The Mountains of Ronda and Grazalema

Grazalema and La Sierra de las Nieves Natural Parks, Genal and Guadiaro valleys

Guidebook to walking in the mountains of Ronda and Grazalema in Andalucía, southern Spain. The 32 graded routes range from 4 to 16km and explore the Natural Parks of Grazalema and La Sierra de las Nieves, the 'Pueblos Blancos' (White Villages) perched high in the mountains, and the Genal and Guadiaro river valleys.

Seasons:
Andalucía has a long walking season thanks to its comparatively mild winters: you can enjoy nearly all the walks described in this guide any time from mid-September through to mid-June. During the summer months temperatures can be too high for easy walking whilst occasional snowfalls in winter can make the higher walks more challenging.
Centres:
Ronda, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, El Burgo, Júzcar, Benarrabá, Genalguacíl, Gaucín, Montejaque, Benaoján, Jimera de Líbar, Igualeja, Alpandeire, Cartajima, Benamahoma.
Difficulty:
Walks are graded Easy, Medium and in just a couple of cases, Difficult, though all routes would be well within the capabilities of anyone who walks on a regular basis.
Must See:
Ronda, with its dramatic gorge; the UNESCO biosphere reserves of La Sierra de Grazalema and La Sierra de las Nieves; dramatic limestone peaks; fertile river valleys; almond blossom in early Spring.

Inland from the Costa del Sol, the mountains of Ronda and Grazalema form one of Andalucia's most spectacular and rewarding walking landscapes. Dramatic limestone peaks, deep river gorges, ancient white villages perched above terraced hillsides and two UNESCO biosphere reserves combine to offer a walking experience that is worlds away from the coast, just an hour or so to the south.

With walks suited to regular walkers of most abilities, this second edition Cicerone guidebook by Guy Hunter-Watts and Mike Yeatman covers 32 graded routes across three areas, ranging from 4 to 16km (2 to 10 miles) and taking between 1 and 5 hours. Routes are paired with 1:50,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files, with refreshment stops, walking bases, and access information for each area.

32 graded walks divided across three areas, covering Ronda and the Sierra de las Nieves, the Genal and Guadiaro valleys, and the Sierra de Grazalema, with walks graded from easy to difficult and suited to most regular walkers
Ronda, one of Andalucia's most celebrated towns, is covered with multiple routes, including the dramatic Ronda Gorge circuit and a historical walk through the old town, making this the ideal walking companion for any visit to the city
The Sierra de Grazalema, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the wettest corners of Spain, is described in depth with routes including the Pinsapar walk through the ancient Spanish fir forest, the Garganta Verde gorge and the ascent of El Torreón
The Pueblos Blancos, the whitewashed hilltop villages of Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, Gaucín, Benarrabá and their neighbours, serve as walking bases throughout, each with its own character and history described in the guidebook
1:50,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files are provided for every walk, with notes on history, geology, plants and wildlife and a Spanish-English glossary throughout
A long walking season from mid-September to mid-June makes this a particularly appealing destination for winter and spring walking breaks. This guidebook is the essential companion for exploring the mountains of Ronda and Grazalema on foot.

The Mountains of Ronda and Grazalema - Quick Facts
Area: Mountains of Ronda and Grazalema, Andalucia, southern Spain 
Protected areas: Sierra de Grazalema UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Sierra de las Nieves UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and National Park 
Total walks: 32 
Walk distances: 4 to 16km (2 to 10 miles) 
Walk duration: 1 to 5 hours 
Grades: Easy, medium and difficult 
Difficulty: Suited to most regular walkers; all routes within the capabilities of anyone who walks regularly 
Areas covered: Ronda and the Sierra de las Nieves, Genal and Guadiaro valleys, Sierra de Grazalema 
Walks highlighted: Ronda Gorge circuit, Ronda Old Town historical circuit, Pinsapar Spanish fir forest walk, Garganta Verde gorge, ascent of El Torreón, Zahara de la Sierra circuit, Gaucín circuit 
Key landmarks: Ronda and its famous gorge, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Pueblos Blancos (white villages), ancient Spanish fir forest (Pinsapar), Cueva de la Pileta prehistoric cave 
Centres: Ronda, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Gaucín, Benarrabá, Benaoján, Jimera de Líbar, El Burgo 
Mapping: 1:50,000 maps included for every walk 
Digital navigation: Downloadable GPX files included 
Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-June; summer temperatures are too high for easy walking; winter snowfall is possible on higher routes 
Special features: Notes on history, geology, plants and wildlife; accommodation appendix; Spanish-English glossary