Sensational Sierra Nevada

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival Malaga - Transfer Guejer Sierra

   After arrival into Malaga airport, you'll have a 2-3 hour transfer up to the mountain village of Guejar Sierra, perched on the northern edge of the the Sierra Nevada National Park and beneath the huge mass of the highest mountain range in mainland Spain.
   
   You'll have time to build up the bikes and maybe stretch the legs before tucking into some traditional mountain cuisine.
   
   

   • Local accommodation
2. Day 2Guejar to Calahorra

   For the first day’s ride, you'll bike an absolute classic and head straight into the remote mountains. Local riders’ eyes light up when they talk about this route that takes in some incredible biking and awesome views of the north faces of Mulhacen (3482m/11,400ft) and Alcazaba (3371m/11,000ft).
   
   A testing climb will set you up for an incredible rollercoaster ride high above the gushing Rio Maitena along the famed Cuerda de Alguacil. At the high point at 2336m/7400ft on the summit of Las Catifas, you can take in impressive views of the dramatic Lavaderos de la Reina trail and map out your way from there. The descent takes in some great varied singletrack taking you deep into the Mediterranean forests and pastures of Camarate, high above the Rio Alhama.
   
   Winding your way through pastures and pine forests you’ll pass ancient farms and drop steeply to cross the Rio Alhori before a last testing climb to the mountainside refuge at Posterio Alto Mountain where you can take a replenishing picnic lunch with a view of the snow-capped Picon de Jerez.
   
   It’s a fantastic post-lunch ride with four amazing sections of sinuous forest singletrack that finish with fast and furious flow!
   
   A short spin takes you to your digs for the night in the castle-topped village of Calahorra.
   
   

   • 29.8 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
3. Day 3Calahorra to Cadiar

   After breakfast, the vans will be loaded for an uplift to the Puerto La Ragua (2000m/6500ft) missing out the 1000m/3250ft asphalt slog.
   
   As the sun rises and lights up the snow on the El Chollo mountain top high above a lightning fast track throws you onto some exhilarating singletrack through thick pine, crossing Barrancos (ravines) and pastures.
   
   A good track will climb high, passing the waterfalls of Las Chorreras, a great spot to re-fill water bottles and take in some food.
   
   The support drivers and guides know a thing or two about feeding hungry cyclists. A delicious spread of locally cured jams and cheeses, fresh salads, pasta or rice dishes and many other local specialties along the way, all served up in nature’s own dining room. Expect to be well-fed all week!
   
   You'll pick up smooth paths that pass the summit of Cerro Gordo 2083m/6800ft before the singletrack drops steeper and into the dramatic Berchules gorge passing ancient water mills and acequias (irrigation channels) masterminded by the Moors.
   
   You’ll pick up a long-distance footpath, the GR7, that winds its way along rocky ridges, through pines and spits us out in the white village of Berchules.
   
   The last trail is an absolute cracker as you take on the ‘El Fuerte’ singletrack that clings to the olive-clad hillside high above the Barranco de Cimboa. The trail takes you down over 1400m as it runs fast and smooth into slate steps and back again and doesn’t let up until it hits the Rio Guadalfeo high on the adrenaline running through your veins!
   
   An absolute blast will take you down technical and smooth trails, through ancient villages, olive and almond groves to deposit you at the beautiful country hotel for après bike refreshments.
   
   

   • 28 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
4. Day 4Cadiar to Fondales

   True to form in getting to ride the very best trails of the area you’ll uplift back up into the Sierra before you embark on a meaty climb to the 2000m/6500ft mark. With great views of the highest peaks on the Peninsular and the dramatic Trevelez gorge, you will take on ‘Noah’s’ trail. An ancient mule track that hugs the precipitous mountainside. The finale of cobbled switch-backs really tests your skills before arriving in the village of Trevelez.
   
   The villagers claim they inhabit the highest village in Spain at over 1400 metres (but actually isn’t) and is renowned for curing some of the tastiest Jamon in Spain (which is true!).
   
   After coffee and a touch of Jamon tasting you'll get cracking with a climb high above the iconic Trevelez gorge. You'll head through smallholdings and almond groves before some cracking singletrack switchbacks.  The trail to come is worth every drop of sweat you’ve expended. Fast-flowing singletrack dips and winds through the forest with glimpses of the mountains towering overhead.
   
   You'll cross plenty of refreshing barrancos on the way before heading into some more fast, rocky switchbacks through a dramatic gorge to bring you to your night's rest in the pretty white village of Fondales.
   
   The local bar dishes up terrific food with great views and atmosphere.
   
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
5. Day 5Fondales to Capileira

   The number one objective today is to have maximum fun! You’ll uplift to 2000m and after a short climb, take on some tasty, lengthy singletrack that weaves high across the Sierra until you reach a fantastic vantage point overlooking the Poquiera gorge dotted with white villages.
   
   After a scenic lunch with views up the valley, you’ll be able to see the Refugio Poquiera over 1000m above dwarfed by the looming southern slopes of Spain’s highest peaks. The afternoon will be filled by trying the best of the infamous Poquiera Valley singletrack. Switchbacks, fast and flowy and technical rock descents await until you can´t take anymore.
   
   You will stay the night in the highest village in the valley, Capileira, with inviting plazas, incredible views and delicious local cuisine.
   
   

   • 19.9 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
6. Day 6Capileira to Orgiva

   What a fantastic place to wake up, one and a half thousand metres up in the Sierra Nevada National Park. As the sun rises on the peaks and the chill of the night subsides, you´ll embark on one incredible day that will see you descending over 1800m!
   
   Easy trails heading past a viewpoint will lead you to beautiful sweeping singletrack along an ancient irrigation channel, taking you into forests and past huge dramatic cliffs. The singletrack becomes testing before it takes on another long smooth traverse, dropping you past picturesque villages and deep into the Poquiera gorge for a nerve-calming lunch stop.
   
   A steady track climb leads you to a terrific undulating singletrack, linking villages, crossing streams and pastures until it throws you into the final descent of the week, down the awesome Rio Lanjaron for a fitting finale. Back down to civilization in Orgiva it’s time to celebrate what you’ve achieved during the week in grand style.
   
   

   • 23.6 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
7. Day 7Departure Orgiva - Transfer to Malaga

   It’s time to pack your bags for the last time and say farewell as you are transferred to Malaga Airport (AGP) for onward connections.
   
   Why not stay a few days in Malaga?
   
   Malaga is a great place to relax and unwind after a week on the road and if you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been here!
   
   Loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the city that gave the world Picasso has transformed itself in spectacular fashion in the last decade, with half a dozen new art galleries, a great port area and Soho – an uber cool art district.
   
   

   • Breakfast