Hiking along the GR-7 trail

The path in Laroles is 1043 metres in altitude. The tower of the Iglesia del Rosario stands out in the landscape, closely resembling a minaret of a mosque. In the background you will see the valley of the Río Grande de Adra, which after collects the waters of the eastern part of the Sierra Nevada, which descend north to south directly down to the Mediterranean, pushing through the Sierra de Gádor and the Sierra de la Contraviesa.

Leave the road (the old C-431) and head to Laroles in the direction of Mairena, taking the road known as the Sierra de los Molinos. This track passes through almond groves to the left, following the traditional path that goes to an old mill. In spring, you will see the water running down the Piedra de la Resvalaera. Leave the mill behind you and you will come to a fork in the track. Take the left-hand turning between an oak and rowan tree, and cross the stream that served the nine mills in this area.

Shortly after passing another mill, turn to the left and you will reach the abandoned quarry.

You will see some beautiful poplars here. As you continue to the left to get into the ravine you will cross the river at a small waterfall that is covered with ferns. At the end of a steep descent, you will come to a fern forest where on the right you will see a small ruined stone farmhouse, just above which the track continues. Along the way there are a number of fruit trees including fig, cherry, almond, olive and walnut trees. 

The walk leads you gently up into the village of Júbar. The first thing we see among irrigation terraces is the church tower, of Arab origin and its cemetery next to it.

At the start of the path from Mairena are two fountains with chlorine-free water that supplies a washing place in the town. Nearby is a second fountain – La Fuente de Barranco. Take the left-hand path and cross a stream under a fig tree. Cross a small ravine flanked by a smooth stone wall. Continue along the track and cross another larger train that will take you up to the Sierra and the Barranco del Cerro. Walk westwards a few metres along the main road to turn right onto a path flanked by prickly pear bushes and fig trees. You will pass the “era de Ejido” and soon the church tower of Mairena will come into view again.

Soon you will reach Era Baja – and from the little town take the path to Nechite. Walk downriver, ignoring the path that goes down to the left, pass by an old mill and the hill dotted with oaks on the left. Once again ignoring the path that goes down to the left, take the road to the right that passes over a stream. After a steep upward climb on a dirt track, take the path to your left towards La Loma de Garridos hill. You will reach a ravine which you should pass through, where on the other side you can enjoy views of Nechite and the entire east ridge of the Monte de San Juan.

Next move into the ravine and cross the bridge over the Rio Nechite. You will see a track that leads up to the upper part of Nechite, known as San Blas. Leave the path, and having passed an enormous chestnut tree, take the path to the right, towards Santa Lucia. Before reaching the neighbourhood you will spot the Fuente Martín on your right.

Above the Fuente Martín spring there is a concrete path trail that descends to Válor. It has a stream running parallel to it. Avoid taking the road to the left, and instead continue straight.

This path ends at the Balcón de Válor, along the road that leads towards the Sierra. Above is the Los Cortijuelos factory, where local goats cheese is made. And just a few metres down the road is the village.