Almost everyone reaches El Torcal by car via Antequera. Few people know that from Villanueva de la Concepción you can hike up the southern side, the one you see from the village, without getting in the car.
The SL-A 295 trail
- Start: the village of Villanueva de la Concepción itself, following the trail waymarks.
- Finish: the Torcal Alto Visitor Centre car park.
- Approximate distance: 9 to 10 km one way, with about 340 m of ascent.
- Route: it passes the Loma del Carril, El Realenguillo and the Llanos del Retamal. At the Hoyo de la Turca it joins the Orange Route: the Cañada de Tosaire, El Tornillo and the ammonite beds, marine fossils from the time when all this was the sea floor.
- Along the way is the Mirador de Manuel Grajales viewpoint, next to a "formazo", a traditional stone shelter.
Tips
- This route is for experienced walkers. Allow a full day if you plan to walk back as well.
- If you would rather not walk back, you can call a taxi from El Torcal or leave a car at the top. Ask us and we will help you arrange it.
- Bring plenty of water: there are no reliable springs along the way.
- At the top it is several degrees colder than in the village and fog can roll in quickly. Do not set off if fog or rain is forecast.
- Download the GPS track before you go: there is no mobile signal on some stretches.
Other routes from the village
- Bridges of the Camino Real: the village grew up beside the Camino Real, the royal road from Málaga to Madrid built in the time of Charles III. Still standing are the Puente del Horcajo (1787), over the Campanillas river at the entrance to the village, the Puente del Paraíso and the Puente del Garrayo or "de los Siete Ojos" (Seven Arches), at the Boca del Asno. A circular walk starts from the Town Hall and passes the Puente del Paraíso, the Boca del Asno and the Nacimiento de la Villa spring.
- Camino Mozárabe: the stage to Antequera crosses the sierra via the Escaleruela pass. More information in Camino Mozárabe in Villanueva.
- By bike: the road climb from the village to the Boca del Asno is a classic among local cyclists, with tough final kilometres. Bikes can be stored inside the apartment.
Set off on foot from the door. Apartamentos Villa Torcal, in the centre of the village · Check availability