GR 248 Etapa 1, El Chorro - Álora (Málaga)

08 05 2023

GR 248 Gran Senda del Guadalhorce, Etapa 1 El Chorro – Álora

This walk was done by taking the 10:22 train from Álora train station to El Chorro train station, which arrives at 10:33 (11 minute journey).
We were told to pay on the train as the El Chorro destination is not available on the 2 ticket machines at the moment. There was no conductor, so our trip was free.

The walk passes the La Garganta hotel which is on a very minor road, as you head into the countryside.
The route is well signposted and can be done in trainers. There is no shade on this walk, so take plenty of water and a hat.

In places it parallels the Río Guadalhorce and the railway line. There are two river crossings and one stream that after heavy rains might cause a problem to crossover. The path then passes the Tajo de la Encantada electric substation, then you crossover a stream. After a while you turn right through the tunnel. At the next intersection you go under the bridge picking up the MA 3401 road for a short distance where you get great panoramic views of Huma, Capilla and the Guadalhorce valley.
At the next intersection turn right where you pass a large olive plantation.

Eventually you arrive at the foot of the Impressive High speed Ave railway bridge (Málaga – Córdoba line). Here you turn right parallel with the bridge and crossing a small stream where you have a bit of an uphill climb.
Carrying on you crossover a main road and then eventually crossover the Río Guadalhorce (there are concrete stepping stones). At the last junction turn right. The walk officially ends on Avenida Pablo Ruiz Picasso, adjacent to the Álora sports stadium and indoor swimming pool.

From here l made my way through the outskirts of Álora taking the main bus route all the way downhill to the station. There was a section of about 1km approximately on the main road where there was no pavement.
There was parking outside the train station, but it was limited.

Out of the three GR 248 routes that l have done, this was the best so far. Got one left to do in the Autumn.