Alpandeire circular - Arroyo de las Alfaguaras (Valle del Genal)

This trail provides a nice introduction to the countryside of the Genal Valley: gardens, orchards, farms, terracing, acequias, old mills, fuentes, and cork groves are all found along the way. Surfaces include cobblestone paths, grassy trails, and dirt tracks. Although the GPS says the route has 450 meters (1476 feet) of elevation loss and the same elevation gain to climb back up to the village, switchbacks keep the grade reasonable.

The numerous water features in the village and along the trail pay tribute to the geology of the area. The rain that falls on the surrounding mountains seeps down through the porous limestone layers and travels underground until it meets impervious clay which forces its release through springs and fountains.

The Valle del Genal is famous for its chestnut trees, so we hadn’t expected to see as many cork oaks as we did today. The cork is harvested every eight to ten years leaving beautiful red trunks.

Notes
A gpx track is very helpful when choosing the correct path at the numerous intersections.

Walk 11 of a long-distance walk through the Serranía de Ronda
From our journal:
After four days here in Alpandeire, we can highly recommend it as a place to start a walking tour of the Valle del Genal. The Hotel La Casa Grande is comfortable and warm in February. Jesús and Rosa are so kind and welcoming that you feel at home from the moment you arrive, and the meals they prepare are a highlight of each day. The area offers a great variety of trails of all levels of difficulty and length. The spotlessly clean village itself (population 350) is obviously well-loved. The steep narrow streets are a joy to explore with something new around every corner, usually explained by a ceramic plaque. We are sorry to be leaving tomorrow.

Possibilities for eating/sleeping
Hotel La Casa Grande - C/Barranco 76 A 16th century building with a convenient location in a village surrounded by numerous walking trails; delicious meals available in the restaurant; and a warm welcome from Jesús and Rosa.
Grocery shop in the village

Resources
geography, histoy, and socio-economics of Alpandeire
http://www.dipmalaga.es/planeamiento/pgou/29014/memoria-a.pdf

Previous day’s walk: Alpandeire - Los Corralones
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/alpandeire-los-corralones-circular-valle-del-genal-72557493

Next day’s walk: Alpandeire - Faraján
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/alpandeire-rio-genal-farajan-valle-del-genal-72844959

Link to journal
http://hiking.topicwise.com/doc/GenalValley