Spectacular and varied hiking opportunities

The area of the Serrania de Ronda and the two national parks of Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves, offer some dramatic and varied hiking opportunities. Between the craggy ridges of the Sierras de Libar and Grazalema and the more rounded slopes of the Sierra de las Nieves, lie the steep river valleys of the rivers Genal and Guardiaro. With the added attraction of the pueblos blancos (white villages), which offer scenic settings, historic interest and a source of needed refreshment, the area offers a remarkable wealth and variety of experience to the serious hiker. Many of these are right on the doorstep of the Molino, those more distant are within a half hour drive.

Ancient rights of way

The routes are varied, sometimes with ascents to the highest peaks of the region, offering exceptional views over the surrounding sierras and down to the coast with the rock of Gibraltar and the mountains of North Africa often visible. Others explore the steep river valleys and visit some of the pueblos blancos. They can be both on and off-path, often following the vaguely-defined routes of ancient veredas (rights of way) that have been used for centuries by shepherds and smugglers alike!

It is possible to explore these on your own, armed just with a map and compass. However, be warned that the Spanish maps, while topographically accurate, are not ideally suited to hiking as they do not accurately reflect the presence (or otherwise!) of footpaths. Many attempts to follow an apparent route therefore ends in frustration, while better routes are completely overlooked. We therefore offer two ‘aided’ alternatives –

A fully guided option. Full day guided walks, which include transportation to/from both ends of the hike and lunches. These can be taken either as full week packages (see Prices & packages) or on a day-to-day basis. A typical full week (six days of hiking) package is outlined below to give a feel for the scope of these. Please note that we offer weeks with varying degrees of difficulty to suit the aspirations of differing hikers – so please choose a week consistent with your desired level (see Hiking grades & calendar).
A semi-independent option. These are unguided, but we provide transportation, detailed route notes and the use of a GPS on which the route is stored. Although not foolproof this minimises the risk of getting seriously lost!

A typical six day guided hiking itinerary would comprise (this is just a guide – the actual content will vary from week to week) -

Two days in the Sierra de Grazalema. One including the ascent of one the higher peaks (e.g. Simancon, 1569m), and the other a traverse through the rare pinsapo woods (we arrange the necessary permits for this).
Two days in the Sierra de Libar. One including a hike along a part of the ridge (may include the ascent of Palo, at 1400m the highest point). The other exploring the hidden valleys which are a feature of this region.
One day in the Sierra de las Nieves. Usually a traverse, either North-South or East-West, including the ascent of Torrecilla, which at 1918m is the highest point in the region.
One day exploring a few of the pueblos blancos. There is a network of footpaths which connects the villages and combining a few of these makes for a great days walk. But be warned – this is not the easy day that it sounds – the paths are shorter (i.e. steeper) than the corresponding roads and often involve several descents and ascents across the deep river valleys.

There are a multitude of other outdoor activities available in the region – e.g. biking, horse riding, caving, canyoning, kayaking, paragliding – and all can be arranged through hotel reception.

Please take a look at our new walking website: www.walkandalucia.com