| The
Silk Trail - From the Sierras to the sea |
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the 10th Century the Moors had established al-Andalus as the
major silk-producing region in the western world. The warm south facing
slopes of the sierras of the Axarquia perfectly
suited the silk moth. Mulberry trees were cultivated in great numbers
and villages sprang into life. The mulberry trees have gone but the
pretty pueblos blancos still cling to the hillsides. Many of
the ancient paths still exist and are the theme for this unique 8 day
walking holiday.
Accommodation on the way is in small rural hotels, all with
en-suite rooms. Breakfasts are at the hotels with
main meals taken at excellent local restaurants. |
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The
Silk Trail walks the length of the south
facing slopes of the Sierras Tejeda y Almijara, connecting
villages on the way. The walk starts to the west at an altitude of
2,000ft and ends in the east where the mountains dramatically drop to
the sea. Each of the five sections of the linear
trail are 'classic' walks' in their own right with
great scenery, views and interest. The terrain varies from steep
mountain paths to gently descending tracks. The walks are rated as Level 2 but for those that choose there is a longer
option on some days, extending the walks by 1 to 2 hours to Level 3. It
is possible to opt out of any of the walks but few choose to do so. |
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Itinerary
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Day
1 - Arrival day
The transfer from Malaga
airport to Canillas de Albaida takes an hour by
road. We stay for three nights in Antonio's new Mirador hotel on the
edge of this tranquil village, two miles to the west of Cómpeta. The
hotel has comfortable en-suite rooms, a small pool and great views
across the pueblo to La Maroma, the 5th highest mountain in
Spain. Depending on arrival time we may ask Antonio to provide a late
afternoon. He has been feeding Spanish Steps guests for many years and
his food and hospitality are legendry.
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Day 2 - Canillas de Aceituno to
Sedella
We transfer to Canillas
de Aceituno by road. The walk starts at the Casa Reina, the
house where dues for the silk trade were collected so many years ago.
We climb out of the village into the parque natual and the
foothills of La Maroma. We stop for a break at La Rabita, pass by the
'cave of the holy man' and continue climbing. We then take a
spectacular path below the sheer white limestone southerly face of this
impressive mountain. After a picnic lunch we start the gentle descent
to Sedella. We have time for a drink in the plaza
and then transfer back to Antonio's hotel.
Walking
Time 5 Hours |
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Day
3 - Sedella to Canillas de Albaida
After breakfast we take
a vehicle tranfer back to Sedella to pick up the
trail. After leaving the village, we cross a Roman bridge and climb
again into the foothills of La Maroma but not nearly so high as the
previous day. We have two choices from here,we can first drop down to
the pretty village of Salares or maintain our height to reach the
unfortunately named Puerto de la Cruz del Muerto.
From here we start the descent to the valley of the Rio Cajula
where we criss-cross the stream a few time before the short but sharp
climb up to Canillas de Albaida.
Walking
Time 4 or 5 Hours
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Day
4 - Canillas de Albaida to Frigiliana
From the hotel we climb
up into the hills to a ridge with spectacular views of the Sierras
sweeping down to the Mediterranean. The walk then
follows part of the ancient Cómpeta to Granada trading route. We are
likely to have our picnic at one of the old 'ventas' before descending
to El Acebuchal. This once abandoned village has
recently been broughtt back to life and the charming taverna
is a great place to stop for drinks. For those who choose, we provide
the option a vehicle transfer for the final 4km stretch into Frigiliana.
We stay here for two nights in a small hotel in the centre of the
pueblo.
Walking
Time 5 or 6 Hours
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Day 5 - Rest day in Frigiliana
Frigiliana
is one of the best known of all the white villages in Andalucia. The
famous battle just outside the town marked the end of the 700 year
Moorish occupation of Spain. This resulted in the total collapse of the
silk industry and the region went into decline. How things have
changed. Frigiliana is very pretty and it's proximity to the coast have
put the town very much on the tourist map. That said, it is a perfect
location for a rest day with lots of things to do, places to eat and
the opportunity to easily get to the resort of Nerja and beaches should
you choose. |
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Day
6 - Frigiliana to Maro
Another classic walk
with spectacular sea and mountain views. The walk starts from our hotel
and we soon drop down into the steep sided valley of the Rio
Higueron. After 15 minutes gentle walk up the valley the path
climbs steeply up into the sierras. snd continues to the rim
of the Rio Chillar, surely one of the most beautiful and
seemingly remote valleys in Andalucia. The path drops steeply to the
river where we are likely to have our picnic. After lunch we climb out
of the valley and start the long but gentle descent to Maro. We
stay for two nights in a small hotel in the centre of this tiny
unspolit coastal village.
Walking
Time 5 Hours |
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Day
7 - Maro beach and caves
The Maro caves,
below the Sierra Almijara, are some of the largest and finest
in Europe and too good to miss. For the last walk we offer a short
coastal walk linking the Martello towers along the coast or a more
strenuous circular walk around the Tajo de los Bueys. With
both options there is the chance for an afternoon swim from one of the
nearby beaches and visit to the caves. A truly fitting end to the
Spanish Steps Silk Trail.
Walking
Time 3 or 4 Hours |
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Day
8 - Buen Viaje
Farewell breakfast and
transfer to Malaga airport or onward travel. |
Click for Foto Album
Click for comments on the holiday
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| Dates & Prices |
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Spring
2012
Sun May 20 - 27
Cost £645** p/p
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Autumn
2012
Sun Sept 9 -16
Cost £645* p/p
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What is included:-
- 7
Nights en-suite accommodation. - 3 nights in the Canillas Mirador, 2
nights in Caravansar Frigiliana and 2 nights in the Hotel PlayaMaro.
- Hotel
breakfasts.
- Evening
meals with wine at favourite restaurants. (Excluding rest day)
- Guided
walks for all elements of the trail.
- Entrance
to Maro Caves.
- Transfer
of bags between locations.
- Transport
to and from walks as required.
- Airport
transfers from and back to Malaga airport at specified times.
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* All
rooms are doubles. The extra charge for single occupancy is £125 per
week.
* * See Stop Press
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starting point for the holiday is Malaga and we provide
transfers at specified times from the Malaga airport to Canillas de
Albaida and return from Maro. On arrival, transfers normally leave from Malaga
airport at 2.0 pm and return to the airport at 11.00 am. Click here for travel and booking
information. |
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