End of Sept 4 of us are hoping to do the thru hike from Zahara de la Sierra- Grazamela-Rosario- Benaojan -Ronda. There are organized trips but the price compared to arranging ourselves seemed a premium. I want to confirm that taxis are happy to take bags to next hotel thru the region is arranged ahead of time . Also that there is a taxi drop-off point on the first leg to avoid the rocky, long 3000 ft climb. If anyone can confirm what the first and second day hikes are like. Other days seem fine, but I’m getting conflicting info on first two. Anyone done this? How are the trails? Seems some very rocky parts. We are all early 70’s with 5 new joints between us but Colorado Mts lifers with extensive hiking experience and good fitness. We do need to be sure that ‘bail-out- points’ are existing if needed and that there are ways to shorten the first two long legs.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8293 posts
I’ve never hiked there, but that entire area is very hilly. If there were no rocky parts, I’d be surprised. I’d also check on facilities along the routes. My guess is those trails aren’t as popular as the Camino so food, water, and restroom facilities may be sparse between the beginning and ending points. I do know that along the roads there is very little civilization between towns.
Any time you go through a company you will pay a premium for its service.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
778 posts
I lived on the coast and used to walk south of your route, but also round Benaojan and Ronda, but not between the two.
One of our group was experienced, which was important as trails are often not clearly marked.
Have a look at the terrain on google maps.
It can be quite/very steep and rocky - I was early-mid sixties at the time and often found it challenging - couldn't do it now.
As a visitor, I would not want to do any distance walking in these sort of areas without expert input - think seriously about some sort of tour.
Posted by
San Juan Islands, Washington State
28 posts
It sounds like a wonderful walk! Have you had a chance to look at Wikiloc.com, a site with thousands of gpx tracks posted by users? Here are some tracks from Zahara to Grazalema:
https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/map.do?sw=36.740119280997725%2C-5.39608950613908&ne=36.77938319521151%2C-5.342359495152752&act=1%2C43&sort=trailrank&zdp=(-5.391794835841292%2C36.83953476418227%2C765)%2C(-5.369224500645916%2C36.759753750543524%2C764)&page=1
And from Grazalema to Villaluenga del Rosario here:
https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/map.do?sw=36.648038036428765%2C-5.484580993652344&ne=36.805161451502336%2C-5.269660949707031&act=1%2C43&sort=trailrank&zdp=(-5.370597875125895%2C36.75687776192981%2C765)%2C(-5.38330180666887%2C36.69621480076927%2C766)&page=1
Posted by
6491 posts
Try the Cicerone books for details. There is also one by Tony Bishop, who lived in the area and used to provide invaluable advice on forums years ago.