Senda de la Hidroeléctrica, Laujar de Andarax

About Senda de la Hidroeléctrica, Laujar de Andarax

This loop on the Almería side of Sierra Nevada starts at El Nacimiento, the recreation area near the source of the Río Andarax, within the protected Sierra Nevada area. It is waymarked as PR-A 36 in white and yellow and follows the acequia, an old water channel, that fed La Fabriquilla, a small hydroelectric plant that once supplied the valley villages and is now a restaurant.

From the car park the path climbs steeply, then runs along the canal on the left bank through short tunnels and over bridges, under poplars, alders and ash. It passes several waterfalls, the largest where a bridge crosses near the Horcajo ravine, reaches the Murilla weir with its old sluice gear and the Era de Chillo threshing floor, a viewpoint towards the Sierra de Gádor, then descends to the start, between about 915 m and 1,180 m. It links with the PR-A 35 Monterrey trail for a longer day.

The walk is free; there is free parking at the recreation area, and the two restaurants take cash only. There is no mobile coverage. Walking inside the canal is not always allowed, and spring storms have cut the path before, so check after heavy rain. Much of it is shaded, and river pools tempt a cold summer dip. It suits families used to walking.

The best times are April to June, for high water, and October to November for autumn colour. Bring 1.5 litres of water, cash and shoes that grip on wet rock, then lunch at La Fabriquilla.

Senda de la Hidroeléctrica, Laujar de Andarax in pictures

What you’ll find

• Car parkParkingFree
• Circular routeLoop trailFree
• Family friendlyEasy for childrenFree
• Free accessFree visitFree
• HikingWalking routeFree
• Picnic areaPicnicFree
• Swimming spotRiver or sea swimFree
• ViewpointScenic viewpointFree

Nearby places to visit

The spa town and wine village of Laujar de Andarax (1 km) has fountains, a Baroque church and several bodegas, and a short drive away Cortijo El Cura Eco-Bodega (4 km) offers tastings of organic Alpujarra wines. Climbers head down the Andarax valley to Barranco de Cacín Climbing (8 km), the province's finest sport crag. Over the Sierra Nevada passes on the Granada side, the Renaissance Castillo de La Calahorra (26 km) crowns a hill above the Marquesado plain, with the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada rising behind it.