Silk Trail Guided Walk

From the Sierras to the Sea

“Thank you for another wonderful holiday. It was a fantastic week and the walks were truly spectacular”

The Silk Trail

By the 10th Century the Moors had established al-Andalus as the major silk-producing region in the western world. The warm south facing slopes of the sierras of the Axarquia perfectly suited the silk moth. Mulberry trees were cultivated in great numbers and villages sprang into life. The mulberry trees have gone but the pretty pueblos blancos still cling to the hillsides. Many of the ancient paths still exist and are the theme for this unique 8 day walking adventure.

This unique guided walking holiday follows the length of the south facing slopes of the Sierra Almijara connecting pretty white villages on the way. The walk starts from the mountain villages of Sedella or Canillas de Aceituno in the west and ends in Maro, a tiny coastal village where the mountains dramatically drop to the sea. Each of the five sections of the linear trail are ‘classic’ walks’ in their own right with great scenery, views and interest. The walks are rated as Level 2 with the offer of more strenuous options on some days, including an exciting new Day 2 walk crossing the stunning Almachares Gorge. It is possible to opt out of any of the walks but few choose to do so.

Silk Trail – Itinerary & Walks

Day 1 – Arrival day
The transfer from Malaga airport to the sierras takes an hour by road. Depending on availablilty, we will stay for the first three nights in the Spanish Steps house in Cómpeta or the Posada del Cani close by. Depending on arrival time we will offer an afternoon stroll, a great way to get the legs moving and the journey out of the system. In the evening, welcome drinks on our roof terrace with time to discuss the program and walks for the week ahead. This is followed by dinner in one of the excellent restaurants in the Plaza Almijara in Cómpeta which is also the venue for our breakfasts.

Day 2 – Canillas Aceituno & Sedella
We have multiple options for this first walk which helps us asses the walking preferences of our guests. The normal walk starts in Sedella and climbs into the foothills of La Maroma with great views of the mountain, coast and stunning Almachares Gorge. In addition to the normal walk we may be able to offer more challenging options which start in Canillas de Aceituno and cross the gorge using a little known high level path or the GR249 El Saltillo route crossing the new hanging bridge. Although short, this exciting new optional route is not suitable for vertigo sufferers. After a picnic lunch the descent to Sedella is gentle with time for a drink in the plaza and road transfer back to Cómpeta. Walking Time Up to 5 Hours

Day 3 – Sedella to Cómpeta
After breakfast we take a vehicle tranfer back to Sedella to pick up the trail. After leaving the village, we cross a Roman bridge and climb again into the foothills of La Maroma but not nearly so high as the previous day. We have two choices from here,we can first drop down to the pretty village of Salares or maintain our height to reach the unfortunately named Puerto de la Cruz del Muerto. From here we start the descent to the valley of the Rio Cajula where we criss-cross the stream a few time before the short but sharp climb up to Canillas de Albaida and Cómpeta. Walking Time up to 5 Hours

Day 4 – Cómpeta to Frigiliana

From the village we climb up into the hills to a ridge with spectacular views of the Sierras sweeping down to the Mediterranean. The walk then follows part of the ancient Cómpeta to Granada trading route. We are likely to have our picnic at one of the old ‘ventas’ before descending to El Acebuchal. This once abandoned village has recently been broughtt back to life and the charming taverna is a great place to stop for drinks. For those who choose, we provide the option a vehicle transfer for the final 4km stretch into Frigiliana. We stay here for two nights in the centre of this popular pueblo blanco, supposedly the prettiest in all Andalucia. Walking Time – Up to 5 Hours

Day 5 – Rest Day in Frigiliana

Frigiliana is one of the best known of all the white villages in Andalucia. The famous battle just outside the town marked the end of the 700 year Moorish occupation of Spain. This resulted in the total collapse of the silk industry and the region went into decline. How things have changed. Frigiliana is very pretty and it’s proximity to the coast have put the town very much on the tourist map. That said, it is a perfect location for a rest day with lots of things to do, places to eat and the opportunity to easily get to the resort of Nerja and beaches should you choose.

Day 6 – Frigiliana to Maro

Another classic walk with spectacular sea and mountain views. The walk starts from our hotel and we soon drop down into the steep sided valley of the Rio Higueron. After 15 minutes gentle walk up the valley the path climbs steeply up into the sierras. snd continues to the rim of the Rio Chillar, surely one of the most beautiful and seemingly remote valleys in Andalucia. The path drops steeply to the river where we are likely to have our picnic. After lunch we climb out of the valley and start the long but gentle descent to Maro. We stay for two nights in a small hotel or individual apartments in this tiny unspolit coastal village. Walking Time 5 Hours (or less strenuous option)

Day 7 – Maro beach and caves

The Maro caves, below the Sierra Almijara, are some of the largest and finest in Europe and too good to miss. For the last walk we offer a short gorge walk or a more strenuous circular walk around the Tajo de los Bueys. With both options there is the chance for an afternoon swim from one of the nearby beaches and visit to the caves. A truly fitting end to the Spanish Steps Silk Trail. Walking Time 2 to 4 Hours

Day 8 – Departure Day

See notes on Travel & More Information

Silk Trail - Accommodation & Food

For the first three nights you will stay in Spanish Steps Casa Rurale in the heart of Cómpeta or similar Posada del Cani close by. You will stay for the next two nights in Frigiliana in delightful village properties in the centre of this historic and popular pueblo. For the last two nights it is likely that you will stay in the Balcon de Maro. These comfortable one room apartments all have individual balconies with great sea views plus self catering facilities. In Cómpeta we are able to provide excellent beakfasts eating outside in the Plaza Almijara. In Frigiliana and Maro breakfasts are a little more difficult. For guests staying in accommodation with self catering facilities we provide starter packs and there are small local shops in both villages for fresh bread etc.

Main meals of the day are provided (except for the rest day) at excellent local restaurants and will include one or two glasses of good complimentary wine.

Travel & More Information

The starting point for the holiday is Malaga airport with transfers at specified times to Cómpeta (normally leaving the airport no later than 2 pm). At the end of the week transfers are provided from Maro to Nerja, or to Malaga at specified times (normally arriving at Malaga airport at 10 am).
There is also a direct coach service from Nerja to Granada. The Alhambra is high on many travellers ‘bucket list’ and there is much more to see and enjoy in this great city. With a direct and regular bus service from Granada back to Malaga airport it may be a tempting option if you wish to stay on in Andalucia for a few memorable extra days.
The historic centre of Malaga is also highly recommended for spending some extra time. There is much to see and enjoy and an overnight stay could be a great option if you are restricted to early return flights. Bus and train transfers from the city centre to the airport are inexpensive, frequent and convenient.
If you would like to extend your holiday and fancy something a little more relaxing do have a look at malagaeast.com. This excellent website provides useful information on coastal and inland villages close to the end of the ‘Silk Trail’. The site also includes some very interesting historical information on El Acebuchal, Frigiliana and Maro, all of which feature on the walk.

Silk Trail – Dates & Prices

Autumn 2023

Sunday October 8 – 15

Spring 2024

Sunday May 5 – 12

Cost £685*

*Single Supplement £125

What is included

7 nights accommodation (seen notes above))
Welcome drinks
Breakfasts (see notes above)
Five guided day walks
Evening restaurant meals including wine (except on rest day)
Transfer of bags between locations
Transfers to and from trail heads
Airport transfers at specified times

Reviews & Visitors Book

“It was a splendid week walking the Silk Trail. Thank you for your skilful organization
in arranging such a great holiday. The magic of Spanish Steps continues! I thoroughly
enjoyed being back in the sierras of Andalucia with the profusion of wild flowers and
the wonderful views. We were as always well rewarded at the end of the day with
delicious meals and wine which was much appreciated.” Margaret (Berks)

“Thank you for a fabulous week on The Silk Trail, as memorable as ever , tough, challenging but thoroughly enjoyed. As always the meals and wine flowed and we had fun evenings! Always love the house in Competa and felt very much at home. Sallie (Surrey)

“Many thanks for a wonderful holiday. Walking was amazing. Challenging but in a
good way ?. Wild flowers and scents were beautiful.” Emily (Edingburgh)

“Thanks for an excellent holiday. Over the years I have been on 30 plus Ramblers or
HF walking holidays (three in the last year alone) and last week was the best and
most enjoyable of them all. Ian (York)