A varied circuit that takes you through the dense forest, orchards and idyllic pastureland of the western Alpujarras. There is welcome shade as you climb up at the start of the walk, but after you reach the highest point of the walk there are lovely views over the Órgiva valley, the Rules reservoir and the hills beyond.
Level After the initial steep ascent you can relax along the flat middle section, before winding more gradually back downhill. The circuit makes use of two marked paths (the PR-A 22 and then a section of the GR-240 Sulayr long distance walking route). Some care is needed in finding the turn-off from the Sulayr to take you back towards the starting point, but apart from this, navigation is quite straightforward.
When to go All year round, but bear in mind that this area could occasionally be above the snow line in winter.
Water Although part of the walk goes along an irrigation channel, you should not drink from it, so take enough water with you.
Location: Alpujarras, Capileira
The walk starts in the vicinity of the village Soportujar in the western Alpujarras, only a few kilometres down the road from the popular villages of the Poqueira gorge (Capileira, Bubión and Pampaneira).
Transport
By Car: From Granada, take the E-902/A-44 towards Motril. Take exit 164 and take the A-348 towards Lanjaron. Carry on past Lanjaron and after about a further 8km turn left onto the A-4132, marked towards Trevelez (the turning is just after you enter Orgiva). Pass the turn-off for Soportujar and shortly afterwards you will see a small chapel on your right (Ermita del Padre Eterno). Take the left turning here, onto an asphalted (but at time of writing very poorly maintained) road. Follow this road for about 4km until you get to a tourist complex offering horse riding. From this point, the road is no longer surfaced, but a few hundred metres further on you’ll see a small parking area with walking signs, where the route starts.
By bus: This walk is not easily accessible by bus.
