Guided and self-guided walking holidays

 - in the  Alpujarra region of the Sierra Nevada mountains (Andalucía, Spain)
and the deserts, coast and mountains of Morocco

Bootlace is a seasonal family business established in 1995 with mountain experience from Wales to the Himalaya and from the Atlas and Anti Atlas to our beloved Sierra Nevada. Originally from the UK, we have lived in Spain since the 1980s. With our intimate local knowledge we offer scheduled holidays in small, friendly groups and tailor-made breaks and excursions - an ideal way to get to know this region, on the southern slopes of the impressive Sierra Nevada mountain range. For our Moroccan holidays we also use experienced local Moroccan guides.

Most of our holidays are fully-inclusive, and we cater well for any dietary needs or preferences (please let us know what you need!)

What makes Bootlace special: - “excellent walk leaders, their knowledge of the walks/surrounding area is exceptional" - "the flexibility and the relaxed, informal atmosphere of the small groups combined with deep local knowledge” - “Spectacular scenery, astounding walks” - “a familiarity with the less frequented footpaths and the best views, the most idyllic picnic spots” - “It's like being with friends or the very best kind of relatives” - “The food is too good”. The Sierra Nevada - " a magical place of beauty and grandeur".

Bubion village, Sierra Nevada Mountains

You can't beat walking in mountains for a refreshing and renewing experience, taking us into the heart of nature. Following the paths of the Sierra Nevada, which were also walked by the Berber inhabitants over a thousand years, we are gifted a vivid sense of their way of life which is etched on the landscape and architecture. The mountains and foothills of the Alpujarra region of Andalucia, southern Spain, are steeped in history and gifted with a rare geography - from sub-tropical through to alpine. The area was recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1986 and is one of Spain's most loved and visited National Parks "the perfect place for witnessing humans and wildlife co-existing in the high mountains" (www.spain.info).

Our walks follow many of the old Moorish and Roman trade routes and acequias (arab irrigation channels) which criss-cross the rugged landscape and lead us from fertile terraces surrounding the whitewashed Berber style villages to soaring mountainsides and secret hidden valleys. You will see places, rare plants and animals that the casual tourist never finds and glimpse a life which has changed little over the last few hundred years. Most of the walks are circular, with 4x4 access to more remote locations. Each week is carefully planned, with a wealth of local knowledge available from the Bootlace crew, responsive to weather conditions and the needs of the group members. There are typically five walking days and one rest day in the scheduled walking weeks, while the Strolls and Excursions weeks offer a more leisurely pace. If you're looking for something different contact us for something tailor made for you

Also available in 2023 will be two contrasting early spring trips to Morocco which will include a 10 day trek and a tour taking in Marrakech, the Anti Atlas and Essaouira on the Atlantic coast

➩ More on the Alpujarra, from Wikipedia