The lush Monachil valley with its narrow gorge and cascading river is a beautiful area for walking. Kids will love the hanging bridges and the dramatic gorge, and this walk is particularly recommended when the wild flowers are out in spring and when the leaves turn gold in autumn. As well as wild herbs like lavender, thyme and rosemary, you’ll see fruit trees heavy with apricots, almonds, cherries, apples and pomegranates.
Level This walk is suitable for most people, but bear in mind that there are sections where you need to scramble under overhanging rock along the side of the gorge. There are metal handles set into the rock to help you past. If you prefer, you can avoid much of the climbing by going back through the gorge rather than taking the circular route. It isn’t a difficult route to follow, but it is not consistently signposted, so pay attention to the directions given in the information sheet.
When to go All year, but particularly scenic in autumn, when the leaves are starting to change colour, and spring, when the meadows just above the gorge are covered in flowers.
Water Take water with you.
Location: NW Sierra Nevada, Monachil
The walk starts in the village of Monachil, following the river up through the gorge, then returning by a higher route, from which you get a good view of the whole valley.
Transport
By car: From Granada, take the Vergeles/La Zubia/Cájar/Monachil exit from the A-395 southern ring road (Ronda Sur). At the roundabout, take the exit for Monachil and Cájar. Follow this road for roughly 6 km, past a roundabout and two sets of traffic lights, until you reach the village of Monachil. After you enter the village, follow the signs for public parking for Los Cahorros. The signs lead you to a car park on the south side of the river at the far end of the village, near the sign marking the start of the walk.
By bus: Service 183 goes to Monachil approx. once an hour Monday – Friday. On Saturdays, the service is mornings only, with the last bus back at 13:40, and there is no service on Sundays. Service 181 goes more frequently to Barrio Monachil, but this is some way short (approx. 2km) of Monachil village. Click here for more info and links to current timetables.
