This area is quiet, unspoilt and relatively unknown to foreign visitors to Andalucia. It lies just north of Granada at the Puerta de la Mora turnoff on the A92 Malaga-Almeria motorway. Access from Granada takes less than 30 minutes.
Taking the second marked turnoff to the Sierra de Huetor (also marked Prado Negro) we drove past the Casa Forestal recreation area for about 3km and parked below some electric pylons with a track branching off to the right. With us were the Deckelbaum family from Philadelphia, namely Larry, Lois and Amy.
You follow the forest trail until a faint trail branches off to the left just before the ruined Cortijo de Linillos (n.b not the first and more obvious left). Follow the natural route northwards and after 30 minutes you emerge from the forest at the col de Linillos 1503m. There are stunning views. To the right is a seemingly huge wall of rock. This is the west end of the long Majalijar ridge. To the left the ridges lead to the dreadful sounding, but steep and rewarding, Peñon de la Mata 1669m (Peak of the Dead!).
Turn right and make your way up by the forest edge. Above the forest head left towards the col on the skyline left of the steep cliffs of the peak (1.5hrs). Emegring on the col expansive views open up of the rest of the Sierra de Huetor and Sierra de Arana ranges. Turn right and go up the obvious break in the cliffs to emerge at the western summit (1832m) (2hrs).
The summit ridge here is covered with the familar clints and grikes of classic limestone country. Make your way carefully down the west summit and continue along the delightful and easy ridge. Spectacular views of the north faces of the main Sierra Nevada chain are seen including Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba.
Walk east over the other tops of the ridge. There are 4 major summits, including the main summit at 1887m. The going is generally easy but there is plenty of rock around for the more intrepid scramblers to have some fun. The summits can be walked up or interesting alternative ways can be found. There is plenty of good bare rock around.
From the trig point on the eastern summit at 1878m we dropped down northwards direct to a dirt track (30 mins). Follow this down to a level shallow valley and cross over the low ridge heading SE. You emerge on a good path. This path is followed as it twists and turns at around the 1600m level contouring the main ridge and heading SW below the dramatic crags and cliffs. This is marked as “Cuerda de la Gallega” on the military maps.
This brings you back to near the col de Linillos. Before reaching the col, head south though the forest and you reach the Cortijo Linillos in 20 minutes. Follow the track back to the start point. The total round is a comfortable 5 hours. Recommended!
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