Pictures - as I can only put seven small pictures on this site I now have an additional site specially for these - walking world wide

I've also got a site on walking in my home area of Pendle - Walking in Pendle

Fifteen years ago I bought a week in a timeshare at Calahonda on the Costa. Since then I’ve walked the local hills at least once per visit and become addicted to them. Until recently I’ve had to find every path myself – no minor problem – but four years ago maps began to appear.

It is amazing that in a country which has been popularising “Sun Rock” for many, many years it has taken until now for them to realise the potential in walking tourism. Better late than never and there are at least four guides available of which the first is essential.

Descubra La Naturaleza en El Juanar – E4
Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves - E8
Parque Natural Montes de Malaga - E8
6 walks from Istan - E6

The latter seems unnecessary as most (if not all) are included in the second which, with the third, includes a detailed booklet on the areas and walks in Spanish.

There are several Sierra’s along the Costa of which I have only explored the southern area of one in great depth with the odd walk in the others. Further north near Antequerra the incredible El Torcal deserves enormous attention but otherwise the main Sierra’s are the Sierra de las Nieves and the Malaga Montes.

Originally the Sierra Ronda, the Nieves can be divided into three – the North West is still the Sierra Ronda and I found it less interesting. The North East based on Tolox has the highest peak and is the true Nieves (ie Snow) with many walks on ski routes and the south is the magnificent Sierra Blanca. Blanca because it’s limestone not because it ever gets snow.

Most of the walks are centred on here because it’s (a) the most accessible and (b) it’s the most magnificent – apart from El Torcal. The other areas include Torcal, the nice Sierra Mijas, Tolox and the Montes de Malaga.

First things first. What are the essentials.

Only two – water (lots) and sun cream. Even in Winter it’s normally hot and sunny – and there’s virtually no local water.

Gear – mostly I’ve walked in trainers but decent light weight boots are obviously better. Smallest, lightest waterproof top – just in case! Shorts and lightweight longs – if the path is overgrown there are deadly thorns everywhere. I’ve included a “prickle factor” if High longs are essential. You might prefer them on Moderate too – and many people will feel cooler in them than in shorts. Wide brimmed hat I suggest although the Costa is noted for its gentle breezes which are not so gentle at elevation.

Map and compass – I managed for twelve years without either but for 4 euros you’d be mad not to get the map (available at the Juanar refuge and some tourist offices). I’ve never needed a compass but better safe than sorry? All Spanish maps are unreliable. Roads are shown where there are none and vice versa. I’ve tried to be consistent. Motorways include the non-peaje dual carriageways. Roads really are roads. Dirt tracks are wide logging (or water or ???) well graded good ones. Paths are just that and clear on the ground. Tracks are faint and may be hard to find. A few years ago some of the paths were the same but since the map came out these have become popular and conversely what were paths but have not been included on the map have faded slowly away. Presumably this process will continue.

That’s it. Go light. The walking can be steep and hard underfoot. Don’t burden yourself. The only time I’ve carried a rucksack was on a walking holiday – but there have been times when I wished I’d got one just because I could carry more water. The less you carry the easier and faster you can be – my timings are for reasonably gentle walking, in heat, with time for photos and a couple of short breaks. Adjust as you see fit!

I’ve done these walks in February/March, September/October when it can be a little cooler but also in July/August in the blazing heat and enjoyed them then (but carry even more water!). Perspiration evaporates off almost instantaneously.

Two more things. All the information given was correct at February 2008 but the pace of building on the Costa is such that it would not be surprising if there are changes to parking places and new buildings in their place at some point. There doesn’t seem to be any such thing as Green Belt down there! Secondly river sides are always described truly – ie the left bank is the left side downhill so if you’re following the left bank it will be on your left uphill but on your right downhill.

There’s many things left undone – or only half explored. I'll be only too pleased to have additions, corrections and whatever comments you like – it’s all grist to the mill, and may well help me not to get lost! I've lots more photo's if you want to see them drop me an email.

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