(Fred took this shot of me last February in Sierra Nevada Natural Park, 'the park next door' )
One winter afternoon about 15 years ago, when we lived in Yorkshire, Fred and I drove to Malham. We walked into an outdoor gear shop and kitted ourselves out with wool socks (must have been straight off the sheep's back) and unrelenting hiking boots. Driving to a distant car park, we unloaded Macduff, (just a trainee Bearded Collie in those days) and set our jaws sternly in the direction of Malham Tarn. After 20 minutes, we all agreed it had been a real experience, and headed for the nearest giant Yorkshire pudding with sausage and gravy - had to replace those energy stores somehow.
We get quite a few walkers staying at Los Piedaos. That faraway look in their eyes allows them to focus on the most distant white village they can see from here - that's Soportujar. They're up and out before the sun rises over the Lujar at 9.00 am, and you'll often bump into them heading back to their casita in the evening, looking unreasonably happy.
They'll be pleased to know that Spain expert Guy Hunter-Watts has been using his hiking boots to great effect. His new book, The Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk, will be welcomed by serious striders and Andalucia explorers. Los Piedaos is located on one leg of the walk, from Lanjarón to Soportújar.
The 21-day 430km itinerary goes from east to west, Maro to Bolonia, Mediterranean Sea to Atlantic Ocean, following in the footsteps of ancient travellers from Carthaginians and Romans to Visigoths and Moors. En route, it takes in six Natural Parks, seven historical sites and plenty of wildlife. What you won't see much of at all is tarmac roads and lots of other walkers.
The Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk is out this week. Visit www.santanabooks.com or call +34 952 465 838.
We'll definitely get a copy for our guests at Los Piedaos. Meanwhile, I'm going to ask G H-W if he can suggest a 20 minute, 1 km alternative, connected to a tinto y tapa at either end.
What's your favourite walk in the Alpujarras? Write and let me know and one sunny winter day I might bump into you there.
Coming soon: planning the thrills and spills of a Mediterranean cookery course here at Los Piedaos next March!
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