Walking in La Gomera
£10.00
70 long and short walks and 6 car tours
by Noel Rochford
A guidebook to walking on La Gomera and southern Tenerife in the Canary Islands, featuring 70 of the best long and short day walks. We cover southern Tenerife (from where you will travel to La Gomera) and the whole of that island, showing trekking routes of varying difficulty, all of which are mapped in detail.
Many of the hikes are circular, taking in the best of the unspoilt walkers’ paradise of La Gomera and the top walks in the south of Tenerife.
This guide also includes 6 car tours, touring maps for both La Gomera and Tenerife, plans of San Sebastián (La Gomera), Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos (Tenerife) and free downloadable GPS tracks.
When to go: The best months for walking on La Gomera and Tenerife are October to June.
Print book: £12.99 / PDF book: £10.00
Purchase the complete book as a downloadable PDF using the button below. This PDF book is split into three files, the links to which will appear in the email you receive.
This new 8th edition of our guidebook to walking in La Gomera and Southern Tenerife has been carefully revised on the ground just a few months prior to publication.
The number of hikes has been increased by 30%, and all the maps have been redrawn using OpenStreetMap source material with GPS tracking. The printed maps show waypoints, and free downloadable GPS tracks are available for all the treks.
Colour coding on the Contents page enables you to see at a glance the grading of various walks.
This book is for those staying on La Gomera or in the south of Tenerife (within easy reach of the Gomera ferry). Since the two islands are just a 35-minute ferry ride apart, the book covers walks and tours on both.
There are car tours (with picnic suggestions) ranging all over both islands, with pull-out touring maps and plans for the larger conurbations.
All ‘official’ signposted and waymarked government trails have been highlighted and numbered on the walking maps – a real plus: if a walker comes across a signpost for a route not fully described in Noel’s text, it can still be used as a short- (or long-!)cut.
Note: those going to Tenerife for a long walking holiday, who will be based in the south, should ideally have this book and our Landscapes of Tenerife book.
For La Gomera, convenient bus services for walks run from Valle Gran Rey, Playa de Santiago and San Sebastián. For Southern Tenerife, the Playa de las Américas/Los Cristianos area makes the best centre.
for La Gomera: 2 car tours, 50 long and short walks; for Tenerife: 4 car tours covering the whole of Tenerife, 20 long and short walks
144 pages + 2 touring maps (La Gomera and Tenerife); plans of San Sebastián (La Gomera), Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos (Tenerife)
8th ed, 2018; ISBN 978-1-85691-504-5; UK retail price £12.99 / USA retail price $18.00
Table of contents:
Preface 5
Acknowledgements; Useful books 6
Getting about 7
TOURING
TOUR 1: LAS CAÑADAS AND THE NORTHWEST (TENERIFE) 9
Playa de las Américas · Vilaflor · Las Cañadas · La Orotava · Puerto de la Cruz · Icod de los Vinos · Buenavista · Punta de Teno · Masca · Santiago del Teide · Los Gigantes · San Juan · Playa de las Américas
TOUR 2: THE CUMBRE AND THE SUN-BAKED SOUTH (TENERIFE) 14
Playa de las Américas · Guía de Isora · Las Cañadas · El Portillo · Güimar · Arico · Granadilla · Playa de las Américas
TOUR 3: QUIET CORNERS OF THE NORTHEAST (TENERIFE) 17
Playa de las Américas · Tacoronte · Bajamar · Punta del Hidalgo · Cruz del Carmen · Las Carboneras · Taborno · Pico del Inglés ·La Laguna · Playa de las Américas
TOUR 4: BUCOLIC CHARMS OF THE RUGGED ANAGA (TENERIFE) 20
Playa de las Américas · Pico del Inglés · Roque Negro · El Bailadero · Chamorga · Taganana · Almáciga · Benijo · San Andrés · Igueste · Santa Cruz · Playa de las Américas
TOUR 5: LA GOMERA’S SOUTHERN LANDSCAPES 22
Valle Gran Rey · Arure · Las Hayas · Chipude · Alajeró · Playa de Santiago · San Sebastián · El Cedro · Los Roques · Laguna Grande · Valle Gran Rey
TOUR 6: LA GOMERA’S VERDANT NORTH 29
Valle Gran Rey · Las Hayas · Laguna Grande · Hermigua · Agulo · Garajonay National Park Visitors’ Centre · Vallehermoso · Arure · Valle Gran Rey
Walking 32
Grading, signposting/waymarking, maps, GPS 33
Dogs — and other nuisances 35
Weather 35
Where to stay 36
What to take 37
Country code for walkers and motorists 38
Spanish for walkers 39
Walkers’ checklist 40
Organisation of the walks 41
WALKS ON TENERIFE
1 Montaña Guaza 42
2 Roque del Conde 44
3 Barranco del Infierno 46
4 From La Escalona to Adeje 48
5 The Suárez-Topo circuit 51
6 Chavao Trail and fire-watch tower 53
7 Four walks to the Paisaje Lunar 55
8 The Guergues Trail 59
9 Barranco de Masca 61
WALKS ON LA GOMERA (n grade; see page 33)
10 Barranco de Arure 63
11 From Valle Gran Rey to Arure 65
12 From Arure to Valle Gran Rey 67
13 Taguluche circuit via the GR 132 68
14 Tough Taguluche circuit 71
15 Arure • Las Hayas • Los Granados 72
16 Jardín de Las Creces from Las Hayas 75
17 Raso de la Bruma circuit 76
18 Chipude • NS de Guadalupe • Valle Gran Rey 77
19 Circuit from Chipude via NS de Guadalupe and El Cercado 79
20 Barranco de Argaga 80
21 From Lomo del Balo to Chipude 82
22 La Fortaleza 84
23 Cruce de La Zarcita • El Cedro • Garajonay • Chipude 86
24 El Cedro circuit from Las Mimbreras 89
25 From Targa to Playa de Santiago 91
26 Barranco de Guarimiar circuit 93
27 Garajonay circuit from Imada 96
28 Barranco de Benchijigua circuit 97
29 Barranco de Azadoe circuit 100
30 Barranco de Santiago 101
31 Degollada de Peraza circuit via La Laja and Roque de Agando 103
32 Circuit from Jerduñe via Seima and the Casas de Contrera 105
33 From San Sebastián to Playa de Santiago 108
34 From Las Casetas to San Sebastián 112
35 Circuit to the Cuevas Blancas 115
36 From Hermigua to Las Casetas via Enchereda 117
37 El Palmar circuit from Hermigua 119
38 Punta San Lorenzo 120
39 El Cedro Circuit from Hermigua 121
40 From Agulo to Vallehermoso 124
41 Circuit from Agulo to the Centro de Visitantes and Mirador de Abrante 128
42 La Meseta circuit from Vallehermoso 130
43 Circuit from Vallehermoso to the Ermita Santa Clara and Playa de Vallehermoso 133
44 Presa de Meriga 136
Appendix (Tourist information, Timetables) 137
Index 142
Island maps and town plans inside back cover
Drawings of island flora 40, 50, 74, 75
Geographical names only are included here; for non-geographical entries, see Contents, page 3. A page number in italics indicates a map, in bold type a photograph, in bold italics both map and photo. All of these may be in addition to a text reference on the same page. The approximate pronunciation of village names is shown. (T) Tenerife; (G) La Gomera. For timetable index see page 137.
El Cabrito (G) 106, 108-9, 110
El Cedro (G) (Ayl Say-droh) 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 86, 87, 88-9, 90, 121, 123, 128
El Cercado (G) (Ayl Thair-kah-doh) 22, 66, 73, 74, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83, 85, 88-9
El Guro (G) (Ayl Gu-roh) 63, 64, 67, 78, 81
El Palmar (G) (Ayl Pahlmahr) 118, 119; (T) 17
El Portillo (T) 12, 15
El Rumbazo (G) (Ayl Roombah-thoh) 24, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 102
El Sombrero (G) 22-3, 24
El Teide (T) 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23, 26, 27, 29, 31, 36, 50, 53, 60, 87, 106, 128, 133, cover
El Teón (G) (Ayl Tee-ohn) 124-5, 127
Embalse (reservoir) (Aymbahl-say)
de Agulo 128, 129
de Amalahuigue (G) 32, 112-3, 118, 120-1
de Arure 22, 72, 74
de la Encantadora (G) 130, 131, 132
de los Tiles 121, 122
Enchereda (G) (En-shay-ray-dah) 112, 113, 116, 117, 118
Epina (G) (Ay-pee-nah) 27, 30, 31, 39, 130, 132
Ermita (chapel) (Ehr-meetah) de las Nieves (G) 21, 24, 25, 104
de los Reyes (G) 64, 67, 81
de San Juan (G) 92, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102
del Santo (G) see under Mirador
Nuestra Señora de Coromoto (G) 134
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (G) 77, 78, 79, 80, 81
Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (G) 88-9, 90
Santa Clara (G) 132, 133, 134, 135
Virgen del Buen Viaje (G) 67, 70-1
Fasnia (T) (Fahs-nya) 16
Forestal Park (T) 16
Garachico (T) (Gah-rahshe-koh) 13
Garajonay (and National Park) (G) 25, 26, 27, 29, 34, 36, 75, 86, 87, 88-9, 90, 92, 96, 124, 126, 128
Gerián (G) (Jeh-ree-ahn) 80, 81
Granadilla (T) (Grah-nahdeel-yah) 15, 16, 36
Guarimiar (G) (Goo-ahr-eemee-ahr) 8, 23, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100
Guergues, Finca de (T) 59, 60
Guía de Isora (T) (Gee-ah day Ee-so-rah) 15
Güimar (T) (Gwee-mahr) 15, 16
Hermigua (G) (Air-meegah) 24, 25, 27, 28, 37, 86, 90, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123
Icod de los Vinos (T) (Eekod day lohs Bee-nohs) 10, 12, 13
Ifonche (T) (Ee-fohn-shay) 10, 11, 48-9, 50, 51
Igualero (G) 88-9, 96
Igueste (T) (Ee-gwes-tay) 20
Imada (G) (Ee-mah-dah) 23, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100
Jardín de las Creces (G) 24, 27, 31, 74, 75, 76, 111, 131
Jerduñe (G) (Hair-doonyay) 105, 106, 107
Juego de Bolas 34, 124, 126, 128, 129, 136
La Cabezada (T) 59, 60
La Caldera (T) 10, 12
La Calera (G) (Lah Kah-layrah) 64, 65, 66, 67, 78, 81
La Crucita (T) 15, 16
La Escalona (T) (Lah Eskah-loh-nah) 11, 48-9
La Fortaleza (G) 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 74, 82, 84-5
La Gerode (G) 112-3, 115
La Laguna (T) (Lah Lahgoo-nah) 17, 18, 19
La Laja (G) (Lah Lah-hah) 103, 104
La Mérica (G) 64, 65, 66, 67
La Meseta (G) 130, 131
La Orotava (T) (Lah Oh-rohtah-vah) 5, 10, 12
La Palmita, La (G) (Lah Pahl-mee-tah) 29, 124, 126, 128, 129
La Vizcaína (G) (Lah Beeskay-ee-nah) 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 81, 82, 83
Laguna Grande (G) 21, 26, 27, 29, 31, 87, 126, 136
Las Bodegas (T) (Lahs Bohday-gahs) 20
Las Cañadas (National Park, Visitors’ Centre, Parador, T) 5, 10, 11, 13, 15, 52, 54, 55, 57
Las Canteras (T) (Lahs Kahn-tay-rahs) 18
Las Carboneras (T) (lahs
Kahr-boh-nay-rahs) 18
Las Casetas (G) 25, 112-3, 115, 116, 117, 118
Las Hayas (G) (Lahs Aieahs) 21, 22, 26, 27, 65, 66, 68, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 131
Las Lajas (T) 10, 11, 24, 25, 26, 49, 103, 104
Las Mimbreras (G) 26, 86, 87, 88-9, 90
Las Rosas (G) (Lahs Rohsahs) 29, 124, 126, 128, 129
Lo del Gato (G) (Lo dayl
Gah-toh) 92, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102
Lomo Blanco (T) 11
Lomo del Balo (G) (Lohmoh dayl Bah-loh) 74, 83
Los Aceviños (G) (Lohs Ahsay-been-yohs) 87, 89
Los Azulejos (T) 11
Los Cristianos (T) (Lohs Krees-t’yan-ohs) 5, 6, 9, 35, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 53, 55, 60
town plan touring map
Los Descansaderos (G) (Lohs Dehs-kan-sah-dayrohs) 74, 78, 82, 83
Los Gigantes (T) (Lohs Heegahn-tays) 10, 14, 50, 60
Los Granados (G ) (Lohs Grah-nah-dohs) 63, 67, 72, 73, 74, 81
Los Manantiales (G) (Lohs Mahn-ahn-tee-ahl-ays) 77, 79, 88-9
Los Pajares (T) 59, 60
Los Roques (G) 21, 27, 86, 93, 103, 104, 112
Los Silos (T) (Lohs Seelohs) 13
Masca (T) (Mahs-kah) 5, 10, 14, 32, 59, 60, 61, 62
Mériga (G) 27, 29, 136
Mirador (viewpoint) (Meerah-door)
Acequía Larga (T) 46, 47, 48-9
Buenavista (G) 132, 135
Chimague and Chipeque 16
Cruz del Carmen (T) 19
de Abrante (G) 29, 124-5, 126, 128, 129
de Agulo (G) 128, 129
de Igualero (G) 22
de La Laja (G) 103, 104, 105
de las Chamucadas (T) 19
de los Manaderos (G) 25, 112-3, 115, 118
de San Pedro (T) 12
de Tajaque (G) 26, 88-9, 92, 101
del Drago (G) 23
El Bailadero (G) 20
El Palmarejo (G) 21
El Rejo (G) 25, 28
Ermita del Santo (G) 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71
La Tarta (T) 15
Las Narices del Teide (T) 15, 52, 53, 54
Minas de San José (T) 11
Pico del Inglés (T) 18, 19
Piedra la Rosa (T) 12
Pino Gordo (T) 11
Rosa de las Piedras (G) 27, 29, 124-5, 126
Tabonal (T) 11
Montaña (mountain)
de Guajara (T) 10, 15, 56-7, 58
del Cedro (T) 52, 54
Guaza (T) 42, 43
Monte Los Frailes (T) 16
Monteforte (G) see Hermigua
Paisaje Lunar (Los Escurriales; T) 5, 11, 32-3, 37, 55, 56-7, 58
Pajarito (G) 21, 26, 28, 86, 88-9, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 100
Pastrana (G) (Pahs-trahnah) 21, 24, 92, 94, 98, 101, 102
Pavón (G) (Pah-bohn) 2, 78, 84, 85, 88-9
Pico Viejo (T) 15, 53, 54
Piedras Amarillas (T) 10, 11, 15, 56-7
Pista Madre del Agua (T) 11, 56-7, 58
Playa (beach) (Ply-yah)
de Argarga (G) 81
de la Caleta (G) 118, 120
de la Guancha (G) 108-9
de Vallehermoso (G) 30, 132, 133, 135
del Cabrito (G) 108-9
Playa de las Américas (T) (Ply-yah day lahs Ahmay-ree-kahs) 9, 10, 15, 17, 19
town plan touring map
Playa de Masca 60, 61, 62
Playa de Santiago (G) (Plyyah day Sahn-tee-ahgoh) 23, 35, 37, 91, 92, 102, 108-9
Presa (reservoir)(Pray-sah)
de los Gallos 74
de Mériga 136
Puerto de la Cruz (T) (Pooair-toh day lah Krooth) 10, 12
Punta (point) (Poon-tah)
de San Lorenzo (G) 118, 120
de Teno (T) 10, 13, 14
del Fraile (T) 13
Punta del Hidalgo (T) (Poon-tah dayl Ee-dahlgoh) 18
Raso de la Bruma (G) 27, 31, 74, 76, 130
River, River bed see Barranco
Roque (rock) (Roh-kay)
Carmona (G) 7, 88-9, 101, 104, cover
de Agando (G) 26, 28, 87, 88-9, 92, 93, 94, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104
de las Animas (T) 20
de la Zarcita (G) 103, 104
de Ojila (G) 88-9, 104
de San Pedro (G) 121
de Taborno (T) 18
del Conde (T) 44, 45, 51
El Cano (G) 30, 127, 131, 132, 134
Roque de las Bodegas (T) 20
Roque Negro (T) 22
Roques (rocks) (roh-kays)
de García (T) 11, 12
del Cedro (T) 52, 54
Rosa de las Piedras (G)
(Roh-sah day lahs Peeay-drahs) 27, 29, 124-5, 126
San Andrés (T) (Sahn Ahndrays) 19, 20
San Juan (T) (San Hu-an) 14
San Juan de la Rambla (T) (San Hu-an day lah Rahm-blah) 12
San Sebastián (G) (Sahn Say-bahs-t’yan) 7, 13, 21, 23, 24, 26, 37, 84, 93, 101, 103, 105, 108, 111, 112-3, 114, 115, 117, 119, 121, 124, 128, 141
town plan touring map
Santa Cruz (T) (Sahn-tah crooth) 16, 17, 19, 20, 36
Santiago del Teide (T) (Sahn-tee-ah-goh dayl Tay-ee-day) 10, 14, 59
Seima (G) (Say-ee-mah) 105, 106, 107, 108-9, 110
Taborno (T) (Tah-bohrnoh) 17, 18
Tacalcuse (G) 106, 107
Taco (G) (Tah-koh) 24, 91, 92, 102
Tacoronte (T) (Tah-kohrohn– tay) 17
Taganana (T) (Tah-gahnah-nah) 19, 20
Taguluche (Tah-goo-loochay) (G; Hermigua) 118, 119; (G; Valle Gran Rey) 1, 22, 31, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70-1
Tamagarda (G) (Tah-mahgahr-dah) 30
Tamaimo (T) (Tah-my-moh) 14
Targa (G) (Tahr-gah) 21, 23, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 102
Tegueste (T) (Tay-gwaystay) 18, 19
Tejina (T) (Tay-hee-nah) 17, 18
Teno Alto (T) (Tay-noh Ahltoh) 14
Valle Gran Rey (G) (Bahlyay Grahn Ray) 9, 21, 26, 27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 63, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72-3, 74, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 86, 127, 133
Vallehermoso (G) (Bahl-yayhair-moh-soh) 27, 29, 30, 76, 124, 125, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135
Vilaflor (T) (Bee-lah-floor) 10, 11, 48, 55, 56-7, 58
Vueltas (G) 65, 66, 67, 80, 81
La Gomera and Southern Tenerife, 8th edition (January 2018); updated 15/03/2022
Updates for walks and car tours (drives) on La Gomera and in the south of Tenerife given below supplement those provided in the guidebook. It is vital that this Update is read in conjunction with the text of the book, but note that the Update applies only to the edition stated and not to any earlier editions. (If you have an older edition of this book you can “upgrade” to the latest edition at half price.)
Information has been forwarded to us by users of the book, and Sunflower Books offers the data in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate content in the Update. Unless indicated otherwise, what appears here has not been verified by the author or publisher, so please allow due caution when new or amended routes are suggested. Each piece of information is dated; bear in mind that some of the older observations may have since been overtaken by events or further changes. If, during your holiday, you are using the current edition of the guide and are able to provide any additional updating to add to this page, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please send information, preferably by e-mail, to info@sunflowerbooks.co.uk.
GENERAL: I have just returned from a visit to La Gomera and Tenerife. I made extensive use of the above guide (17 walks in all) and found it extremely useful, well up to your normal high standard. I have some comments on some of the walks which I hope will be helpful. (User, 3/22)[See this user’s comments dated 3/22 below)
WALKS
WALK 3: As described. (User, 3.22)
WALK 6: I think there is an error ref which side you pass the ropey lava. I think it should be left not right side. Also although we found the turn at the 50min point the path disappeared on us as we ascended. Even trying to retrace our steps resulted in us being unable to relocate the path back to the track below so we had a tricky scramble down the hillside and just did the alternative walk instead. Perhaps rock movement and lack of repair has made this part of the walk more difficult to identify. (User, 3/19)
Walk 7: The Paisaje Lunar is really beautiful inspected up close, but as described only variant d goes close by. There is a path down from the first viewpoint, and a path back up to the second viewpoint, which I recommend taking with the other variants. (User, 3/22)
Walk 8: If it is true, this is important news. The Araza path is closed now). The goat farmer has closed it. (User, 2/20) • Spotting me putting my boots on at the Mirador de Masca, a friendly lady selling souvenirs told me that the landowner had closed the trail more than two years ago (confirming the feedback of a user in 2/20 included in the current update). She said there was a similar walk along the ridge on the other side of the Barranco de Masca, starting from the Mirador de Cruz de Hilda. I did this walk and thought it magnificent. The path goes underneath the north side of the Roque de la Fortaleza and then climbs back up to the ridge, from where there are superb views. The path is well-made all the way to this point, although there is sometimes some exposure. One can finish the walk here and retrace one’s steps, but the path continues down the ridge through terraces to Morro de la Galera, which is an excellent viewpoint. The path is not so clear in this section, but the ridge is broad and the direction clear, so it is not difficult to find one’s way. I recommend deleting the Guergues trail in the next edition and replacing it with this walk. (User 3/22)
Walk 9, IMPORTANT: This walk was officially closed for repairs but has now reopened. They have introduced a booking system. It is popular, and one needs to book well in advance. I went online in mid February and there were no slots available before mid April. (User, 3/22) [Sunflower comments on why the barranco has to be closed: The straw which broke the camel’s back was a group of walkers who, despite an orange level weather alert for heavy rain and strong winds, still decided to tackle the Masca Barranco. Reaching Masca Bay they found the jetty damaged and no boats waiting to take them back to the safety of civilisation. There was also a weather alert for wild seas which kept the water taxis in harbour. They were lucky a goatherd was seeing out the storm in the area as they would have attempted to walk back up the ravine, possibly resulting in a more tragic end to this tale. The goatherd advised them to stay put, leading the stranded hikers to a cave where he knew they’d be safe, sharing some of his food and water. The following day the emergency services were able to rescue the walkers from Masca Beach. Later that day the goatherd spotted more hikers in the ravine. Within the following week the authorities announced the closure of Masca Barranco, prohibiting members of the public from entering it until measures were put in place to make it safer. ‘It’s easy to blame this group of walkers for the closure of the ravine. There’s no arguing their actions were irresponsible and not something I’d expect from experienced hikers. But even experienced walkers can underestimate the terrain and weather conditions on Tenerife and other Canary Islands [and Madeira!]. But the fact is the walkers in question were only the latest in a long, long line of people who are ultimately responsible for the closure of the Masca Barranco.’ (from a User, 6/19)]
LA GOMERA – GENERAL: The buses run to service the ferries, so mean mid-morning starts from SS, and either early morning (i.e. pre-breakfast!!) or afternoon starts from VGR or PDS. So, planning walks in the middle of the island is difficult, especially if you are not in a large party to fund taxis. I have also read of buses being full, so walkers stranded away from base. It is a good idea to aim for bus to start then walk to base or circular walks for motorists – which you do largely to be fair. My suggestions would be:
• Walks ending in VGR valley could easily be followed downhill into town via the road in 30-75 minutes if no buses around, with a few bars along the way (walks 15, 18, 21).
• Walk 23 can easily be turned into a circuit by following GR131 from Garajonay to Cruce De La Zarcita was a similar time as scheduled to Chipude.
• Walks ending in PDS can be tackled by bus by taking SS bus to Peraza and following GR131 west to, for example, Roque Agando walk 30 (approx. 1 hour). Walks scheduled from Pajarito are possible by extending the walk for Peraza to Casa Olsen instead, but this would make it around 1 hr 45mins. At least PR131 is very well signed.
• Apparently there is a bus route 8 from VGR to Vallehermoso which isn’t mentioned in your book.
(User, 5/20)
Walk 10: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walks 11 & 12: The Mérica cliffs are spectacular, and I would recommend making more of them, at least as an alternative. Doing Walk 11, I took the first available turnoff to look at the cliffs, and liked them so much that I followed the path near the cliff edge (marked on your map) all the way up to where it rejoined the main path shortly before La Mérica. (User, 3/22)
Walk 13: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 15: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 16: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 19: No obvious problems. I didn’t get the threatened vertigo – I am not 100% immune to this, but no concerns at all. Bar La Candelaria seeming to be long shut, but I used the shop/bar opposite in the plaza, and there was another bar open next to that. (User, 5/20) • As described. (User, 3.22)[The user of 3/22, we find from other comments, is totally vertigo-free. Beware!]
Walk 20: IMPORTANT: This walk is officially closed. Apparently there is a death on this walk every year. Last week there was another, and the authorities have posted a sign that anybody walking this path does so at his/her own risk and is responsible for all the consequences and cost of any rescue, which could be substantial if helicopters are concerned. (Sunflower, 3/19) + News today (15/11/20) that a cliff near the mouth of the barranco collapsed, narrowly missing camper vans below. Best to keep away from this barranco! (Sunflower)
Walk 22: The path has been improved. There were made steps (mostly) or rock steps all the way up to the summit plateau, and no need for scrambling or going on all fours. And on the summit plateau there was a path going round, well marked with stones on either side, that one could have followed easily even in thick La Gomera mist. (User, 3/22)
Walk 26: As of March 2022 there is one very exposed moment on the path up to Targa. The path has fallen away, and you have to step on a rock and onto a small shelf on the cliff to get across. (User, 3/22)
Walk 27: The path up from Imada wasn’t very clear near the start, but other than that, no problems. The bar in Imada was open that day, which was handy after the walk, but I notice it was shut when we went in the car another day. I have since found it is shut on Fridays, so maybe mention that. (User, 5/20)
Walk 32: If you are starting from the Degollada de Peraza, there is a path from there which joins the main path shortly below the km1 marker and saves walking along the road. If you are arriving by car, you can drive a short distance along the track from the km1 marker (where there is now a signpost) and there is space for several cars. Or there is a further layby a little past the marker on the way to Jerduñe. So there are plenty of parking options. (User, 3/22)
Walk 34: At the end of the walk, watch for house No 39 on your right (not house 49!). From here red-tiled steps take you down to San Sebastián – first touching on the road to the parador, from where they lead diagonally right and down to the church. (Sunflower, based on user’s letter of 2/20)
Walk 35: As described. I went both out and back using the exposed Alternative 2 path, so didn’t walk the Jaragán loop. (User, 3/22)
Walk 37: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 38: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 39: I reached the steps by the water tank when it starting raining heavily, so went back per the warning. Shame, but given how green El Cedro is it must be a regular occurrence. (User, 5/20) • As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 40: As described. (User, 3/22)
Walk 43: The descent from the ridge to Playa was tough, but not dangerous if you took care as Noel says. There was a refreshment stand at the Playa, serving cold beer and Canarian potatoes amongst a decent range of food and drink, so well worth highlighting the benefit of a left turn at the bottom of the ridge for 100 yards or so. (User, 5/20) • I liked the sound of the “truly spectacular view of Los Organos”, so turned off for Chiguere. But I couldn’t find the viewpoint. After the houses I got bogged down in terraces, wire fences and prickly pears. (User, 3/22)
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