When we lived in Bermondsey, London, the view from our maisonette was a charming 1980’s block of council-owned flats at the front and, at the back, a shabby-not-chic cul-de-sac of garages suitable for a Gritty Netflix drama location. In fact, the local police were often seen ‘working’ there. Lights flashing, tasers, etc. Anyway, as fun as that was for us, we sometimes felt like we were missing out on things like seeing the seasons change, nature, weather and fresh air. So we thought “we need a change of scene” and our journey began… see our first blog post

Fast forward seven years…that went fast… we are running a Bed & Breakfast in our home Casa Higueras which, at an altitude of 1,020 meters, has views. From the front is a pretty, quiet street, decorated with geraniums and lavender, beyond which we see the 13th century Moclin castle and pine clad hills. From the back of the house we have views as far as the eye can see. A vast undulating patchwork of olive groves, Granada city, the Alhambra palace and, beyond that, the glorious Sierra Nevada mountain range which, as I look out the window now, is dusted with a light covering of snow as winter approaches.

Living here has improved our lives immeasurably both physically and mentally. Being able to walk out the front door into virtually untouched countryside is something I will never take for granted. We are also on one of the most beautiful walking routes in Granada, La Ruta del Gollizno.

La Ruta is similar to the more famous Caminito del Rey near Antequera in that it largely follows a deep river gorge, suspension bridge and part boardwalk along cliff sides. Some of our B&B guests who have stayed here shortly after having walked the Caminito del Rey have said they enjoyed La Ruta in Moclin more. I think this is in part because unless you walk the Ruta on a Sunday or a bank holiday you are unlikely to see another person the entire way round, which makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

I walk the La Ruta with Alfie at least once a fortnight. I know it very well and can usually complete it in 1hr 30mins. However, this is a no-stopping-get-fit walking pace. I suggest allowing 3 hours to complete the walk at a leisurely pace and bearing in mind that the 500 meter ascent is incredibly steep in some places.

When is the best time of year to walk the Ruta del Gollizno?

This walk is beautiful all year round so you can take your pick. My advice would be to avoid festival holidays and, during the hot Summer months (June-Spetember), you should not be walking between 12pm-6pm I promise you. Having made the mistake when we first arrived, any sense of humour will very quickly evaporate when you are climbing up that hill in 32+ degrees heat.

The best time in my opinion is April/May when the spring flowers are in full bloom, it’s not too hot, the river is full and if you make an early start, the wildlife can be exceptional.

Enough talking about it, I made a quick video for you to get a sense of the drama and beauty which hopefully will encourage you to come and visit and experience this great walk for yourself.

If you are coming from further afield why not stay a night or two or more and discover everything else Moclin has to offer? We can take you on a private castle tour (maybe not on the same day as you walked the Ruta…it’s another 200 meters climb!) or why not try a guided cave picnic walk, where we can show you neolithic cave paintings?

Alfie is looking at me with ‘those’ eyes so we’re off to chase Ibex and enjoy the wild countryside air.

Essential information

Starting point (What3Words): https://w3w.co/debased.evenly.strongman
*The route is circular, so you can go in either direction. But in my opinion the return climb is more challenging if you start by the Ermita. Head down to Olivares first past the Cortijo El Higueral.