Following the success of the recent Capital Walkers’ walking holiday to the beautiful village of
Mairena in the Alpujarras, we would like to propose running the same trip in 2026. We have
negotiated space for around 20 Capital Walkers for a week of spectacular hiking.
The area has a multitude of great hiking trails and lovely accommodation with a fabulous restaurant.
Enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the restaurant terrace overlooking the mountains followed by sitting
down with your fellow hikers to a delicious three course meal, showcasing the wonderful Andalucian
cuisine.
The base is a tiny mountainous village on the famous GR7 route, which is located around 2.5 hours
from Malaga airport. The village does not have any shops but does have a bar (which was not open
however during the trip in 2025!) The suggested accommodation consists of several tastefully
renovated village houses, providing an authentic feel of life in the village. Our British hosts, David
and Emma, have a deep knowledge of the area, its history, local life and traditions, having fallen in
love with the Alpujarras in the 90s. Either David or Emma will be on hand to guide us for 5 days of
hiking. Please check out their website above and in particular, the video featuring Richard E. Grant
during his visit to Las Chimeneas.
It is important to note that the walks will be more challenging than the classic Capital Walkers
rambles as we will be in the mountains (one day as high as 2,615 metres). There are steep inclines
and descents, sometimes on narrow paths with loose rocks. We have scheduled the trip to be in the
cooler season but it may be hotter for walking than you are used to in London.
The minimum expected level of walking fitness for this trip is the ability to comfortably undertake
a Capital Walkers moderate or strenuous 12 mile walk at a minimum average speed of 2.5 miles
per hour in a hilly terrain such as North Downs, South Downs, Surrey Hills or the Chilterns. In
addition, you should not have major physical issues, such as relating to knees or hips. Finally, you
should not suffer from vertigo and should be comfortable going up and down hills with scree and
rocks. Please do not sign up for this trip if you do not meet these requirements.
Proposed Itinerary
Sunday 18 October
Pick up 14.00hrs Malaga Airport, 2.5 hour transfer to Mairena – aim to be at the airport 13:30
Settle into your accommodation/dinner.
*Note that this is a provisional Itinery as the weather may dictate the rescheduling of activities.
Monday 19 October
Laroles valley chestnut walk 5 hours (option of pick up after 3 hours in Laroles) 16 kms (627m up,
634m down)
This is a very attractive round walk from Mairena which takes you to the village of Júbar with its
ancient church, perhaps one of the oldest in the area. David will give a fascinating insight into the
history of the church and the Moors’ last stronghold in Spain. You then walk up and along an old
waterway through chestnut trees and then back down the other side of the valley to the village of
Laroles, which has a bar with terrace by the church above the main road. You then cross the river
again and climb steeply to join the track which leads to Júbar and back to Mairena.
Tuesday 20 October
Peak of El Morron 6 hours 12 kms
This is a dramatic high Sierra walk starting at 2000 metres (a short 20 minutes transfer from
Mairena). We walk through a pine forest up to a ridge with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada
peaks and valley of Guadix. There is a short steep climb on a shaly path then the route opens out
onto moorland type terrain where we may see wild horses, distant ibex and eagles. We continue up
to the ridge of Morron del Mediodia climbing approximately 600 metres to views south of the
Alpujarran valley and in the distance the Mediterranean. We return a different route down a
hidden valley which at times is steep but not technically difficult.
Wednesday 21 October
Optional Day trip to Granada (25 Euros)
For those who wish to visit the Alhambra, it will be necessary to prebook your own tickets in
advance (currently 19.09 Euro for the complete visit). It is essential to present your passport on
arrival so important not to forget it!
Thursday 22 October
Mecina Bombaron waterway walk 4 hours 15 kms
This can be combined with a visit to Lola's weaving workshop showing the traditional Alpujarran
weaving or for those that want to walk further, an extra leg of walking back the 2 hours from Valor
to Mairena. Today we transfer 30 minutes west to the village of Mecina Bombaron. It gives us a
different flavour of the villages west of Mairena passing through Valor, ancient silk producing village
and the village of Yegen, home to the writer and Hispanophile Gerald Brenan. The walk starts by
climbing steeply through the village until we reach the higher waterway which in an ancient channel
which brings snowmelt down to the village. We gain height steadily but not steeply
enjoying magnificent views of craggy outcrops and glimpses of the high Sierra. We then drop down
to the river valley and meander back in a circle, following the stream which has shady grass to enjoy
a picnic and sometimes hugs the lower waterway. At times the path is narrow and steep but not
difficult.
Friday 23 October
Laujar valley waterway walk 4.5 hours 12 kms
A splendid loop up and around the town of Laujar, the last Islamic stronghold in Europe. Steep stone
steps lift you high on the western flank of the valley, before you cut across the river and wander
back along the acequia waterway which clings to the cliffs and through a couple of caves.
At 6pm Conchi and her team will do a cookery demonstration.
Saturday 24 October
Peak of Chullo and Laguna Seca 5 hours. Walk from 2000 metres altitude to 2615 metres and back.
Up 615m, down 615m.
Todays walk is again a short transfer and then takes us up to the peak of Chullo which towers to the
east above the high pass of Puerto de la Ragua. Again the terrain is pine forest and open moorland.
Today's walk offers views down to the high plain of Guadix. We climb steadily up to an outcrop of
rocks and later a shepherd's abandoned hut which is a good spot to catch your breath and admire
the 365 degree views down to the sea and north. We then climb steeply and after 3 hours reach the
peak of Chullo which gives a great sense of space and high mountains. We can extend the walk by
walking east towards Laguna Seca and then traversing the north face of Chullo back to La Ragua.
Sunday 25 October
Departure after breakfast at 9.00hrs for arrival at the airport by 12.00hrs.
Self guided options for those who don’t wish to go to Granada:
The Top of the World 3 hours 8 kms
A walk which requires no transport, but which climbs directly behind Mairena and returns in a loop
via Jubar.
Walk down to the town of Ugijar 2 hours each way 5 kms. Down 519m up 487m.
Trek downhill across the badlands which separate us from Ugijar, past an astonishing crater, and see
the red sand valleys which once formed part of the ocean floor. Possibility of tapas for lunch. The
walk back is very steep.
Holiday Cost
Rooms
* 1060 euros per single use of larger double room / studios at main site Las Chimeneas
* 870 euros per twin /double room at main site Las Chimeneas
* 940 euros per single room at village cottage with own bathroom
* 870 euros per single room at village cottage with one bathroom for two rooms
What does the cost cover?
- Return transfer to Malaga airport
- 5 days of guided walks with Emma or David
- Accommodation on a full board basis (aside from lunch on the Wednesday)
- 1 cookery demonstration1 history talk and visit to Júbar church with David
- 1 visit to Lola's weaving workshop for those interested
- Self-service teas and coffees in the main house (the communal areas can be used by all
guests) - Note that there is Wifi in the main house but not in all the cottages
Food
Breakfast consists of boiled eggs, muesli, fresh fruit, yoghurt and toast. You put together your own
packed lunch from a smorgasbord of breads, ham, cheese, tuna, quiche, nuts, vegetables, fruit, cake
etc. It would save plastic and foil if you took your own Tupperware containers to carry your lunch.
Dinner is chosen at breakfast time and there is generally a choice of two dishes for each course.
Dietary needs are covered if communicated in advance.
The kitchen is especially used to catering for vegan and vegetarians. Drinks can be purchased at dinner for an extra cost, the tab paid at the end
of the week. Credit cards are accepted.
Footwear and Gear
Hiking boots with good ankle support is the preferred footwear, since the trails are rocky and are on
occasion steep. In addition, please ensure that you are not wearing a brand new ‘untested’ pair of
boots! Hiking poles or a hiking pole are highly recommended as they may be very useful for the
rougher and steeper patches. Since we will be in the mountains, the weather may be variable, from
warm, short-sleeve shirt, sun hat temperatures to quite chilly, fleece, gloves and woolly hat
temperatures (especially as we go up higher). Layers of clothes are the best approach to this
uncertainty. Good quality rain gear, jacket and trousers, can serve as an excellent outer layer when
it rains or is windy.
Insurance
You will need to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance covering hiking, mountain rescue
and medical emergencies. The maximum height in the proposed itinerary is 2,615m. In addition,
please ensure that you are in possession of a valid (they last 5 years) UK Global Health Insurance
Card (GHIC). If you don’t have one, you can apply for one through the NHS website. We
recommend having details of your insurance and GHIC in your day pack at all times in case of a
(hopefully unlikely) emergency.
Travel
There are several airlines serving the route from London to Malaga and a fairly convoluted train
route. You will have to arrange to be at the pick up point in Malaga airport, ready to leave, by 2pm
on Sunday 18 October. It is recommended arriving the day before the pick up (or earlier) as you will
have to make your own way to Mairena if you are delayed. If you miss the transfer you could face a
hefty taxi bill of 300 Euros! On the return please don’t book a flight before 14.00hrs on Sunday 25
October to allow plenty of time to get from Mairena to the airport.
Note that Malaga is a pleasant city to visit in itself and some opted to spend a few days there before
and/or after the 2025 trip.
How to book
Please
Capital Walkers, interested in the 18-25 October 2026 trip. Please give your preference of room
type and let Emma know if you are interested in the day trip to Granada. You will have to pay a
deposit upfront. The remaining amount will be payable a couple of months prior to the date of the
trip. If for whatever reason you can no longer participate in the trip, you will have to find a
replacement Capital Walker or risk losing your deposit. Las Chimeneas accepts credit card
payments.
Please email Simone Brackenborough when you have booked
your trip with your name, email address, ramblers number and mobile number and if you have any
further enquires.
Further details of the facilities can be found on Las Chimeneas Website.