Walking for softies! Taking it easy or a great introduction to walking with Bootlace, this is a week at a gentler pace with visits to the mountain villages of the Alpujarra, the magical city of Granada and the coastal nature reserve at Cantarrijan.
Based at the atmospheric Casa de Luz, restored from the original bodega (winery) in the small market town of Pitres, this is a week to enjoy being out and about in the Alpujarra without the challenge of too many steep mountainsides to negotiate on foot. As well as picnic excursions in beautiful mountainous locations with short walks, and a visit to Granada, the programme for the week includes exploring the white villages of the Alpujarra, a visit to local herbal expert and author Julio Donat and a walk through the coastal nature reserve at Cantarijjan near the historic town of Almuñecar.
Itinerary:
- Saturday, arrive, settle in, supper with welcome drink.
- Sunday - the first day's walk is a gentler, introductory day walk to allow the group to get used to the terrain, usually an orientation walk in the La Taha area around Ferreirola.
- On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday there there are strolls of varied length perhaps in Trevelez or the Poqueira valleys, maybe Tajo Cortes waterfalls above Pitres, around the Tibetan Retreat Centre at Oselling, or the Roman bridge below Mecina plus visits to Pampaneira with free tasting in the Bodega/delicatessen and herbalist Julio Donat.
- On Wednesday there is an opportunity for a short walk within the seaside nature reserve at Cantarrijan, with a meal at a chiringuito (beach restaurant - not included in price).
- Thursday finds us in Granada to visit the Arab baths or the Alhambra.
- Saturday departure.
Casa de Luz is a large Moorish-style guest house of great character on the edge of Pitres. Lovingly restored with some alterations and modernisations it preserves the atmosphere of a typical Alpujarra home combined with modern comfort and convenience.
Pitres is a perfect base for exploring the Alpujarra Alta Granadino - just around the corner from the Poqueira gorge on the west, with its three striking villages perched on the side of the river ravine, and the Trevelez valley on the east.
What people say about Strolls and Siestas week: As a keen walker it was great to take it easy and to bring my friend (who isn't a keen walker!) to show her the Alpujarra which I love! We had a chilled time - thanks Paul and Fi!(P.D.) I loved the seaside walk and lunch on the beach best! (J.M.) Arrived home properly refreshed, Strolls and Siestas hit the spot for me. (C.G.) Thinking back to the coastal walk, to the accommodation, the lovely meals, to the forest walk on the first day, the Alhambra, all just so relaxing and great company too.... goes without saying (F.M.)
The walking was quite challenging at times but about the right level for me. I love Paul and Fi. Paul seems very laid-back but obviously knows his stuff and I totally trust him. Picnic lunches were DELICIOUS! — Autumn Walking 2013