Background

I have been a member of the Trekkers Mountaineering Club for a number years and having participated in many trips at home and overseas it occurred to me that it may be of interest to members to undertake a walking holiday to southern Spain during our winter. I bounced this idea off a number of members who were very encouring and receptive of the concept. The Committee approved the idea and I began the enquiry and planning process. One of the main priorities of this project was to escape the winter weather at home for warm sunny days and to enjoy walking. The actual holiday period was somewhat problematic as it is difficult to guarantee good weather in southern Spain during their winter. However after numerous inquiries the end of February was chosen. In addition I chose a company called "Walk Andalucía" who had an excellent track record in walking holidays.

The Torrox area, which is about 45Km from Malaga is like many of the Andalucian villages in the region, has Arabic origins with a labyrinth of narrow streets of white houses and steep steps. It was a challenge for some of us to find our way home each night after dinner! The area has an average temperature of 18C and lays claim to having the best climate in Europe, it is sheltered by both the Sierra Tejeda and Sierra Almijara mountains.

Torrox Peublo with its 16th century churches-Iglesia de la Encarnacion and Iglesia de San Roque-has a calm and peaceful charm and is separated from Torrox Costa by about 4km of farmland.

Day 1 Monday 20th

The holiday group consisted of 12 members who would travel to Spain by a number of routes and assemble either at Malaga Airport to be transported to Torrox or in the village where we were staying. We met with the tour organisers in the Torrox village square for lunch and introductions were made. The group was divided up into 3 smaller sub groups and allocated to 3 houses in the village. One of the sub groups was allocated to a house which the President of Ireland had stayed with her family a year earlier. That evening we had an enjoyable meal in Café Bar Paco one of the many restaurants in the village –a great start to our adventure.

It had been agreed that we would assemble in the village car park at 10.00am each morning and from there we would be transported by mini-bus to the start point for the days walk. The village car park was also the point where the lunch and drinks were allocated to each walker after deciding on their choice from a pre distributed menu. Most of the walking over the next 5 days was carried out in very rural locations with little or no villages nearby. In addition we found that the local maps were of poor quality and of limited information. Our Guides for the 5 days walking were Chris Sherwood Chief guide, Mike Tweed and Ros Harrison were the Assistance Guides and all were from England and Spanish speaking.

Day 2 Tuesday 21st

We met for the first time in the car park and drove in the mini bus to the starting point which was a mountain trading post/bar called Acebuchal.We then walked up a dry river gully to the top of the mountain at 857m called Carro Verde and back to the bar by a circular route. This walk was on an old mule train route from the coast to Granada and there were old trading posts along of the trail. The surrounding country was very rural with wonderful views of the mountains with the snow covered Sierra Nevada in the background. Distance 15km, height gained 200m, walking time 6hrs approx. The valleys in general were covered in Corsican Pines with a multitude of herbs and shrubs growing wild. Dinner at 8.00pm in Torrox in restaurant El Pedros

Day 3 Wednesday 22nd

Assembled in the car park and walked out to the back of the village and out into the country in a circular route. This gave us an opportunity to view the terrain between the village and the mountains and to see many of the well appointed villas and houses built out in the hills. This area has a mixed population of Scandinavians, British and Germans. Again excellent countryside, great weather and good walking. Distance 12km, height gained 240m, walking time 6hrs. Dinner in El Rosso in Torrox.

Day 4 Thursday 23rd

Assembled at the car park and drove to a second car park near the Caves of Nerja. We walked a circular route through a combination of valleys and mountain terrain. We skirted Cartilo Aledching Tajo and Fuento Parro and stopped at a small bar on the way back and had drinks and pancakes before returning to the buses and returning home. Distance 12km, height gained 450m, walking time 6hrs. Dinner at El Disvan Tapas Bar in Torrox.

Day 5 Friday 24th

This was a rest day (from walking) and we had pre arranged to go to Granada and visit the Alhambra Palace and Gardens. We were dropped off and collected by our mini bus and spent a full day visiting the many exciting exhibitions in the Palace and Gardens. A wonderful and exciting day well worth the visit.

Day 6 Saturday 25th

Back to the real world. Mini bus to Pueto Calodo and we commenced walk passing through a dry river valley, past an old trading post and up to Auberge Casa Le Mina. On to an old farm house at Monta Pradilos at 1020m for lunch. On stopping for lunch we noted the presence of a small snake that soon lost interest in us. We came back by a circular route to Pueto Calodo.Wonderful walk, great scenery and sun. Distance 12km, height gained 400m, walking time 6hrs. Dinner in El Disvan Tapas Bar in Torrox.

Day 7 Sunday 27th

Last day and possibly the toughest walk. Assembled in car park and drove to a very pretty village called Frigliana and on to the water reservoir above the village. We commenced walking at the reservoir and climbed continuously over a very mixed trail of concrete, shale and loose boulders. The temperature started at 15C but increased to 27/ 30 degrees while on the mountain. Finished at the top at the ruins of an old Moorish Fort called El Fuerte. We returned to the reservoir and on to Frigliana for refreshments. This was a demanding walk but a good one to finish on. Distance 10km, Height gained 580m, walking time 6hrs.

As an alternative to the mountain walk, two of our group undertook a coastal walk which they found most invigorating and enjoyable.

On Sunday night the entire group including the guides and company officials assembled for dinner in a restaurant in the square and we had an excellent dinner with wine and champagne followed by a singsong. We thanked our guides and officials for a well organised holiday.

Day 7th Monday

Back to the airport in Malaga and home after an enjoyable and very successful walking week in an exciting location in good weather.

Walk Andalucía Officials in Torrox were Dave and Gill Armstead and in England Elaine Smith