2020-01-28 Vera de Erques to Guía de Isora

9.3 km by bus. 11 km walking. There are a couple of steep ascents on this walk and paths with vertiginous drops into ravines.

Catch the 07:35 bus (490) from Calle Campo to Vera de Erques.
Get off at the end of the line. Walk NW back down the road.
At a left bend in the tarmac, head north on the footpath.
This drops down on concrete and stone and continues just right of the narrow gate.
Follow this meandering path, mostly north, crossing several smaller barrancos.
Eventually the path joins a dirt road leading to farm land.
There are underground stores here, perhaps for wine or cheese.
Peak baggers might want to branch left up to Montaña de Tejina.
This adds about 1.5 kilometres and another 100 metres of climbing and descent.
After the farm, head NE on the concrete and tarmac lane.
Soon a footpath branches left, NE, and the first big ravine has to be crossed.
This was quite spectacular with different plants growing in the shade.
The footpath was in good condition but clinging alarmingly to the steep cliff side.
At the bottom of the ravine, double back and head SW and soon west.
This path later joins a tarmac road, NW.
The road zigzags down the ridge. The footpath takes a straighter route down.
There are exceptional views on this leg.
All the local villages can be seen and the islands of La Gomera and Las Palmas.
Look out for the right turn, north, leading to the next big ravine and El Jaral.
The descent into this barranco was fine. The climb on the north side was steep and narrow.
Regular mountain walkers should have no problem though.
In El Jaral, follow the road, right, uphill round the top of the village, passing signposts.
Bare left and descend west for 100 metres.
Turn right, north, towards a farm.
The footpath was not too obvious. Turn left before the farm entrance.
The path is just above what looks like a blocked path and it was fine.
Head NW to the next ridge. Then bare left, roughly west, and follow the ridge down.
This emerges on the main road. The recorded track avoids the road.
Drop down into the ravine and cross north.
There is a final steep ascent, north, with zigzags.
Bare left where the path up to Chirche branches right and descend into the final dip.
At the farm track, turn right and head up to the signposts.
Turn left, NW, then west, and head back to Guia de Isora.
Follow Calle las Britas down, SE.
Bare right into Gorillo, north.
Turn left, SW, at the police station and head down Los Chorros.
At the church square, turn right and head back to the Calle Campo bus stop.