The dramatically situated town of Ronda can make a great base for a walking holiday in the mountains of Andalucia, as can any one of the picturesque 'pueblos blancos' (white villages) that nestle among the surrounding hills. This guidebook presents 32 mainly circular walks in the Ronda region, covering the town and its environs, the Natural Parks of La Sierra de Grazalema and La Sierra de las Nieves (both UNESCO biosphere reserves), and the Genal and Guadiaro Valleys. Ranging from 3.5-16.5km (2-10 miles), many walks are graded easy or moderate and nearly all can be done from mid-September through to mid-June, thanks to the area's comparatively mild winters. Clear route description is illustrated with mapping, and the route summary table and 'at a glance' information boxes make it easy to choose the right walk. In addition to practical information on transport and bases, the introduction offers an overview of Andalucian plants and wildlife, geology and history, and the routes themselves include notes on points of interest, from trees to chapels and from summits to local traditions. Useful contacts, accommodation listings and a short Spanish-English glossary can be found in the appendices. While Ronda itself is famed for its striking gorge and Moorish architecture, the surrounding countryside boasts magnificent scenery at every turn. With dramatic limestone peaks, fertile river valleys and ancient groves of almonds and olives, the natural beauty of Ronda and Grazalema won't fail to impress.
Map key Overview map Author's preface Introduction The three regions Plants and wildlife Geology Andalucian historical overview When to go Getting there and getting around Accommodation Eating out in southern Spain Language Money Phones and wi-fi What to take Maps Staying safe Using this guide Ronda and the Sierra de las Nieves Walk 1 Puerto de Caucon circuit via El Tajo de la Caina Walk 2 El Penon de los Enamorados circuit Walk 3 Los Sauces circuit via La Cueva del Agua Walk 4 El Burgo circuit via Puerto de la Mujer Walk 5 La Torrecilla circuit via Puerto de los Pilones Walk 6 Ronda Gorge circuit Walk 7 Ronda southern circuit via the Tajo del Abanico and the Virgen de la Cabeza chapel Walk 8 Ronda Old Town historical circuit The Genal and Guadiaro Valleys Walk 9 Cartajima eastern circuit via Parauta and Igualeja Walk 10 Cartajima circuit via Pujerra and Juzcar Walk 11 Alpandeire circuit Walk 12 Estacion de Benaojan to Estacion de Jimera de Libar Walk 13 Estacion de Benaojan to La Cueva de la Pileta Walk 14 Estacion de Jimera circuit Walk 15 Cortes de la Frontera circuit via Los Pinos Walk 16 Cortes de la Frontera southern circuit Walk 17 Benarraba circuit via Genalguacil Walk 18 Gaucin circuit Walk 19 Montejaque circuit The Sierra de Grazalema Walk 20 Grazalema northern circuit Walk 21 Grazalema southern circuit Walk 22 Grazalema to Benaocaz Walk 23 The Pinsapar of Grazalema Walk 24 Puerto de las Palomas circuit via the Coros peak Walk 25 Villaluenga circuit via Navazo Alto and Bajo Walk 26 Ascent of El Torreon Walk 27 El Gastor circuit via Lagarin and Las Grajas Walk 28 El Gastor circuit via Huerta Lagarin Walk 29 The Garganta Verde Walk 30 Algodonales circuit via El Canalizo Walk 31 Zahara de la Sierra circuit Walk 32 Benamahoma circuit Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Useful contacts Appendix C Accommodation Appendix D Glossary Appendix E Further reading
