description - TransAndalus
Transcription
description - TransAndalus
[updated 23-june-2015] TransAndalus Andalucía by MTB 2,000 kilómetros by mountain-bike through Andalucía The name “TransAndalus" and "Andalucía en BTT” together with the contents of the website transandalus.org are the copyright of the various collaborators in the project. All rights are reserved The authors of the guide to the province of Granada, are: Ventas de Zafarraya - Laroles: Carlos García o o o o Alhama-Fornes: Pepe León and Ramón A. Serrano Albuñuelas (depart) and Válor-Laroles: Ramón A. Serrano El Tello area: Santi S. Legaza Válor: Miguel Ángel Baltanás Serón (Almería) – Embalse de La Bolera (Jaén): Luis Cano Editorial coordination: Francisco J. Cortés (fran) Maps: Pedro Cuestas Profiles: Luis Cano Guide to the province of Granada Translation: Andy Miller, Alicja Wolanczyk TRANSANDALUS ROAD BOOK PROVINCIA DE GRANADA Altiplano de Baza: Serón (Almería) - Embalse de la Bolera ( Jaén) :: From the Sierra de Alhama to the Alpujarras: Ventas de Zafarraya – Laroles Altiplano de Baza, between Almería and Jaén TAG 01 Serón (Almería) – Baza 35.0 kms TAG 02 Baza – Cortes de Baza 20.5 kms TAG 03 Cortes de Baza – Emb. de la Bolera (Jaén) 22.2 kms From the Sierra de Alhama to the Alpujarra, between Málaga and Almería TAG 04 Ventas de Zafarraya – Alhama de Granada 19.5 kms TAG 05 Alhama de Granada – Játar 14.0 kms TAG 06 Játar - Jayena 18.5 kms TAG 07 Jayena – Albuñuelas 32.5 kms TAG 08 Albuñuelas – Nigüelas 15.2 kms TAG 09 Nigüelas – Pampaneira 44.3 kms TAG 10 Pampaneira – Trevélez 27.5 kms TAG 11 Trevélez – Cádiar 19.0 kms TAG 12 Cádiar – Valor 18.5 kms TAG 13 Válor – Laroles 11.5 kms Total distance through the province of Granada 297.6 kms DESCRIPTION In the north of the provincía de Granada, between the Sierra de Filabres and the Sierra de Cazorla we ride through the Altiplano de Bazamo (the Bazamo High Plain/Plateau) which we cross following trails through riverside woods, green oases in this arid region. In the south of the province we make a journey full of contrasts from the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Alhama, Tejeda y Almijara, to the Valle de Lecrín, the Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras. In this second part of the route through the province mainly follows the route of the GR-7 long distance hiking trail, picking it up at Ventas de Zafarraya, and following it until it reaches Antequera (Málaga). We pass through the areas of Alhama and El Temple, with the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Alhama, Tejeda y Almijara as backdrop. Separating these areas from the Sierra Nevada, is the Valle de Lecrín where, among orange groves and irrigation channels we will come to understand why the name means the "valley of happiness" in Arabic. With the Sierra Nevada as constant companion, we ride from the village of Nigüelas, to the banks of the Río Torrente, and then climb through the foothills of the Cerro del Caballo, before riding into the Alpujarras. The Alpujarras are full of villages and places to visit. The route takes us to most of the most outstanding villages and landscapes, keeping off-road as much as possible. That said, the quiet local roads can be a good choice if you want to get to know the area better. From Lanjarón we travel back though the Alta Alpujarra visiting the best-known villages: Pampaneira, Bubión, Capileira and Trevélez. From Juviles, we come into the Alpujarra profunda – the heart of the Alpujarras. In the final part of the journey we visit the villages of Tímar, Cádiar, Yátor, Yegen, Válor, Mecina Alfahar, Mairena, Júbar and, to finish, Laroles – right on the border with the province of Almería. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Altiplano de Baza, between Almería and Jaén SECTION 01 Serón (Almería) - Baza TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or track Unsurfaced road or trail Sendero Rideable proportion 35 kms 3h 15min 350 metres Low Low 9 kms 28% 26 kms 72% 0 kms 0% 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Pensión Los Marines - 950 428847 - El Hijate Hostal Casa Grande Carretera Ronda, 28 – 958-703-868 - Baza Pensión San Carlos ** 4 Carretera Granada, Baza – 958 700 267 Pensión Ronda 6 Carretera de Ronda, Baza – 958 861 023 Hostal Anabel * Calle María de Luna , Baza – 958 860 998 Pensión Avenida Calle José de Mora, Baza – 958 700 377 Hostal Los Hermanos Murcia Road, Baza – 958 701 880 Where to eat? Pensión Los Marines El Hijate - 950 428 847 Pizzería Venecia - 26 Calle Puerta de Lorca, Baza Mesón El Siglo XX – Calle Solares, Baza – 958 702 625 Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy Bike shops: Agrobike: 7 kms. from Serón 950-420-227 (Tíjola). Deporbici [website]: 958-70-15-68 (Baza) [recommended] Ciclos Montoya [web]: C/. Sierra Morena, 14 - 958-700-656 – Baza Forbike [web]: Crtra. Murcia, 6 – 958-860-138 – Baza Ociodeporte [web]: C/. Prol Corredera, 2 – 958-861-190 - Baza DESCRIPTION In this section we pass from the Almanzora, on the Mediterranean side of the province, to Guadiana Menor, a tributary of the Guadalquivir, on the Atlantic side. The route runs almost parallel with the old railway line that links Baza with Huercal-Overa. The line has now been dismantled and there is a plan to construct a via verde (green way), which in future could be the best alternative for this section. We follow the route via the ramblas of Almanzora and Ramil. In this way, threading our way through between riverside woods, and sandstone cliffs full of the nests of abejarucos (European Bee-eaters). We climb back up to El Hijate, a part of the municipality of Alcóntar which has grown because of its location on the main N-323 road. From El Hijate we enter the province of Granada, riding across the Altiplano de Baza (the Baza high plain/plateau) with the Sierra de Jabalcón in the distance, to take the Rambla de Valcabra. The rambla takes us to the Camino de las Cuatro Piedras along which we enter the city of Baza. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · Provincia de Granada 1.60 Rambla de la Jordanilla. The trail forks Take the right-hand fork. We continue riding up this trail. 2.60 Ramil Bajo. Another fork: take the right-hand fork, that cuts through between two earth faces. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 01 · Serón (Almería) - Baza Total 0.00 0.90 1.50 Parcial Description 0.00 Serón. We set off from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Serón (Serón civic hall) and take the main road in the direction of Baza. 0.90 Junction. Turn left (in the direction of Baza) crossing the bridge over the over the Barranco de Bolanor (Bolanor Valley). 0.60 4.10 2.60 5.20 1.10 7.00 Gráfico 1.80 8.60 Junction. Turn left following the signs for Alcóntar.. Rambla de Almanzora. Having passed a new bridge on the right, which crosses the rambla (dirt road), we go down to the rambla and turn left onto it. Junction. Head straight on towards the right, passing on our left the road to the hamlet of La Isla. Rambla de Ramil. Continue climbing along the main rambla passing on the right dirt roads leading to Fuencaliente and Calera. 11.20 11.60 12.00 0.40 Rambla de los Pilancones. Junction, continue straight on going under the old railway bridge. 0.40 El Hijate road. Turn right off the rambla onto a track that leads steeply up to the tarmac which takes us to…. 12.60 0.60 15.80 3.20 16.00 0.20 El Hijate. Village with various restaurants and a pensión. To avoid the busy N-323 we can go parallel with it on the right through the town before coming out onto the road at the Pensión Los Marines. After riding 2500 metres along the main (N-323) we turn right to leave the road. Ignore the track marked with two lorry wheels painted white. Turn left onto the Camino de Valcabra. Continuing straight on would take us to the old rail station and the disused railway line. Junction. Straight on. 22.10 6.10 BUS 23.30 1.20 Valcabra (Los Gallardos). Passing through the hamlet of Los Gallardos. Turn right at the crossroads next to the bus stop. 26.10 0.35 27.40 1.30 Another junction. Turn left. 23.70 24.00 0.40 0.30 Caserío de Los Mesas Now on an unsurfaced pista, turn right passing between two farms. T-junction. Turn left towards... 24.40 24.60 25.60 25.75 27.70 0.30 28.60 0.90 30.10 1.50 0.40 0.20 1.00 0.15 Rambla de Valcabra. Turn right through the riverside woods. Turn left off the rambla onto a track that climbs upward. Junction. Attention, ignore the first turning on the right and take the second on the right (before the top of the climb) which leads to.... 32.50 34.00 Cortijo de la Altichuela (Altichuela Farm). Carry straight on, ignoring the tracks to the left and the right, heading towards the old factory chimney in the distance. After passing by other farmhouses and after a short descent we reach another junction. Take the right along the rambla. Go under the old railway bridge. We take the left and come out on the rambla. Puente de Hierro. After crossing the Río Gallego by the ford, parallel with the railway bridge, we reach an old factory. Turn right at the junction. Camino de las Cuatro Piedras. Junction, turn left. 2.40 Junction. Carry straight on. We are now riding on a surfaced track and pass another surfaced pista on the right. 1.50 Baza. We come into the town of Baza. Turn right onto the Calle Cádiz and ride through the typical neighbourhood of Santiago. After a kilometre we reach the centre. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Altiplano de Baza, between Almería and Jaén SECTION 02 Baza – Cortes de Baza TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or track Unsurfaced road or trail Sendero Rideable proportion 20.5 kms 1h 45min 200 metres Low Low 9 kms 44% 11 kms 54% 0.5 kms 2% 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Hotel Rte. La Posada [website] Cortes de Baza – 958 736 906 / 639 923 922 Valle del Paraíso La Teja [website] Carretera Cortes, La Teja, Campocámara (7 kms from Cortes and 9 from Campocámara) – 958 736 258 / 666 483 129 Where to eat? Hotel Rte. La Posada [website] Cortes de Baza – 958 736 906 / 639 923 922 Mesón Alhacena – Calle Rosales, Cortes de Baza Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION We head north. The village of Cortes de Baza is twenty kilometres north of Baza on the same meridian. Practically all of this section heads directly north following this imaginary meridian. The route follows the vía pecuaria (livestock herding route) that leads from Baza into the sierras of Cazorla and Castril. We set off from Baza along the Benamaurel road, turning off almost immediately onto the vía pecuaria. The vía is surfaced for the first few kilometres. We ride past the Sierra de Jabalcón on our left. We cross the Jabalcón three times and, now on an unsurfaced trail, descend the Valle del Guadian Menor (the valley of the Río Guadiana Menor). Going round the Embalse del Negratín reservoir we cross the Río Guardel, a tributary of the Guadiana Menor and then continue along the cañada de ganado (livestock herding trail) to the Cuevas del Negro. The Cuevas are troglodyte houses (ie part of the house is excavated from the hillside) common in this part of Andalucía. We soon after reach the Valle del Río Castril, a green oasis in this semidesert area. Climbing up the valley, we reach the village of Cortes de Baza. [september 2010] destroyed track after kilometre 16.00. Recommendation: to continue going between the trees to right side of the gorge. A few meters later we’ll get the track again. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 02 · Baza – Cortes de Baza Total 0.00 1.20 1.80 8.30 9.00 Partial 0.00 Diagram Baza Roundabout, on the old main road heading for Guadix, turn right following the signs for Banmaurel and the autovía. 1.20 0.60 Take the bridge over the the main A-92 road and continue on the tarmac pista. 0.70 0.80 Description Junction. Take the left turn with the sign “Mercado” – then others for Zújar and Baños Termales. 7.70 10.50 Canal de Jabalcón. Cross the bridge over the canal, cross over the service road and continue straight on along the track. We come out once again onto the asphalt canal service road. Cross over the bridge and turn off to the right along the track. 10.60 0.10 11.20 0.60 11.50 0.30 12.65 1.15 13.10 0.45 13.60 0.50 Straight on. 9.70 0.70 Again we cross the canal, and turn left onto the tarmac service road. We leave the canal service road and ride straight on along the asphalted track which goes downhill ignoring the turning to the right for the farm. After descending and then climbing again, we continue straight on, and head downhill once more, ignoring the turning to the right just at the top of the climb. Attention! Junction: turn left off the trail. We continue to follow the cañada (drover’s trail) which further on rejoins the route of the GR-7. Cortijo Grande. We carry straight on going downhill between two houses. Río Guardal. We cross by a small bridge although the cañada crosses the river at a ford a few metres downstream. We continue along the trail turning left. We reach a tarmac road. On the right the GR-7 continues towards Benamaurel. We go straight on, crossing 2 drainage channels (you will need to push the bike between the two) and continuing along the path. 13.90 0.30 16.00 2.10 20.20 4.20 If you don't want to ride along the path you have the option of turning left onto the road and then taking the track on the right which climbs and rejoins the path further on. Turn right onto the pista (trail). Continue along it heading to the left ignoring the turning on the right which climbs to a cave. Río Castril. If you cross the bridge and turn right you can get to the Cuevas de Cucharetas and then onto Cortes by road. However we will turn right before the river onto the track and continue parallel with the river for a few kilometres. After a steep climb we come out on a road. Turn right onto the road. Cortes de Baza. 20.50 0.30 TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Altiplano de Baza, between Almería and Jaén SECTION 03 Cortes de Baza – Embalse de La Bolera, Pozo Alcón (Jaén) TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Unsurfaced road or trail Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 22.2 kms 3h 600 metres Average Low 7.2 kms 33% 14.4 kms 65% 0.6 kms 98 % 2% OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Hotel Campocámara ** [website] Calle Delicias, Campocámara – 958 734 796 – Complimentary breakfast for transanduluseros Casa Rural Aurelia [e-mail] 958-734-951 | 647-460-099 – Campocámara 20€/person + swimmingpool for transandaluseros (not at winter) Casas Rurales Cortijo El Rey [website] Cortijo El Rey – 958 734 942 / 667 693 392 Hotel Rural Los Nogales Carretera La Bolera, 5 kms from Pozo Alcón (Jaén) 953 718 249 / 666 459 494 Camping Hoyo de los Pinos Embalse de La Bolera – 953 739 005 From winter to Easter, weekends closed Hotel Rural Dehesa Rincón [web] Carril Arroyo Guadalamanco, Km. 4 - 649-917-821 / 670-394-261 (about km. 4 in the next section) Breakfast included Where to eat? Restaurante Casa Pepe (Hotel) – Campocámara Bar-Restaurante La Juventud – Campocámara Hotel Campocámara – Campocámara Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION In this section we cross the meseta (plateau) which rises up between the two main sources of the Guadiana Menor which receives water from the Cazorla and Castril sierras. We leave the Cortes de Baza climbing back up the valley of the Río Castril towards the hamlet of Los Laneros. After the hamlet we cross over the river and continue climbing up the Barranco Trillo (Trillo valley) towards the Cortijo Trillo and on to the heights of the meseta at Los Llanos de Cortés. From there we go and onto the village of Campocámara. With the summits of Cazorla as backdrop, we pass next to the cemetery, and then on to the Cortijo del or Rey and the Cortijo del Dentredicho. We then make a shortish climb into the southern foothills of the Cerro de las Disputas to find the pass that allows us to go round the gorge cut by the Río Guadalentín below the dam at the Pantano de la Bolera. The section ends in the Parque Natural de Cazorla Segura y Las Villas. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 03 · Cortes de Baza – Embalse de La Bolera, Pozo Alcón (Jaén) Total 0.00 0.40 0.55 7.00 7.40 7.60 Partial Diagram 0.00 0.40 Turn off to the right before the crossing over the irrigation canal, riding along the canãda we followed in the previous section. 6.45 0.40 0.20 0.20 Description Cortes de Baza. Continue straight on along the road into the village until you reach a plaza, turn left downhill (surfaced to start with). 0.15 7.80 Turn left onto the road leading from Cortes. We ride peacefully along the road to... Los Laneros. Tiny village with no services - only a bar. Cross the plaza on the left-hand side (passing the church and drinking water fountain on the right) and continue straight on. 100 metres later carry straight on downhill. End of the asphalt and continue downhill on the trail ignoring the the turn off to the right. 8.25 0.45 8.80 0.55 11.00 13.50 15.20 16.55 17.15 Río Castril. Cross over a small bridge. Ideal place for a dip in summer. After crossing the bridge we turn left going uphill. After reaching the top of the climb and a little before starting the descent, the track forks. Take the right, continue downhill. 200 metres further on we ford a river. Turn off to the right, climbing a little and at the next junction, next to a pine tree, turn left. The trail levels out. 2.20 Cortijo de Trillo (Trillo farm). Continue straight on and continue, now downhill. before fording a stream and starting a hard climb.. 2.50 End of the climb. Continue straight on ignoring the camino that joins on the right. Now a short flat spell. 1.70 Campocámara. We reach tarmac and turn right, continuing through the village by road. 1.35 400 metres after leaving the village, as the road bends to the right, we turn left towards a cemetary. 0.60 Cortijo del Rey. Holiday home. Turn right of the track, just after passing through the village. There is an electricity pylon on the left. 17,75 18,15 0,60 0,85 19,90 0,90 Cortijo del Entredicho. We skirt round to the left, heading in the direction of some water tanks which can be seen on the ridge ahead. Fork. Take the right-hand fork heading uphill. 0,60 H2 O 21,15 0,65 21,80 0,65 22,20 0,40 T-junction. Turn left towards the farmhouse. 0,40 19,00 20, 50 Junction. Straight on. In the rainy season you may encounter problems in this area due to mud. Water tank on the right. Continue straight on, looking for the culvert, covered with stones, which goes round the ridge. Be careful not to get lost. An unrideable segment. After skirting the hill the rocky 'camino' leads downhill getting progressively steeper. On reaching the bottom, in the area of pine woods, at the end of the rocky patch, we can start to climb, and just after a water meter box, we turn off onto a camino (easy to miss) on the right. We come out onto the local road between Pozo Alcón and Campocámara and further on, the Bolera dam. Turn left onto the road. The road crosses the Río Guadalentín by a high bridge. Turn right off the road to continue the route towards Cazorla, however, the best thing would be to leave it for the following day and spend the night at the campsite/campground 200 metres further along the road. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 04 Ventas de Zafarraya – Alhama de Granada TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or track Unsurfaced road or trail Sendero Rideable proportion 19.5 kms 2 h 30 min 430 metres Low Low 1.50 kms 8 % 16.5 kms 82 % 2.00 kms 10 % 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Pensión Al-Andalus, Pilas de Algaida – 958 362 139 (closed Saturdays) Casa Rural El Cortijillo Pilas de Algaida – 666 808 141 Hotel Restaurante Los Caños de la Alcaicería Carretera Alhama – Ventas (at the 9.20 kilometre point) 958 350 325 Hotel Balneario Alhama (***) Alhama de Granada - 958 350 011 Hostal Ana [website] Alhama de Granada – 958 360 108 Hotel Rural La Seguiriya [website] - 958 360 801 – Alhama 10% discount for transandaluseros Hotel Baño Nuevo (*) Alhama de Granada – 958 350 011 Pensión San José Alhama de Granada – 958 350 156 Pensión Rural El Ventorro Carretera Játar, 2 kms from Alhama – 958 350 438 15% discount for transandaluseros Where to eat? Hotel Restaurante Los Caños de la Alcaicería Carretera Alhama – Ventas (9.20 kilometre point) – 958 350 325 Bar El Tigre Plaza Constitución, Alhama de Granada – 958 350 445 La Seguiriya Calle Las Peñas, Alhama de Granada – 958 360 801 Mesón Diego Plaza Constitución, Alhama de Granada – 958 360 121 Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy Bike shop: Alhambra Rambler [web] – C/. Fuerte - 958-360144 / 690-786-302 - Alhama de Granada DESCRIPTION Leaving behind the Boquete de Zafarraya we set off from the Ventas de Zafarraya towards Alhama. Next to a fruit and vegetable growers' cooperative we turn off the asphalt road to ride the first few kilometres on the tierra of the province. Once again on the road, we ride through Pilas de Algaidas. We turn off the road to rejoin the GR-7. Between farms and market gardens we follow the GR-7 signs, to Ventas de la Alcaicería where there are various hostels. This is the departure point for the El Robledal forest trail. At the junction with the Robledal pista (track) (which leads into the Parque Nacional de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama) we take the track on the left which, following a gentle descent, takes us to La Pantaneta de Alhama (Alhama reservoir) passing an área recreativa At the reservoir we can choose to either continue on by road towards the next section, or, alternatively, spend the night at in Alhama. For this second option we descend along the right-hand bank of the Alhama river entering Los Tajos (The Gorges) - without doubt the most beautiful part of the section. Crossing a wooden bridge, the path takes us to the village of Alhama de Granada visited as much for its tajos as for its spa. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Houses. Continue straight on. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 04 · Ventas de Zafarraya – Alhama de Granada Total 0.00 0.50 1.50 2.20 2.80 Partial Diagram 4.40 0.70 Description 0.00 Ventas de Zafarraya. Turn right onto the the main road towards Alhama. 0.50 Turn right off the road. Pass behind a cooperative and continue straight on along the trail. 1.00 Pilas de Algaida. We come out on the Alhama road. Turn right passing by the Hostal-Restaurante Al-Andalus. 0.70 Turn right off the road. Continue straight on past the water fountain and a track on the left. A tough climb. 0.60 Junction. Reaching the top of the climb and after a short descent we come to a junction. Take the track on the left. 4.90 5.40 0.50 Junction. Straight on. Reservoir. 6.00 7.20 7.80 3.70 8.20 0.35 0.55 Junctions. Continue straight on. Now we follow the GR-7 which comes from the La Alcauca (área recreativa). Los Montoros. Signboard for the Rutas del Legado Andalusí (Andalusian Heritage Trails). 0.50 DEP 0.60 1.20 9.00 Junction with the Alhama road. Cross the road and continue along the main trail. On the left we meet the GR-7. 0.60 Junction. Turn left onto a camino in good state – although we leave it, turning right, almost immediately. 0.40 Ford across a river. We come out onto a track in better state and then cross a river. Junction. Straight on. 3.15 Junctions. Straight on, following the GR-7, crossing a river. 0.80 Ford. Carry straight on fording another river. Pass various houses before coming out onto the Alhama road. Turn right. 9.20 0.20 12.00 2.80 17.50 5.50 17.80 0.30 20.00 2.20 Ventas de la Alcaicería. On the bend of the road, next to the Hostal, follow the signs for the “pista forestal del Robledal” (El Robledal forest trail). Turning for El Robledal. Turn left towards Alhama Continuing straight on would take us to El Robledal and La Maroma. The Pantaneta-Alhama road. After a long descent and passing by a recreational area, we come out on the road. Turn right. Tajos de Alhama. (Alhama Gorges). If you want to spend the night in Alhama you need to take the road on the left along the right bank of the Alhama river. After crossing a wooden bridge we continue along a path which takes us to Alhama de Granada via the tajos. Alternatively if you don't want to go into Alhama you can continue along the road and pick up the next section at the 3.2 kilometre mark. Alhama de Granada. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 05 Alhama de Granada – Játar TECHNICAL DETAILS 14.05 kms 1 h. 52 min. 250 metres Average Low 0.9 kms 9.6 kms 2.6 kms 90 % Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or track Unsurfaced road or trail Sendero Rideable proportion Following the GR7 waymarking we will be able to make the most of the scenery in the Parque Nacional de las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. Travelling along a solitary path which passes through woods of holm oak trees, we reach the road that leads into Játar. 7% 73 % 20 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? - Where to eat? - Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy ? ? DESCRIPTION We set off from Alhama from the Plaza de la Iglesia de la Ascensión, from where we descend to the Tajos which we climb, first by path, and then by camino until we come out on the Játar road. We take the road to Játar passing by the Hospedéria Rural El Ventorro. A little afterwards we turn right off the road and follow a trail on the banks of the river Alhama. When it starts to become more wooded we find the sign for the GR-7 on our right. We then cross a stream and push our bikes up a steep gradient. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · Provincia de Granada Road. Turn left. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 05 · Alhama de Granada – Játar Total 0.00 1.00 1.40 Partial 0.00 1.00 0.40 1.70 0.30 2.65 1.95 2.75 0.10 Diagram 3.20 0.45 Description We set off from Alhama de Granada, from the Plaza de la Iglesia de la Ascensión (Church of the Ascension), down a concrete ramp to the tajos (gorges). Old flour mill. Straight on climbing the path back up the barranco (valley). Straight on. The path joins another path from Alhama. Ermita de la Virgen de los Ángeles. (Hermitage of the Virgin of the Angels - a small chapel built into the valley side on the right hand side of the camino). Continue along the camino. Junction. Take the left looking for the riverbed. Bridge. We cross the Río Alhama by the wooden bridge 3.40 0.20 Mesón El Ventorro, also known as the Venta de La Paloma (Dove Inn). Carry on up the road going upriver. Leave the road turning right. 3.50 6.30 0.10 2.80 7.70 1.40 8.10 0.40 8.23 0.13 Junction. Continue along the main trail. Attention! – turn right off the pista onto an unsigned path going downhill towards a concrete water reservoir. Continue along a riverbed (which may be full of water) which we will cross twice. Leaving the hollow on the right by an unrideable concrete ramp. On reaching the top of the climp turn left onto a track leading downhill. 8.40 0.17 8,90 0.50 9,55 11,35 0.65 1.80 12,35 1.00 13,35 1.00 Junction. Continue past the camino on the right. Straight on at the next junction as well – passing a turnoff to the right leading downhill to a quarry. Junction. Turn right onto a wide pista which descends – part of the GR-7. Passing the entrance of the quarry (right) and the GR-7 detour (left), we turn left uphill in the crossroad. Skirt round an agricultural building on the left passing various turning to the right. The trail becomes wider. Junction. Keep straight on – the track on the right leads to Játar, towards which we are headed. The trail on the left, part of the GR-7 comes out onto the road Road. Turn right onto the road. Játar. We go through the village. 14,05 0.70 TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 06 Játar - Jayena TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Unsurfaced road or trail Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 18.50 kms 2 h. 54 min. 500 metres Average Average 0.9 kms 5% 15.8 kms 85 % 1.8 kms 10 % 90 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Picnic area “El Vacal” Jayena by the Río Grande Info at City Hall : 958-364-079 Hospedería La Almijara (Bar El Nota), Jayena - 958 364 157 10% discount to transandaluseros Where to eat? Bar Carrillo, Jayena - 958 364 154 Bar El Nota, Jayena - 958 364 157 Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION We leave from Játar passing by the cemetary heading for the vega of the Río Añales. Following the GR-7 we climb to the boundary between Aãles and El Cacín before descending to La Resinera where we start the tough climb towards the Mesa de Fornes. In this area of hard climbs there is a reservoir of cristaline water - perfect for a quick dip if it's too hot. The route skirts round a landing strip before a tricky, but entertaining, descent towards Jayena. After fording the small river at the bottom, we reach Jayena. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 06 · Játar - Jayena Total 0,00 0.30 Partial 0,00 0.30 Diagram Description Játar. We leave the road, crossing the town. Heading downhill through the centre of the village passing various water fountains. Follow the Calle Vista Alegre, the Calle del Agua, and the Calle del General Marina towards the cemetary. Take the concrete track which leads downhill past the cemetary and out of the village. 4.00 1.05 5,30 1,30 5,60 0,30 Cross the stream. 0.65 0.85 2.35 2.95 7,40 0.35 0.20 1.50 0.60 Keep right on the main camino passing the entrance to the cortijo opposite. Road. Take the tarmac lane on the left. Turn right off the road, heading downhill. Sign “Colada del Camino de la Venta de la Mañana”. 8,20 8,50 10,00 1,80 0,80 0,30 1,50 Descending to the vega (plain) of the river, there are several greenhouses. We skirt round the right-hand side of the wall of a cortijo which just out onto the camino. Head left along the narrow track. Turn off right, now following GR-7 signals. We cross de Añales river and pass a little barrier. Hard uphill to the right. Continue straight on pasing a track on the left which leads uphill. Turnoff to the left by the GR-7 waymarker. Short steep climb. We reach a firebreak. Go through the gate and turn right descending a short distance along the firebreak. We leave the firebreak, turning left and following the GR-7 downhill towrds La Resinera. Junction. We join the pista towards La Resinera. 10,30 10,50 12,70 0.30 0,20 2,20 14,00 1,30 15,40 1,40 15,80 16,60 0,40 0,80 Leave the main trail and go into La Resinera through the old chapel. Cross the Río Cebollón by the pedestrian bridge (or you can ford the river) and turn right and climb parallel with the river. Continue following the main trail when it heads away from the river. Junction. Straight on along a wide but very steep pista. Take it steady especially at the beginning. We reach the Mesa de Fornes, a plateau where on the left you'll be suprised to see a landing strip. We go round the strip and continue straight on. Junction. Turn left off the trail that we’ve been following. The surface gets worse. Junction. Turn left again onto a track. We are approach the edge of the Mesa and see Jayena below. We start to descend by a path with some technical bits - take care. 18,00 18,20 1,40 0,20 End of the descent. Turn left at the Río Grande. The GR-7 continues to the right. Turn right and cross the river. Be prepared to get a little wet! Jayena. 18,50 0,30 TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 07 Jayena - Albuñuelas TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 32.5 kms 3 h. 43 min. 530 metres Average Low 4.00 kms 12 % 28.5 kms 88 % 0 kms 0% 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Granja-Escuela Huerto Alegre [web] (Km. 16 of the section) 958-228-496 – Ctra. Almuñecar, Km. 27 – Albuñuelas (necessary to book some days early) Picnic area “El Cañuelo” (km. 22.50 of the section) Info at the City Hall: 958-776-031 Iain Fisher (private house) 675 260 622 - Calle Zoraba, 24 - Albuñuelas Rene Huyten (private house) 625 862 021 - Calle Zoraba, 32 - Albuñuelas Casa Azul (Bed & Breakfast) 958-776-366 - Calle Horno, 8 - Albuñuelas Where to eat? Bar “Las Tres Lindes” Albuñuelas – 958 776 279 Bar El Careto C/. Carretera Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION From Jayena we continue to the GR-7 going into the Sierra del Chapparal, with the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and the Sierra Nevada always present. Once we have climbed to the Pino de las Cinco Ramas (Pine Tree of the Five Branches) we descend to the Venta de los Prados on the la Cabra road. From here we take the Pista de Albuñuelas towards the Sierra de los Guajares from where we descend by the Rambla del Cañuelo. In Albuñuelas there are some holiday homes but they are expensive. There are more places to spend the night further on in the villages of Restábal and Melegís. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Straight on. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 07 · Jayena - Albuñuelas Total 0.00 2.40 3.10 Partial 0.00 2.40 0.70 Diagram 11.40 0.20 Description Set off from Jayena by an asphalt pista in the direction of Bacal in the lower part of the village. Continue along the pista past the turning for Bacal. Ford. The tarmac lane becomes an earth camino which climbs through pine trees. Straight on 11.60 0.20 13.00 1.60 16.50 3.50 Junction. Straight on. 5.90 9.10 11.00 11.20 17.50 2.80 3.20 End of the climb. We reach a fire break and start a short descent. 1.90 Carry on along the main camino ignoring the signpost for the GR-7. 0.20 Ford by some ruins. The camino turns to the left. 18.00 1.00 0.50 Pino de las Cinco Ramas. Mirador (viewpoint). We start to descend by the pista to Los Prados. Ignore all the small tracks and continue along the main trail.. Venta de Los Prados. La Cabra road. Turn left. Turn right, off the road and onto the GR-7. Junctions. Continue along the main trail ignoring the sign for the GR-7. Junction. Continue straight on. 19.50 22.50 1.50 3.00 Picnic area “El Cañuelo”. Water fountain. Continue along the main trail. 26.80 29.00 32.50 4.30 2.20 3.50 Carry on towards Albuñuelas taking the pista on the left. Junction. Straight on. Ignore the camino that heads to the right. We come into the lower part of Albuñuelas. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 08 Albuñuelas - Nigüelas TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 15.20 kms 2 h. 5 min. metres Average Average 2.7 kms 17.76% 6.45 kms 42.43% 6.05 kms 39.8 % 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Mesón Despensa del Valle, Restábal – 958 793 598/531 Pensión-Mesón Los Naranjos, Melegís – 958 793 414 Alquería de Los Lentos [web], Nigüelas – 958 777 850 10% discount and free breakfast Casa Rural La Huerta del Cura [web], Nigüelas 958 953 045 / 647 484 969 La Casa del Lino [web] -Temporaly closed Nigüelas – 690-680-643; 669-151-732; 958-953-027 Breakfast included. C.R. El Corral de Serafín [web], Nigüelas – 667 672 302 C.R. La Rubia [web], Nigüelas – 958 777 604 / 609 586 137 Albergue Almora [web] – 958-777-856 / 677-685-800 - Nigüelas All types of accommodation in Dúrcal (off the route). Where to eat? Bar Jovi, Restábal Alquería Los Lentos, Nigüelas Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy BiciAventura [web]: Soto, 5 - Dúrcal (4 kms from Nigüelas) – 958780-255 / 678-843-739 DESCRIPTION In this section we pass through the lovely landscapes of the Valle de Lecrín (“Valley of Happiness” in Arabic). We leave Albuñuelas following the GR-7, passing through Saleres and Restábal. After crossing the Río Ízbor we climb through orange orchards, enjoying the fragrance and the view, and on towards Murchas. On arriving at Murchas we descend to the Río Torrente which we follow upstream along the right bank. We pass under the road bridge and then through a brickworks. Afterwards we go under another bridge - this one with arches - and then, following the GR-7 cross the river to climb among the remains of farmhouses to the Nigüelas road. At the nearby village of Dúrcal there is a bike shop and cash machines. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 08 · Albuñuelas - Nigüelas Total 0.00 0.50 2.00 2.07 Partial 0.00 0.50 1.50 Diagram 3.50 0.30 Description Albuñuelas. Starting from the plaza at the end of the village where the Taller de Empleo (workshop-training school) is located, take the Calle Alta going downhill. We leave Albuñuelas following the sign for the GR-7 long distance trail. Junction. Head left, passing a path on the right. 4.20 0.40 Turn left, leaving the concrete track which continues uphill. Steep descent. Turn left.. 4.85 5.50 0.65 0.65 Restábal. Carry on through the village heading for the road and the river. Road. Turn right onto the road. 0.07 Track. We join it heading straight on. 5.61 0.11 Río Ízbor. Cross over the bridge. Carry on downhill, take the left leaving a turning on the right. 3.00 3.80 Cross the river by the new concrete bridge (the previous bridge was swept away by a flood) and turn left. 6.21 0.60 0.93 0.50 Saleres. Go through the village along the main street heading towards the river. 6.30 0.09 Turn left off the tarmac following the sign”Embalse de Béznar y GR7” (Beznar reservoir and GR-7). Junction. Turn right. 6.37 0.07 6.72 7.12 7.40 0.35 0.40 0.28 Leave the track and follow the path on the left. We reach the the river bank and take the track going upstream along the right bank. Carry on, parallel with the river. Pay attention! a green arrow signs to the right, following de GR-7. It's wrong. 10.40 0.50 Go under the road bridge. 11.90 12.20 1.50 0.30 13.40 0.44 1.20 Turning. Turn left. 8.39 0.55 13.70 9.00 0.61 0.30 Junction. Straight on past a road on the right. 14.70 Brickworks. Turn left and cross between the buildings and follow the track. Go under the bridge for the old national road and, after fording the river, turn left. Carry on climbing. Turning. Turn right, passing the bridge on the left. 7.84 Cross the bridge over the Río Torrente and turn left. A long climb along the river.. 1.00 Turn left, crossing little bridge over the Torrente river onto the tarmac track which climbs steeply. We come out onto the road. Turn right, uphill to… Straight on. Carry on climbing. 9.80 Nigüelas. 0.80 15.20 9.90 0.10 Murchas. We pass the church and and leave the village heading for the Río Torrente. 0.50 TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 09 Nigüelas – Pampaneira TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 44.30 kms 7 hours 1560 metres High Low 5.40 kms 12.2 % 36.50 kms 82.4% 2.40 kms 5.4 % 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Hostal Pampaneira / Hostal Alfonso [website] Pampaneira – 958 763 002 Hostal Barranco del Poqueira Pampaneira – 956 763 004 Hostal Ruta del Mulhacén [website] Pampaneira – 958 763 010 “Alquiler de apartamentos” Pampaneira – 958 763 394 / 388 There is more accommodation further on around Bubión and Capileira. See Section 10. Where to eat? Casa Julio Café Bar El Pilón Restaurante Casa Diego Hotel Restaurante Alfonso Restaurante Guillermo Casa Narciso Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION A tough section because of the amount of climbing but the landscapes and views, and the arrival in the Poqueira valley. make the effort worthwhile. We leave Nigüelas, crossing the Río Torrente. We are then faced with the steepest climbs of the day – with gradients of 20 per cent. After the initial very hard kilometres we maintain height enjoying the great views. At the 10 kilometre-point we leave the GR-7 and continue climbing towards the settlement at El Tello (signed) and then head to the Área Recreativa de Puente Palo, where we take the route that leads to Lanjarón. A fast descent along a pista forestal takes us to the Ermita del Padre Eterno where we will take the road into Pampaneira. Note: If you don’t want to do the section in one go you can go down to Lanjarón to stay the night and then climb back up rejoining the main route at the 23.70 kilometre point. See Sections 9A and 9B below for information on this alternative. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 09 · Nigüelas – Pampaneira Total 0.00 0.00 0.20 2.00 2.30 4.00 Partial Diagram 0.00 0.00 Bridge over the Río Torrente. We cross over and reset our trip computers to zero and start to climb. 1.80 0.30 1.70 2.75 10.00 3.25 16.30 6.30 Description Set off from Nigüelas along the Calle Canalón, looking for the Río Torrente, following the GR-7 signals. 0.20 6.75 Carry on along the main pista ignoring the caminos on the right. On one of these it looks like the GR-7 sign is inviting us to head to the right towards the village of Acequias. Continue straight on uphill. The gradients are hard but the trail is good. After a stiff climb, carry on along the pista ignoring the tracks that on the right. Junction. We leave the main trail and turn off to the right, following the GR-7 signs, to go round the Barranco del Pleito. End of the climb. Junction. Takes the trail on the right going downhill. 17.30 18.70 1.00 1.40 Junction. Continue straight on, passing the pista on the right which heads downhill. Soon after there is a drinking water fountain on the left. Junction with the track that leads to El Tello (signed). Turn left heading uphill towards El Tello. On the right a good trail, part of the GR-7, heads down to Lanjarón. Junction. Straight on following the signs indicating the way to El Tello. The main pista continues to Ventura. Fork Tello – Ballesteros. Take the right-hand fork which descends toward El Tello. The pista becomes a singletrack trail. El Tello. We reach a small meadow at the Casas de Tello. We need to retrace our steps a little and look out for the the path that descends to the river. The starting point for new path is no more than 20 metres from the point where the original path ends. The vereda (path) to the river is not very visible and a bit technical, and is full of trunks from the reforestation work. 19.60 19.70 20.70 21.30 0.90 0.10 Cross the Río Lanjarón by a stone bridge. 27.70 We leave the vereda and continue along the track that leads off from the left passing though some meadows and some farms. From now on we continue uphill along the same track ignoring all of the turnings, until the track reaches the main pista of Puente Pallo, where the trail levels off. Junction. Straight on uphill. 1.00 0.60 Junction. Straight on, heading uphill. Junction. Onward and upward. 21.90 22.50 23.70 0.60 0.60 1.20 We reach the main pista to Puente Palo, we follow it, heading right. Junction with the trail that climbs up from Lanjarón, carry straight on to Puente Palo. This is the 14-kilometre mark of Section 9B (Lanjarón Pampaneira). 4.00 Área Recreativa de Puente Palo. Follow the main pista heading downhill. Road. Turn left to… 38,90 11,20 …Pampaneira 44,30 5,40 TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Where to eat? Bar Restaurante El Volante, Lanjarón – 958 770 113 Mesón El Salado, Lanjarón – 958 770 338 Pizzería Bacarés, Lanjarón – 958 771 064 From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 9A (Alternative) Nigüelas - Lanjarón TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 16 kms 2 h 30 min 540 metres High Low 0.0 kms 0% 16 kms 100% 0.0 kms 0% 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Hotel Castillo Lanjarón *** [website], Lanjarón – 958 770 712 Hotel Alcadima *** [website], Lanjarón – 958 770 809 Welcome drink for transanduluseros. Hotel El Sol ** [website], Lanjarón – 958 770 130 Hotel Manolete ** [website], Lanjarón – 958 770 773 Hotel Lanjarón * [website], Lanjarón – 958 770 094 20% discount for transandaluseros + complimentary breakfast Hotel España * [website], Lanjarón – 958 770 187 Hotel Iberia, Lanjarón – 958 770 132 Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION Setting off from Nigüelas, we cross the Río Torrente and start a steep climb. Take care - confusing GR-7 signs! Carrying on on a wide pista with a lot of switchbacks, we gain height rapidly. At 1400 metres the trail becomes a little more bearable. Further on we cross the pista that goes to El Tello. If you have the time and the stamina you can continue climbing towards El Tello and Punete Palo before descending to Soportújar, if not turn off from the GR-7 and descend to on a perfect pista which takes us to Lanjarón. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 09A (alternativa) · Nigüelas - Lanjarón Total 0.00 0.00 Partial 0.00 0.00 0.20 0.20 2.00 1.80 2.30 4.00 0.30 1.70 Diagram 6.75 2.75 10.00 3.25 Description Set off from Nigüelas along the Calle Canalón, looking for the Río Torrente. Bridge over the Río Torrente. We cross over and reset our trip computers to zero and start to climb. Carry on along the main pista ignoring the caminos on the right. On one of these it looks like the GR-7 sign is inviting us to head to the right towards the village of Acequias. Continue straight on uphill. The gradients are hard but the trail is good. After a stiff climb, carry on along the pista ignoring the tracks that on the right. Junction. We leave the main trail and turn off to the right, following the GR-7 signs, to go round the Barranco del Pleito. End of the climb. Junction. Takes the trail on the right going downhill. 16.00 6.00 Junction. Continue straight on, passing the pista on the right which heads downhill. Soon after there is a drinking water fountain on the left. Junction with the track that leads to El Tello (signed). Take the right for a fast descent on a good pista to Lanjarón. Lanjarón. We enter the alpujarreña village passing its famous spa. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 9B (Alternativa) Lanjarón - Pampaneira TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 34.3 kms 5h 1325 metres High Average 5.4 Kms. 15.7 % 28.9 Kms 84.3 % 0 kms 0% 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Hostal Pampaneira / Hostal Alfonso [website] Pampaneira – 958-76-30-02 Hostal Barranco del Poqueira Pampaneira 956 763 034 Hostal Ruta del Mulhacén [website] Pampaneira - 958 763 010 “Alquiler de apartamentos” Pampaneira – 958 763 394 / 388 More accommodation around Bubión and Capileira – see Section 10. Where to eat? Restaurante Belezmín Café Bar El Pilón Hotel Restaurante Restaurante Casa Diego Alfonso Restaurante Guillermo Casa Narciso Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION The route starts at the Ayuntamiento (Mayor’s office). After crossing the Río Lanjarón we set out on the road following the GR-7 along a concrete track. We gain height rapidly. After leaving the GR-7 (which continues towards the Barranco de Cáñar, but is unrideable) we rejoin the main route at the 14 kilometre point. We continue climbing on a pista forestal to the Área Recreativa de Puente Palo at a height of 1800 metres. From here we descend towards the Ermita del Padre Eterno on the road between Órgiva and Poqueira's Valley, which offers views of the some of the most typical villages of the Alpujarra. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Pampaneira TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 9B (alternativa) · Lanjarón - Pampaneira Total Partial 0.00 0.00 3.00 3.00 8.00 5.00 14.00 6.00 Diagram Description Set off from Lanjarón along the road to Órgiva. After crossing the bridge we leave the road, turning left onto the track, following the GR-7 waymarks. Carry on along the main trail, ignoring the turning for Órgiva. Later on we separate from GR-7 (unrideable through the valley until you get to Cáñar). Junction. Turn right. Trail heading uphill. Sign for Cáñar. Junction. Trail to Tello on the right. End of the climb. Continue along the main trail ignoring the other caminos. Área Recreativa de Puente Palo. Follow the main pista downhill. 18.00 4.00 Carretera. Tomar a la izquierda hacia Pampaneira. 29,20 11,20 34,30 5,40 TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 10 Pampaneira - Trevélez TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 27.50 kms 4h 990 metres Average Low 10.50 kms 38.2 % 17 kms 61.8 % 0 kms % 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Hotel Villa Turística de Bubión *** [website] Bubión – 902 101 478 – CLOSED for REPAIRMENT Hostal Apartamentos Las Terrazas [website] Plaza del Sol, Bubión – 958 763 252 Hostal Rural Atalaya [website] 3 Calle Perchel, Capileira – 958 763 025 / 606 852 842 Hotel Poqueira [website] Calle Doctor Castilla, Capileira – 958 763 048 Hotel Pepe * [website] Trevélez – 958 858 503 Hotel La Fragua I [website] Trevélez – 958 858 626 / 512 Hotel La Fragua II [website] Trevélez – 958 858 626 / 512 Hostal Regina ** Trevélez – 958 858 564 Hostal Fernando * Trevélez – 958 858 565 10% discount to transandaluseros Hostal Mulhacén ** Trevélez – 958 858 587 Hostal El Cascapeñas [website] Capileira – 958 763 011 Camping Trevélez [website] Trevélez – 958 858 735 Where to eat? Wide variety of bars and restaurants in Bubión, Capileira and Trevélez Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION After passing through Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, we leave the beautiful Valle del Poqueira and head for Trevélez, the highest village in Europe. These are the four most visited villages in the Alpujarras, however in this section we avoid the traffic because we leave from Capileira by the local road which cuts higher, before turning into a dirt road up to the pass at Veleta. The road then descends from Veleta to Pradollano and the city of Granada. Before reaching the entrance to the Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada we turn off onto a pista in perfect condition that leads to the Aréa Recréativa de Pórtugos. The first few kilometres are a gentle descent and we can enjoy the beautiful views over the Tahá de Pitres. Still following the main trail, we climb for a few kilometres to reach the peak overlooking the village of Trevélez, from where its three barrios can be clearly seen. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · Provincia de Granada Follow the downhill. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 10 · Pampaneira - Trevélez Total 0.00 4.00 Partial Diagram End of the descent, turn left onto the road to go into .... 27.00 27.50 6.00 Capileira. Continue climbing on the road to Veleta 2.00 10.00 4.00 13.00 3.00 4 kms. after leaving the village, turn right off the road at a bend heading towards the Área Recreativa de Pórtugos. Trail in good condition. Área Recreativa de Pórtugos downhill on the left. Continue straight on along the main pista. A.R . 15.50 21,00 going 1.00 5.00 Bubión. Keep climbing along the road until… 4.00 pista Description Set off from Pampaneira by the road towards Bubión and Capileira which comes up the Poqueira valley. 0.00 22.00 main 2.50 Junction. Follow the main trail, ignoring the turning to the right that goes down to Pórtugos.. 5,50 Barranco de Bina. Provisional way, walking with the bike about 100 mts. up to the pista again. 0.50 Trevélez. We come into the highest village in Europe through its Barrio Medio. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 11 Trevélez – Cádiar TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 19 kms 1h 50 min 300 metres Low Average 15 kms 80% 2 kms 10% 2 kms 10% 90 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Bar-Pensión Tino, Juviles – 958 769 174 Apartamentos Juviles, Juviles [website] – 958 816 904 / 650 877 319 Hotel Rural Alquería de Morayma ** [website] On the A-348, 2 kms from Cádiar - 958 343 221 10% discount for transandaluseros Apartahotel Restaurante La Pará de la Suerte [web] Avda. de Andalucía – 958-768-900 – Cádiar Free typical sweets for transandaluseros Apartamentos Ruta de la Alpujarra, Cádiar – 958 768 059 Hotel Restaurant El Cadí, Cádiar – 958 768 064 Vamos Cycling! [website], Cádiar – 958 850 470 / 630 894 816 Breakfast included. Where to eat? Bar-Pensión Tino, Juviles – 958 769 174 Bar Alonso, Juviles – 659 267 748 Bar Fernández , Juviles – 958 769 030 Hotel Restaurante El Cadí, Cádiar – 958 768 064 Restaurante La Pará de la Suerte [web] - 958-768-900 – Cádiar Apartamentos Restaurante La Ruta de la Alpujarra, Cádiar – 958 768 059 Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy Bike shop: Vamos Cycling! – small workshop and sale of spares (see Where to sleep?) DESCRIPTION We take the road towards Juviles, going out of Trevélez through the Barrio Bajo. After a few kilometres of up and downhill, there is an enjoyable descent to Juviles. Passing through the village we leave by the road following the GR-7 waymarks to start a very enjoyable descent, although with some difficult bits, to Tímar, in the heart of the Alpujarra Profunda. Timar is a small village with no services for the traveller, but an example of traditional architecture. We continue our journey by the local road towards Cádiar, we then turn off the road onto a pista and descend to a river. From here the trail is no longer surfaced. After a short steep climb, we start a lovely descent to the Río Guadelfeo which we cross as we come into Cádiar. There is a difficult technical descent from Juviles to Tímar. Because of this the technical difficulty for this section is rated as ‘average’ and the rideable proportion is 90 per cent. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada 1.50 Junction. Take the left-hand fork staying on the road that brought us here. 1.00 After a stream, climb a steep slope, ignoring the turnings to the left and right. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Section 11 · Trevélez – Cádiar Total 0.00 Partial 0.00 Diagram 16.00 Description Set off from Trevélez, through the Barrio Bajo, along the road for Juviles. 17.00 Juviles. Ride through the village. 12.00 Junction. Take the right-hand fork. 12.00 18.00 12.50 12.57 0.50 0.07 Just after leaving the village, we turn right off the road following the GR-7 signs towards the sports centre (polideportivo), starting a singletrack descent with some tricky bits. Turn left. Just left the road, we will turn to the left, avoiding to go into the town. Junction. Continue straight on. 12.88 14.50 0.31 1.62 Tímar. We pass through this small village and continue along the road. 19.00 1.00 1.00 Cádiar. We cross the Río Guadalfeo and enter the village. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 12 Cádiar - Válor Where to eat? Café Bar La Fuente, Yegen (accommodation?) - 958 851 067 Restaurante El Tinao, Yegen (accommodation?) - 958 851 177 El Suizo, Válor (accommodation?) - 958 851 836 Hotel Restaurante Las Perdices ** Válor - 958 851 821 TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Pista Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 18.50 kms 2h 45min 610 metres Average Low 2,25 kms 12.1% 14,50 kms 78.4% 1,75 kms 9.5% 100 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Apartamentos Oasis Yátor - 958-768-114 Hotel Rural El Rincón de Yegen [website] Camino de las Eras, Yegen – 958 851 270 Pensión El Tinao Yegen – 958 851 212 Hotel Restaurante Las Perdices ** [website] Válor 958 851 821 Bed & Breakfast Los Arcos [website] Plaza Iglesia, Válor – 958 851 771 Free beer on the terrace for transandaluseros Casas rurales Balcón de Válor [website] Válor – 958-851-821 Supermarket Bike shop Repair shop Pharmacy DESCRIPTION Our initial intention was we to leave from Cádiar by the camino to Narila but it was impossible because the way was so completely overgrown. In this section we travel through the heartland of the rebellion by the moriscos (Muslims converted to Christianity under threat of explusion. The rebellion was led by Fernando de Válor y Córdoba, known as Abén Humeya who was proclaimed King of the Alpujarras. We will leave Cádiar on trails to avoid the new road to Ugíjar. At the 8 kilometer mark we will reach Yátor where we take a detour on the Montenegro trail up a tough climb to Yegen. We ride through Yegen and abandon the tarmac in favour of a sendero that comes out on the lanes leading to Válor. At the entry to the village we follow the ancient Camino Real de Almería a Granada crossing the Moorish bridge of La Tableta over the Río Válor. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada Junction. Turn right. TransAndalus RoadBook · pProvince of Granada Section 12 · Cádiar - Válor Total 0.00 0.50 Partial 0.00 0.50 Diagram 2.60 0.30 Description Cádiar. Set your odometer to zero at the “Fuente del Vino” (Wine Fountain) located on the square next to the church of Cádiar. Leave on calle Real towards the plaza de Ermita. The Cádiar Hermitage. Follow calle de la Ermita to leave via the A-318. Junction. Straight on. 2.70 0.10 Junction. Straight on. 2.85 0.15 Turn right. 0.70 1.20 1.55 0.20 0.50 0.35 Road A-318. Turn right, on to the road and then turn left after only a short 60 meters at the cemetery road. 3.00 Cádiar Cemetery. At the cemetery, take a sharp (more than 90º) left turn. 3.50 Junction. Continue straight, up, avoiding a right turn. 4.80 0.15 0.50 Turn right going gently downhill in an eastwardly direction at the top of the hill. 1.30 Junction. After a short, steep decent, at a trail in better condition turn left. String and junction. Straight on. 2.30 0.75 Junction. Continue straight avoiding a left turn and another right turn just meters past the previous junction. 5.40 6.30 0.60 0.90 Service Road. On reaching the new A-348 road, do not enter, take the right onto the service road (the old road) Road A-348. Go under road A-318 7,70 1,40 12.40 0.40 Detour to Yator. Turn left going towards Yator. 7,95 8,40 8,80 10,20 10,40 13.05 0,25 0,45 0,40 1,40 0,20 Yator. We cross the town to Plaza de San Sebastián and then Calle Ermita (Ermita Street) 14.65 1,60 1.60 Ermita de San Sebastián. The "Montenegro way" starts. 14.90 Montenegro. Farm, chapel and fountain. No shops or services. We carry on climbing. In some places the climb is steep. Yegen. Climb to the top of the village and turn onto the road. Turn right and set off in the direction of Válor. Road. Straight on the road. Don’t turn left by GR-7 track. 15.40 0.25 0.50 GR-7. We left incorporated by the GR-7 coming from Mecina Bombarón and we by it. 15.80 12,00 0.65 Yegen. Plaza con fuente. Giramos a la izquierda en subida. 0.40 Cemetery. We continue towards town. After a detour to the right (on a bend in the road on the left). we turn right off the road by GR-7 track (can’t see it well) After leaving a sharp bend. turn right off the road and onto the GR7. Watch out: the turning isn't well signed. Junction after a stream. Head left. following the signs for the GR-7. Turn off on the tarmac pista. 15.90 0.10 Junction - take the left hand fork. 16.50 0.60 T-junction. Turn left. 16.75 0.25 T-junction. Turn left. 17.05 17.75 17.90 18.40 18.50 0.30 0.70 0.15 0.50 0.10 Turning. Turn right (If Tablate Bridge were closed. return to this point and follow up to the road) Cross the La Tableta bridge and climb to town Junction. We follow towards. upo to the road. Válor. End of the section. We reach the road. Closed to Restaurante El Puente. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada From the Sierra de Alhama to the La Alpujarra SECTION 13 Válor - Laroles TECHNICAL DETAILS Distance Time needed Elevation gain Physical difficulty Technical difficulty Surfaced road or trail Unsurfaced road or trail Singletrack/path Rideable proportion 11.50 kms 2 h. 12 min. 486.5 metres High Average 4.15 kms 36.0% 3.40 kms 29.6% 3.95 kms 34.4% 90 % OTHER INFORMATION Where to sleep? Casa Las Chimeneas [website] Mairena – 958 760 352 – 10 % discount + 1 bottle of wine for transandaluseros Casa Rural Viña y Rosales [website] – 958-760-177 – Mairena 15% discount +/Hotel Real de Laroles [website] C/. Real, 46 – 958-760-058 / 693-927-454 – Laroles Small bike workshop-door and bike washing Hotel Refugio Nevada ** Laroles – 958 760 320 Alpujarras Camping (2ª) [website] Laroles – 958 760 231 (campsite. holiday homes and hostel) Where to eat? Bars in Nechite. Mairena and Júbar. Rte. Balcón de la Alpujarra – Laroles (near to petrol station) Rte. Montesinos – Laroles (near to petrol station) DESCRIPTION Superb section that continues passing though the pueblos blancos that climb the slopes of the fringes of the Sierra Nevada. Although the distance is short. the next twelve kilometres of the route are packed with beautiful places passing through the silent streets of small settlements where time has stood still. each village with its own stream. its fertile plain. From Válor we head by track in the direction of Nechite. climbing its wooded slopes. We can’t not take a glance at the view that opens up to our right. The little villages bunched among the lush vegetation. and in the distance you can make out on the horizon. the Almería coast and the shining sea. From the mirador (viewpoint) at Nechite. the GR-7 takes us through chestnut groves among fields and irrigation ditches. to a river. We then have to push our bikes for 300 metres out of the river valley. from this point on the most skillfull will have no problem continuing on the bike. We leave behind us the shade of the valley for the sunny hillside. Following our camino. we are soon within striking distance of Mairena. where we come out on the main road. We leave the road again a few metres later to climb to the church in Júbar. From there we leave the GR-7 for a while and take the narrow road that winds towards our destination. Laroles. with its prominent church tower. the last village of the Alpujarra Granadina and gateway to Almería. Drinking water fountains in all the villages. TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada TransAndalus RoadBook · province of Granada 1.20 0.55 We leave from Válor going up the slope next to the "El Puente" Restaurant 1.65 0.45 Crossroads. We keep on climbing the street on our right. 1.75 0.10 Section 13· Válor - Laroles Total 0.00 0.15 0.30 Partial 0.00 0.15 0.15 Diagram Description Track. We leave GR-7 on our right and keep on going up the street. Detour. We turn right. 0.40 0.50 0.65 1.90 2.75 Detour path and track. After passing a track, we go down and take a path on our right, when arrived on a crossroads, we take a track up on our left. Transformer and irrigation canal. We pass just next to a electrical transformer, we cross an irrigation canal and then take a track just in front of us. Street. The track leads to a concrete street, we turn left and climb up. We arrive to the upper part of the town of Nechite. 0.10 Mirador (viewpoint) de San Blas. Continue straight ahead along the path. 0.85 Arroyo Nechite. (Nechite River). Cross and continue along the GR-7. Hard section. need to push. 0.10 0.10 0.15 Gate. We pass the gate through the pass on the right and take immediately a concrete path on our left. Detour. We continue the path on our left. Take the track on following the GR-7. 4.50 the right 1.75 Junction. Continue straight on. 4.90 0.40 Junction. Take the left-hand fork.. 5.70 Junction. Straight on. 7.35 0.60 0.10 Mairena. Head towards the road. 6.15 0.45 7.45 0.10 Turn left onto the road. 6.55 6.60 0.40 7.65 0.20 8.05 0.30 Turn off the road looking for a path that leads to the GR-7. 0.05 Track. Turn right. 6.95 7.05 7.25 7.35 0.10 Turn left off the road onto the tarmac lane that leads to Jábar. 0.20 After avoid the GR-7 to the left, turn left off the Júbar road and onto a track. 0.10 Detour. Don't turn right off by GR7 and a few meters after we will turn left off. Júbar. Village of some 70 inhabitants. We will not take the downstairs, and will follow the track up to the fountain. Ride through looking for the church. Church. The tower is of Moorish origin. The GR-7 turns left. We go straight on. Turn left onto the road. 8.85 0.35 Junction. We turn right off the track following the GR-7. We see the village of... 11.00 11.50 0.80 2.15 0.50 Laroles. We come into the village via the Barrio Alto. Laroles. End of the section at the crossroads near to gas station.