Programme May - June 2024

New walk leaders always welcome!

If you would like to offer a walk for the May - June 2024 programme, please send walk details to:
schepeljoost@gmail.com at least one week before the actual walk and I will add it to this programme. If you have to cancel the walk because of poor weather conditions, please send an email to me latest at 6.00 pm the day before the walk and I will amend the programme. So if you want to join a walk and expect bad weather the next day, check this weblog the evening before after 6.00 pm.                                                     

Inscriptions now for the 4 day trek Cómpeta-Jayena-Albuñuelas-Nigüelas-Lanjaron Level 2+ 14 - 18 October We organize this beautiful trek at cost price (this is a recce trip, as in the future it will be more expensive) staying underway in the following accommodations on the basis of shared double rooms with ensuite bathrooms: Jayena Hospederia la Almijara, Albuňuelas Casa Azul, Nigüelas el Secreto del Olivo and Lanjaron Balneario Lanjaron (spahotel). Day 1 approx. 28 kms, 8 hours, 700 metres ascent/descent, day 2 approx. 30 kms, 8 hours, 400 metres ascent/descent, day 3 approx. 16 kms, 4,5 hours, 400 metres ascent/descent, day 4 approx. 19 kms, 5,5 hours, 500 metres ascent/descent. The route follows the GR7 from la Resinera. On the last day we return from Lanjaron to Cómpeta by public transportation. Price p.p. € 138 excl. meals and busfare Lanjaron-Cómpeta. Minimum nr. participants 6, maximum 8. If you are interested to join this trek, send an email to: schepeljoost@gmail.com

Sun 05 May 10.00 am Level 2 Acequia circuit walk. Walk leader: Alasdair Campbell, tel: 004479146772111. Meet Cómpeta tourist office. It's a pleasant walk along some of the acequias in the Natural Park. Approx. 11 kms, 300 m ascent, 3-4 hours. Suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable with dropoffs. Refreshments in the Balcón afterwards.

Thu 16 May 10.00 am Level 1 FC 1 Picnic walk with excellent views. Walk leader: Joost Schepel, tel/whatsapp: 619511104. Meet Cómpeta tourist office for car share. Parking above the road to Torrox between km 8 and km 9 (place for max 5 cars). Beautiful climb through the campo and along different olive, almond and avocado groves around Rabita de Torrox to a historical uninhabitated finca. Here on the big terrace Paula welcomes us for a nice and homemade picnic, accompanied with an assortment of drinks. After the picnic it takes half an hour to reach the cars. Registering and payment is needed before 13th of May. Cost for picnic: 12 Euros (drinks included). Max. 20 participants. Contact walk leader for registering + planning car share by whatsapp or email: schepeljoost@gmail.com  Walk 2 hours + extra time for a relaxed picnic, approx. 5 kms, 160 metres ascent/descent.

Wed 22 May 10.00 am Level 1 Circular Archez walk. Walk leader: Joost Schepel, tel/whatsapp: 619511104. Meet Cómpeta tourist office. It is a nice and easy walk through avocado plantations avoiding the newly built road to Canillas. Coffee-break halfway in Archez. Approx. 6 kms, 2,5 hours incl. break, 180 metres ascent/descent.

 Sun 26 May 10.00 am Level 2 Rio Camino circuit. This is the last walk of the season before it gets too hot. Walk leader: Alasdair Campbell, tel: 00447914672111. Meet Cómpeta tourist office. A great walk along the river valley, with spectacular views and plenty of opportunity to cool off. Approx. 13 kms, alt gain 600 metres, 4 - 5 hours. Refreshments in the Balcón afterwards.

From 26 till 29 September the Cómpeta walking festival will be held. After that we will come with a new programme for October - December.

This group is open for everyone, resident or visitor, who enjoys walking in this region.
The meeting point for all walks is the Tourist Office in Cómpeta (by the bus stop) or the Tourist Office in Canillas de Albaida (also by the bus stop) depending on the route. If you wish to join the walk, in most cases you can simply turn up at the meeting point at the time indicated (but check individual walking details). Please note that walks will leave promptly at the start time. If transport to the walk start point is needed, this is indicated in the programme. We will car share, making a contribution to the driver for the cost of petrol (suggested amount indicated under FC = fuel charge). All walks are offered free of charge, though there may be parking or entrance charges for some walks (see individual walk details).

In case of poor weather conditions, please always check this weblog programme in the evening before the walk after 6.00 pm. If a walk is cancelled, you will find it in the updated programme.

Please be aware: Walkers attend walks in this programme at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety. Please come properly equipped for the conditions and bring food, water and any personal medical requisites. Well-behaved dogs are welcome unless otherwise specified. NB A lead is required in the Parque Natural.

A note about walk grades: Walks are graded from Level 1 to Level 3 and Level 3+. Please note that these descriptions are based on a person of reasonable fitness who exercises regularly. Timings refer to walking time excluding stops, unless otherwise stated. All timings are approximate; we can only go as fast as the slowest walker in the group!

L1  There are few truly easy walks in our area! Level 1 walks will go at a gentler pace with more rest stops and are usually 2 - 3 hours walking time. Paths and tracks will be mostly easy underfoot but may include some uphill sections (inevitable!).
L2  These walks usually last 3 - 5 hours and may include 'a bit of a slog' for great rewards. The pace will be brisker with fewer stops. They may include longer steep sections and/or some rough and stony paths.
L3  Walks over 5 hours / 15 kms and / or 700+ m of ascent with prolonged steep sections and rocky paths / some scrambling.
L3+  Challenging!