). Walkers based in Frigiliana will then be able to catch either the 16:15 or 17:00 bus to Nerja, and then catch the 19:00 bus to get back to Frigiliana. |
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Map of walking area
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The first leg of our hike begins with a long but very pleasant and relaxing stroll up the valley along a well-groomed forest trail. The trail takes us through an extensive pine forest with intermittent views of the surrounding landscape. We steadily make our way up the forest trail until we eventually arrive at a small mountain pass, a good enough stop for a short rest before abandoning the forest trail and venturing onto a mountain path.
We ascend an interesting section along the flank of a long ridge, working our way up the mountainside, before eventually rising up onto the rounded edge of the ridge. Once at the highest point of our itinerary, you will be well rewarded for your efforts. The views are truly impressive and well worth the effort.
Up on this isolated ridge along this relatively little used path, high up in the mountains at almost 1000 metres of elevation, there is a good chance of spotting the iconic Iberian ibex which I have seen on frequent occasions on this particular route. Following the ridge as it curves around to the west, in the midst of impressive cliffs and rocky outcrops, we begin our descent to the valley floor below along a good mountain path.
This valley was once a hive of mining activity during the 19th and 20th centuries as a consequence of the abundant mineral deposits and we will see the old lodgings of the miners. As we approach the old lodgings, hidden away in a verdant stand of eucalyptus trees, the valley opens up appreciably to allow us to enjoy more generous views of the beautiful peaks and surroundings. A refreshing mountain spring greets us on our final approach to the miners’ lodgings where one can enjoy cool, fresh spring water.
After lunch, we will go for a little wander around further up the track, venturing over to a nearby pass to enjoy a dramatic view of the Chillar river valley below. From here we will begin our walk back down the valley, partially retracing our steps before entering into one of Nerja’s best kept secrets: a discreet and enchanting gorge lined with wide fine gravel paths, and by a monotonous parade of eucalyptus trees along its banks. There is an opportunity to spot a mountain goat or two and to observe some interesting geological features. We finish this walk on our exit of the gorge and return to our starting point at the Nerja Caves.
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