Alpandeire - Puerto del Candil (Valle del Genal)

This track yields exciting mountain views, yet it is easy to undertake. Much of the beginning and end are along the quiet road that connects Alpandeire with Faraján, with the middle portion on a well-defined path that leads to the high point at Puerto del Candil. Here views of Los Riscos de Júzgar and Cartajima stretch out before you, tempting you to spend many weeks exploring them. The pass has a perfect spot for a picnic lunch with views of an old cortijo and its era (threshing circle) below you.

Alpandeire is famous as the birthplace of Fray Leopoldo, a Capuchin monk who lived from 1864 - 1956. In addition to visiting several sites around the town that explain his good works and commemorate his concern for the people of the mountain villages, it is also possible to step inside the house where he was born. This tour is especially interesting because the guide is related to Fray Leopoldo’s family. With engaging enthusiasm, she shares stories about the family, making the history of the monk come alive. There is also a pilgrimage trail from Alpandeire to Jimera de Líbar that memorializes Fray Leopodo’s journeys.

Notes
Casa Natal de Fray Leopoldo
C. Doctor Duarte, 23

Walk 9 of a long-distance walk through the Serranía de Ronda
From our journal:
The Valle del Genal seems to have everything we were looking for in terms of a walking destination. It is wild enough to seem adventurous, beautiful enough to be awe-inspiring, and diverse enough to have a great variety of trails. The twenty-five villages here and in the Guadiaro Valley are close enough together that one can walk from one place to the next, never needing a car. Each village seems to have at least one place to stay overnight.

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
Casa Natal Frey Leopoldo
http://www.alpandeire.es/3624/casa-natal-fray-leopoldo-alpandeire

Alpandeire and Fray Leopoldo
https://www.fray-leopoldo.org/alpandeire/

Previous day: Ronda-Cueva del Abanaco-Alpandeire
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/ronda-cueva-del-abanico-alpandeire-gr-141-72220310

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

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