Órgiva / Rio Guadalfeo walk (including map)

Two fairly long walks in consecutive days and our calves and ankles are letting us know about it. It’s not helped by the utterly ridiculous footware we both wear – dainty sandals and a pair that are falling apart at the seams (S does possess a pair of Frankenstein walking boots – but in 32 degrees and in THIS skirt?).

We headed to Tijola (‘Tickle Her’) and looped back into Orgiva over three hours later. Even though the walk was surpassed the next day, this is well worth doing.

Professional walking footwear

Heading east out of town – a three minute walk up from Panadaría Gerardo – the road to Tijola (photo location A – see map below) winds its way, passing a huge wall that looks like it’s about to topple over (photo B) – and onwards passed handsome houses and grand buildings – like Nuestra Señora del Carmen (photo C).

The road to Tijola is never far from streams so even in the heat of mid-September the area is lush.

After 25 minutes the road descends steeply and you’re surrounded by orange earth and rock. Before the road heads back up, there’s a wide track on the right (D) which leads down to the Rio Guadalfeo (Google map – opens in new window). After five minutes when you reach a junction of sorts, bear right.

It’s possible – depending on the time of year – that the tributaries may not be bone dry (Rio Seco = Dry River) so the route may need to vary (or you’ll need more than sandals that have seen better days). When you reach the Guadalfeo, bear right. Over to the left on the opposite side of the river is a silo works with huge piles of sand (or something similar). The village of Los Tablones is beyond this.

Walk along the outskirts of the riverbed beneath gnarled roots which dangle from crumbling banks (photo E) which loom above you, threatening collapse. It’s a graveyard of trees and detritus.

After a fifteen minute walk, as you near the Puente Siete Ojos (Seven Eye Bridge), the ground rises by two or three metres. Head up and turn away towards an area of eucalyptus trees (photo F).

There’s a steep bank which takes you to a field of thyme and olive trees. Camping Órgiva on the main road into town from the bridge is hard to miss and another ten minutes’ walk.

At this point, we found an Alice In Wonderland-style gate and clambered through it into the grounds and had a drink there. If you fancy a challenge, you could find it too. It’s next to a very old olive tree with a massively-wide trunk.

Leaving Camping Órgiva, turn left down the main road until you reach a slip-road to the right of the bridge. This is where the video in this post was filmed (G).

Follow the river for about ten minutes and turn off to the right. A quiet road that’s bordered by properties and follows an acequia, takes you back into town.

No photograph D – see Google map for location

© con jamón spain