A walk in the winter sunshine.

Thursday of this week I had the great pleasure of traveling to a little town just north of  Salobreña in the Lecrin Valley called Nigüelas.  It is a sleepy little town nestled in the south-western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and at this time of year the sun is shining, the skies are deep blue and the weather for walking is perfect.

My friend and I were in Nigüelas to survey a walk to be done later in the month by the International Club of Salobreña.  Di quite often leads groups on hikes and walks, and every once in a while I get to go on the scouting missions. Happy Dance.

When you first arrive in Nigüelas, you will be coming in on the GR 400 this changes to Calle Trinidad.  There is a large parking lot on the left, right next to one of the bars, park here.  On foot, continue on along on Calle Trinidad right through town and out the other side.  You will pass  the Romantic Gardens, the old Olive Oil Mill and Museum, the Town Hall, which is located in the Romantic Gardens, and the Church.  Several little cafes, bakeries, even a rural guest house by the name of Casa Rural Lino.

If you continue on, the road will eventually slope downwards leading you into the countryside and onto the walking trails. While in town, stay to the right always.  There are two trails of interest.  One is a suspended walking trial with railing that meanders along the cliff face just below some cave houses. This is found by taking the left fork in the road.  The other is the walking trail that leads you up and over the mountains.  At the moment, the suspended trail is closed due to a portion of the trail collapsing in a recent storm.  Restoration has begun though.

You will know you are in the right place when you cross over the small stream. At this point, there is a map with routes and you can choose your destiny.  We went over the small stream and went left.  We by no means did the entire trail, we went as far as we wanted and doubled back, a good spot to aim for if you are just an occasional walker is Castelejos up in the hills.   The trail is actually a dirt/gravel road that you follow, so it’s not easy to get lost. Remember to bring lunch or snacks and something to drink.  Google earth is an excellent tool to use to get an aerial view of the area.

Romantic Gardens

Romantic Gardens

 

Inside the Town Hall buildings

 

Old Mill Stone

Town Hall Courtyard

Really big door leading to the street

The Church

Entrance to the Olive Oil Museum

 

 

 

You’re headed in the right direction

The suspended walkway.

The start of the walking trails

Another view at the start

Nice smooth surface for walking

Climbers, behind and out of sight is kind of a big rock stair case. Not for the inexperienced to be sure.

 

As far as we went

Almonds in the sun, that is what we are.

Heading down, you can see the town in the distance.

I took over 300 photos on this trip, which will give you an idea of just how beautiful the area is.  It’s definitely worth the trip if you like to walk or hike.

 

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