Below are some of the walks that you can take in and around the Sierra de Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves and Los Alcornocales. They are rated as easy, easy to medium, medium, medium to hard and hard. Of course this rating must be subjective as it depends almost completely on what you consider your fitness level to be. We'll do our best to point out any aspects like high or slippery paths and also mention any guest houses, bars for tapas and restaurants in the area.
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Easy Walks
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Written by Sue
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Saturday, 15 November 2008 15:30 |
 This is a gentle walk on a good track that takes you through gnarled oak trees in the Sierra de Las Nieves. Jays cackle and call as they stay just ahead on this woodland walk. Booted Eagles, Short-toed eagles and Goshawk may fly overhead and there are many common European species around in the trees such as Chaffinch, Great-tit and Robin. The Mediterranean scrub that grows in the shade of the trees and in the clearings can provide an array of colours both on their own and with the insects that they attract.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 December 2008 09:53 )
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Easy to medium walks
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Written by Sue
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Thursday, 13 November 2008 14:03 |
 From the road between Grazalema and Ubrique you can access the sierras along a stone covered track which leads steadily upwards giving views over the junction of the Sierra de Grazalema and Los Alcornocales natural parks. The terrain stretching before you changes from steep limestone cliffs to rolling oak covered hills. This path is linear, taking you through a mosaic of Mediterranean scrub that has adapted to thrive in pockets of poor soil between porous, often vertical rocks. A two to three hour walk here will give you a terrific sample of the bird and plant life of these sierras as well as the fabulous views.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 November 2008 17:31 )
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Easy Walks
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Written by Sue
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Thursday, 06 November 2008 15:45 |
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 As the name suggests this is a high walk in the mountains, but your access by road gains the altitude and the walk is a fairly short circular one that goes around the peak offering spectacular views. The peak itself is at 1,328m above sea level and the car park at 1,157m. It will take about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace to complete the 2.7km and may give amazing sightings of Griffon Vultures, from above and below. The terrain is rugged limestone rock with rough grasses, stunted oak trees and sparse Mediterranean scrub.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 06 November 2008 19:28 )
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Easy Walks
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Written by Ashley
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Tuesday, 28 October 2008 08:17 |
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 A great way to relax from all the cycling that Claire and I do is to go for a walk and when we have a few hours to spare we pack a small picnic, sandwiches, crisps, fruit and a drink, jump in the car and head off to Benaojan. The walk begins at the railway station ‘Estacion de Benaojan’ which is situated in the Guadiaro valley in the Sierra de Grazalema. You can park for free at the railway station. It’s a short and easy walk which usually takes us an hour and a half at a very leisurely pace. The walk joins the two white villages of Benaojan and Jimera. The reason it is our favourite is you can amble down to Jimera have a picnic, stop for tapas and drinks in Jimera before catching the train back to Benaojan.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 October 2008 15:19 )
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Medium to hard walks
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Written by Clive
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Friday, 26 September 2008 18:10 |
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After recently enjoying a family holiday in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Steve has written this article to share his experiences:
As part of our week at the end of August with Clive & Sue (of The Grazalema Guide and Wildside Holidays) we had permits for a visit to 'La Garganta Verde"' a “must do” for the more adventurous visitors to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
The 'Garganta Verde' is a 400metre deep, limestone gorge with a Griffon Vulture colony at the top, 'La Ermita' a pink cave at the bottom and dramatic landscape at all points in between.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 October 2008 11:50 )
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Where to Eat
Molino Del Puente, Ronda
Beautifully set around an open central fireplace and featuring much of the original mill machinery. In the summer months there is also dining on the riverside terrace.International menu using only the finest of fresh local produce and seafood.
Restaurant Al Lago, Zahara de la Sierra
A stunning setting with lake views from the terrace in which to enjoy a leisurely lunch, dinner or innovative tapas. Chef Stefan Crites, who trained in New York for many years, re-interprets some of Spain’s culinary classics with a creative and exotic touch using local organic vegetables, top quality meat and fresh fish from the markets in Cadiz.
Hotels in the Area
Cortijo de las Piletas
A country hotel located in the heart of Andalucia. Only 12km. from the picturesque town of Ronda, in the Natural Park of Grazalema, the Cortijo allows visitors to explore a great variety of natural environments, both on the property grounds as well as the surrounding areas.
El Gastor village lodgings
Friendly, relaxed, family run B&B in the beautiful white village (pueblo blanco) of El Gastor in the heart of rural Andalucia, southern Spain. We also have available a fully renovated rustic village house and a separate studio apartment for those who prefer self-catering.
Cortijo Valverde
Beautiful hotel with outstanding views of the surrounding countryside providing that special vacation destination for either a restful holiday, or a base from which to explore the many treasures that Andalucia and Inland Spain has to offer.
Hotel Molino Del Puente, Ronda
Beautifully renovated 17th century olive mill converted into a small and friendly country hotel.
Set in beautiful countryside just 5 minutes from the historic town of Ronda in the heart of rural Andalucia.
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Walking/Hiking routes
