Route: La Garganta Verde
Area: Andalucia, Spain
Date of walk: 11th May 2018
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.7 miles
Ascent: 1,100 feet
Weather: Sunny
Today’s walk had been at the top of our wish list on this short walking holiday in Spain. The Garganta Verde (‘Green Gorge’) was gouged out of the limestone and dolomite of the mountains by the river which runs through it, and now plunges to 1,200 feet at its deepest point. The gorge is in a protected area and a permit must be obtained before undertaking the walk. We’d obtained ours from the tourist information office in Grazalema a couple of days ago
Full of anticipation we set off from the car park just beyond the ancient village of Zahara. We passed through a gate and followed a path which contours at high level around the northern flank of the gorge. A short there and back detour took us to a mirador from which there is a spectacular view
We carried on along the exciting path, passing close to the home of a colony of griffon vultures – we’d have many sightings of this huge bird during the course of the walk. Eventually the path started to descend to the floor of the gorge itself, and it was a very steep descent indeed, assisted by metal railings along the steepest sections. When we reached the bottom we had to clamber over some huge boulders to make further progress, but it was worth the effort as the surroundings became increasingly awesome with each step forward
After a few hundred yards we arrived at a large boulder which signifies the end of the route as far as ordinary walkers are concerned. With specialist equipment it’s possible to abseil down a series of waterfalls which lie beyond. From this point we retraced our steps back to the start, giving us the opportunity to gape at the incredible scenery once more
Navigation along the way was easy, the path is very clear, and any deviation from it would provide a fast but fatal way to the valley floor. Despite this there are no vertigo issues. Although the walk is only 3.7 miles it feels much further than that and we found it to be quite tough going, partly on account of the intense heat. We had no regrets though – it had been one of the most memorable walks of our lives
Click on the icon below for the route map
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The start of the walk as we pass through this gate next to the car park
The path is initially level and contours along the hillside, before descending steeply beyond the cliffs ahead
Looking back along the valley
We make a short detour to a rocky promontory, which gives a view down into the gorge
The path ascends and takes us past the cliff to the right
Looking back
Easy going along this section of the route...
We arrive at the cliff, a nesting area for griffon vultures...
Another view back along the valley
Rock rose
A view across the Garganta Verde
We follow the path beneath the cliff face
Griffon vulture
We carry on beneath the cliff...
The path starts to descend, gently at first but soon becoming very steep
Looking across the gorge
Handrails below assist on a particularly steep section
A cave, signifying that our descent is nearly over
We arrive on the valley floor and have to clamber over some large boulders - but it's worth the effort
Progress is easier once we arrive at the jaws of the gorge...
An awesome space...
Looking up, we notice more griffon vultures - possibly at a nesting site
The end of the road for walkers, abseiling equipment is needed to progress further into the gorge
We retrace our steps
A small lizard as we start the ascent
More griffon vultures riding the thermals...
A last look along the gorge as we retrace our steps to the end of a fantastic walk
We drive to the nearby village of Zahara de la Sierra, one of the picturesque white villages of Andalucia
Looking across the Zahara-el Gastor reservoir to the mountains of Lagarin and Las Grajas, which we'd walked around yesterday
Zahara...
We walk along the quiet streets, following no particular route
Heading back to the car
We took the scenic way back to our hotel, having driven past this amazing view a couple of days ago...
Wildflower meadow and olive trees in the same location
...and a little further along the road, more spectacular limestone landscape
