SPAIN Hiking Over Lemons Unspoiled Moorish villages Charming accommodations and hosts The delights of the Alpujarras SELF-GUIDED Departures for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together Tour Grade B Tour Code - TLEM For dates and prices visit: www.walksworldwide.com
Introduction This holiday takes you into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Below the heights of Mulhacen, the highest mountain in Spain run the Alpujarran Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty and great ecological diversity. The Eastern end of the mountain range is watered by mountain streams and has been farmed since Moorish times with exotic fruits, almonds and olives. It also boasts some of the remaining truly unspoilt white-washed villages of Andalucia, where donkeys outnumber cars by two to one and life has remained little changed for hundreds of years. You start in Mairena and have a couple of nights to find your feet and relax in the beautifully converted villa Casa las Chimeneas where your welcoming hosts will cook you some delicious food and introduce you to the area. You then travel further up the mountain range to Trevelez from where you walk back over three nights to Mairena. This is a peaceful journey through beautiful scenery, great food and wine, and pleasant accommodations. This truly is a delightful holiday where you can relax in the evenings and enjoy fine walks during the day. The Holiday Routine As you are free to walk at your own speed you may choose to leave early (if the weather is hot) or later if you wish. Spaniards generally take a siesta after lunch, and have dinner reasonably late by UK standards (around 8-8.30). walks are way-marked, but in general you follow the descriptions given. You may be following a combination of mountain roads, ancient pathways Camino Reales and an old Moorish aqueduct. You can expect to walk for an average of six hours each day, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Ascent and descent are natural features of this walking holiday, although these sections are rarely steep or sustained. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found in our brochure or online at www.walksworldwide.com. You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. Walking conditions In Mairena you will be provided with fully detailed walking notes and maps along with an expert local briefing. Some As the name suggests, self-guided holidays are for those that prefer to be independent. Within reason you are able to dictate your own schedule, as well as walk at your own pace with the aid of route notes and maps. All your accommodation has been reserved in advance and unless otherwise stated within this trip dossier, your main baggage is transferred between each accommodation along the way, so there s no need to worry about carrying heavy loads and having to back pack. This means you only need to walk each day and carry your usual lightweight daypack. Spain Hiking over Lemons 2 www.walksworldwide.com
However, it is important that you are entirely comfortable with being independent whilst on a walking holiday. For detailed information as to what a selfguided holiday entails please read the selfguided walking holidays section at Types of Trip section on www.walksworldwide.com before booking your self-guided walking holiday. Route Notes- Help keep them up to date Things can and do change along the routes that self-guided walking holidays follow. A sign may have been changed, or even removed, a path may have been obstructed, even rerouted, a landmark the route notes refer to may simply no longer exist. It is clearly impossible to keep track of all the changes that may occur outside the local tour operators control and knowledge. It may be the route notes translation can be improved (they are translated into several languages by the local operator after all) too. Clearly a case of last person to walk the route has the most up to date information. In the spirit of camaraderie amongst walkers and in an effort to constantly keep route notes updated and improved upon, the local operator (contact details in your final joining instructions) will always welcome notification of any changes along the way/recommendations for improvement if you would care to forward any useful and specific information to them. Alternatively, send to Walks Worldwide and we will forward accordingly. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. Itinerary IMPORTANT- Before booking you should read our Types of Trip and Essential and Useful information sections on www.walksworldwide.com including our Important Warning.Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your Final Joining Instructions approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Outline Itinerary Day Itinerary Overnight Accommodation Meal 1 Arrive Almeria/Granada and transfer to Mairena Mairena Casa Las Chimeneas D 2 Day walks from Mairena Mairena Casa Las Chimeneas BLD 3 Transfer to Trevelez, day walk Trevelez Hotel BL 4 Walk to Berchules Berchules Hotel B 5 Walk to Yegen Yegen Hotel B 6 Walk to Mairena Mairena Casa Las Chimeneas BD 7 Day walk from Mairena Mairena Casa Las Chimeneas BLD 8 Depart B B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner. Spain Hiking Over Lemons 3 www.walksworldwide.com
Day 1 Arrive in Almeria or Granada and transfer to the delightful village of Mairena, known as the Balcony of the Alpujarras. See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier. Mairena is set in an elevated position with spectacular views down to the Mediterranean coast. You spend your first two nights in a large, traditionally restored house, Casa las Chimeneas, where the spacious bedrooms all enjoy either a terrace or a balcony. The house has been restored with such attention to detail and furnished with authentic antiques that it was featured in El Mueble the Spanish equivalent of House and Gardens. If your flight times allow, you may choose to enjoy an afternoon walk, or sunset stroll around the surrounding cultivated terraces. You can follow the ancient waterways up into the low sierra looking out for the old stone threshing floors and water mills. It is possible to walk in a circle, skirting the edge of the forest not far below the snow line where wild boar and foxes can sometimes be seen, and then further to a neighbouring village famous for its old church set picturesquely on the site of an old mosque. The evening is spent at the house where in summer dinner can be served on the terrace under the stars or by the log fire in the winter. Casa Las Chimeneas, Mairena Day 2 Today you can choose one of the many varied walks directly from Casa Las Chimeneas. If you are feeling ambitious this could be an opportunity to climb El Chullo (2,612 metres), one of the highest peaks of the area, a 7 hour walk. The mountain is climbed from the Puerto de la Ragua, a mountain pass from where there are stunning views down to the plains of Guadix, to the 16 th century castle of Calahorra, and the vast sweep of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Other, less challenging but no less beautiful walks from village to village are also available. The choice is yours. Casa Las Chimeneas, Mairena Day 3 Today you be transferred by vehicle to the village of Trevelez, the western most village of this trip. Trevelez is reputedly the highest village in Spain and famous for its cured hams. The countryside on this side of the Alpujarras is noticeably different to the eastern side, with its steep sided gorges and dramatic views. Being higher it is less cultivated, but again gives the opportunity for sightings of wild boar, mountain goats, eagles, dear and wild cats. Trevelez is the largest village you will stay in, but does not lose its Alpujarran charm. There are several walks options from Trevelez. You can strike up to the peak of Penabon (3-4 hours), which is a steep climb with superb views up to the sierra and down the dramatic drops to the villages and river below. If you are Spain Hiking Over Lemons 4 www.walksworldwide.com
aren t ready for a day of hard walking there is another easier option, which follows the river for a round trip of 5 hours. Hotel, Trevelez Day 4 You start your route eastwards back towards Mairena, along the ancient Camino Real or the GR7. The old mule trail, which is still mainly used by local farmers to get to and from the terraces where they still farm almonds, olives and vegetables, winds its way just below the snow line giving awesome views down the valley to the south. The route takes you high into the sierra past ancient farmlands and forests, and crossing the high ridge you descend into the village of Berchules, which is the heart of the Alpujarra Alta (the highland of the Alpujarra) in the Natural Park of the Sierra Nevada. Here you stay in a small friendly run hotel, which has views and renowned for its excellent home cooking. Walking time approx. 6 hours. Family Hotel, Berchules Day 5 From Berchules you walk along the local stream, and then once again climb eastwards over the headland and down into the village of Mecina Bombaron. From here you take the narrow picturesque route to the pretty, isolated village of Golco and descend into the remote and beautiful valley walking alongside ancient waterways and eventually past the mysterious abandoned hermitage and cotijo of Montenergo. From here you climb slowly up to the village of Yegen, the village where Gereal Brenan lived after World War 1, and wrote his famous book South of Granada. The hotel is both atmospheric and typical of the area, complete with en-suite rooms, terraces and a small pool. Walking time approx. 5-6hrs. Family Hotel, Yegen. Day 6 From Yegen you descend to the natural springs of Cuesta Vinas with their high iron content waters. You continue from here to the village of Valor (famous of its local speciality of partridge in a piquant sauce!) you walk further onto the small village of Nechitel followed by the final stretch across the almond terraces and lavender fields, until you once again reach the lovely Mairena. Perhaps there will be time for a refresh in the dip pool before your evening meal and time to relax. Walking time approx. 6 hours. Casa Las Chimeneas, Mairena Day 7 Having returned to Mairena it is possible to again choose one of the many walks available immediately from the village. Perhaps you will have the energy to tackle yet another one of the high peaks of the area or to have a relaxing picnic on one of the gentler rambles along the fertile and tranquil terraces of this delightful area. It is also possible for you to visit the Alhambra in Granada. If you wish to do this then please ensure that you pre-book your tickets online directly at the Alhambra website: www.alhambra-tickets.es. Please do book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during the busy seasons. You can of course choose to go to Granada and the Alhambra on any of your days that you are in Mairena. Please ensure that you inform us if you do this so that we can arrange transfers (at extra cost payable locally)-please contact us before booking your tickets and we will ask our local agent to advise current transfer costs for you. Casa Las Chimeneas, Mairena Day 8 Transfer to Granada or Almeria and depart. Depending on your flight times, you might like to spend your last half day further exploring the village and perhaps one of the old local olive mills, which are still used, and buy some local extra virgin olive oil. Spain Hiking Over Lemons 5 www.walksworldwide.com
protection that booking with a licensed tour operator brings. Contact us to discuss your regional flight options for this holiday. If you would prefer to make your own International travel arrangements you can book this holiday as Land Only. If you are booking your own flights you will need to book flights that enable you to arrive in Almeria or Granada on Day 1 of the trip itinerary. Return flights should be booked to depart from Almeria or Granada no sooner than Day 8 of the trip itinerary. Transfers will coincide with your flight times please inform us of these when booking. Please note if you are booking Land Only it is your sole responsibility to ensure you arrive at the joining point for the contracted arrangements in good time before these commence. No refunds will be provided in respect of any unused services contracted as a result. Similarly our contractual obligations cease at the end of your contracted arrangements. Practical Information Joining Arrangements and Transfers The joining point for this trip is Almeria or Granada Airport. You will be met on arrival at either Almeria or Granada airports on day 1 of the trip itinerary and transferred by private vehicle to Mairena. At the end of the trip on day 8 you will be transferred back to either Granada or Almeria Airport. It is also possible to join this trip at Malaga Airport, however there will be a supplementary private transfer charge-please contact us for a quote. International Travel The nearest International Airports are Almeria and Granada. Private transfers are included for flights to/from these airports. It is also possible to join this trip at Malaga Airport, however there will be a supplementary private transfer charge-please contact us for a quote. For total flexibility and choice, the price of our holidays often excludes flights. However, as an ATOL bonded agent we are able to arrange competitively priced tickets with the majority of international airlines. Where low cost airlines offer a better option, we are also able to arrange these, subject to a small booking fee. Only by arranging your flights with us can we offer you the peace of mind and 100% financial IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the status of your chosen holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket. You should not book your International flight tickets or make any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Travel by Train If you would prefer to travel by train www.raileurope.co.uk provides an online booking service for European rail services, including Eurostar. You should not book your International rail tickets or make any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Spain Hiking Over Lemons 6 www.walksworldwide.com
Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle a normal suitcase can be used for your main baggage. Please restrict your main baggage to one piece per person. Passports and Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders) do not require a visa for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Accommodation Accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis unless you have already requested a single room. All rooms are ensuite and some of the accommodations have a small swimming pool or dip pool. Casa Las Chimeneas is a beautiful home converted sympathetically into an unpretentious guesthouse. Food Meals included are shown in the trip itinerary.a fine selection of Spanish foods is available in the villages, cafes and hotels along the way. Breakfasts usually consist of bread/toast with butter and jam. Lunches are bought by yourselves on the majority of days, and shops have a selection of Spanish meats, cheeses, breads, tomato salads or tapas. Sample menu at Casa Las Chimeneas: Ajo blanco - a local dish of almond and garlic soup, Roasted red pepper with anchovies and herbs, Spinach and goat's cheese crepe, Lamb cutlets served in a cherry sauce, Sea bream served with an almond sauce, Chicken breast in a fresh ginger sauce, Local fig cake with chocolate coating and homemade brandy cherries, Local almond meringues and strawberries, Pan de calatrava - an Alpujarran crème caramel. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to coincide with what should be the most suitable weather periods for walking. The climate is typically Mediterranean here, with hot dry summers and mild winters, however snow does fall on the mountains in the winter months. The snow rarely stays in the villages for long, and clear, sunny days are the norm here and can usually be enjoyed throughout the year. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics visit www.worldweather.org Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude. Local transport Private Airport transfers are included in the price from either Almeria or Granada airports. You will also have private transfers within the itinerary when you transfer from Mairena to Trevelez. Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are Spain Hiking Over Lemons 7 www.walksworldwide.com
necessary for Spain and health problems here are quite rare. Water on the walk is generally safe to drink, but you may like to take a purifying medium for your drinking water. Bottled water is readily available in all the villages. A useful travel health online resource is www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online www.dh.gov.uk or from your local post office you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor. First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Currency. The Spanish currency is the Euro. Please refer to www.xe.com for up to date rates. ATM machines are common in the big cities and some of the smaller villages. Many of the hotels and restaurants take credit cards and some shops do as well. But many of the villages are small and it is best to carry part of your spending money in cash. Language Spanish. Your hosts in Mairena are originally from England, so there is no language problem here for these four nights. Most of the local people do not speak English but almost all are extremely friendly and if you don t speak any Spanish then we recommend you take along a phrase book. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on 0845 301 4737 or e-mail us- sales@walksworldwide.com for a quotation. Inclusions and exclusions Inclusions All accommodation Meals as listed above Route notes and maps Baggage Transfers Airport Transfers from Almeria or Granada airports Transfer from Mairena to Trevelez Exclusions International Flights and airport taxes Transfers from Malaga Airport Drinks Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals not indicated above Spain Hiking Over Lemons 8 www.walksworldwide.com
Clothing and Equipment Lists At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING Walking boots and spare laces Trainers/approach shoes Sandals (depending on season) Socks 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual) Underwear 3+ T-shirts 3+ Trekking Pants Short trousers 2+ Light fleece 1-2 Thick fleece 1-2 Thermal underwear (depending on season) Waterproof jacket with hood Waterproof trousers Winter/Thermal Gloves (depending on season) Sun Hat Warm Hat (depending on season) Swimwear (depending on season) EQUIPMENT Daypack/rucksack (size 25 litres) 2 Large water bottles ( 1 litre each) Towel quick drying pack towel is recommended Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) Camera & accessories Binoculars (optional) A variety of dry bag/plastic bags (kitbags are not waterproof) Sunglasses Trekking poles (highly recommended) Reading material (optional) Washing/Shaving kit Insect Repellent Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) Anti-Bacterial Handwash Water purifying tablets Sun Cream & lip salve Blister plasters i.e. Compeed Tickets/E tickets Passport Money Spain Hiking Over Lemons 9 www.walksworldwide.com
The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Moisturising cream Baby wipes Snacks/Energy bars Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Padlock for your kitbag Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Small mirror Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Spare glasses/contact lenses Earplugs (against snorers) Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable) Travel adaptor Spain Hiking Over Lemons 10 www.walksworldwide.com