Too Hot to Walk in the Alpujarra

Too hot to walk in The Alpujarra!

We had a client this week complaining that it was too hot to walk in the Alpujarra.  Yes, it is very hot at the moment but you can escape the heat by getting up high for a walk.

A Cool Walk!

One of our favourite walks starts from Hoya del Portillo at 2160m by driving up the forest track above Capileira. Taking the path up through the forest to Puerto Molina 2380m (about 30 minutes) brings you to cooler air with spectacular views of the high mountains including Mulhacen which at 3482m is mainland Spain’s highest. Here the Sierra Nevada National Park Service have placed “interpretation” boards pointing out the history of the area and which mountains can be seen in the range.  There is another board about 50m away detailing the view south over the Contravesia and the mountains of North Africa that can be seen on a clear day.

If you have 4 hours to spare, there is a great circuit from Puerto Molina.  Follow a faint path which ascends keeping just right of the ridge to Prado Llano 2577m. Eventually this brings you back to the driveable dirt track road which is followed to Mirador de Trevelez (great views of Trevelez). 500m beyond, take the turning down to the left signed Refugio Poqueira.  Keep an eye open for a path on the left which starts after about 10 minutes from the junction.  This is followed back to the fire break just under Puerto Molina.

This is a great walk usually with good views (though it sometimes gets misty in the mountains).  If contemplating this walk, check it out on the map first and if you don’t feel confident, hire a QUALIFIED guide to lead you.

Sierra Nevada Guides are always happy to advise you on routes and conditions.