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Poqueira Gorge
South & Buddha
Thursday, 6th June 2013
| Distance: |
11.3 miles |
| Total Ascent: |
3,119 feet |
| Total Descent: |
3,093 feet |
| Maximum Altitude: |
5,673 feet |
| Time: |
7.75 hours |
| Weather: |
Mainly sunny |
Our route started through some of the smaller
streets then onto a narrow path down to the river.
After crossing the bridge we followed mule tracks to
climb the opposite bank, passing ruined cortijos on
the way. As we climbed we were amazed at the
proliferation of wild flowers covering the banking
at the side of the path - photograph heaven!
Stopping to inspect one of the cortijos we found
that it still contained some of its internal
fittings - and nearby an old car! Eventually we
reached a wider path that took us on to the the fire
lookout where we stopped for lunch. From here we
made our way down to a Buddhist Retreat Centre.
After taking time to inspect the various sections we
started the long downhill trek, mainly on narrow,
dusty paths, until we reached the bridge over the
river. A short stop here gave us the opportunity to
remove the grass seeds from our boots and socks! The
final section of the route was the 'sting in the
tail'. Following a long ascending diagonal path we
made our way towards Bubión before turning to follow
a similar incline to Capileira. In the heat of the
late afternoon we were glad to partake of a cold
drink when we reached our hotel.
O Sel Ling is a Buddhist centre for meditation
retreat situated in the Alpujarra mountains near
Granada at an altitude of 1600 m on the South face
of the Sierra Nevada, far from the villages and with
some magnificent views and wonderful air. The purpose
of this place is to Facilitate intensive practise
meditation and spread the Teachings of the Buddha in
the Mahayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. |
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Heading down to the bridge . . .
over the River Poqueira
Pampaneira, the lowest of the three villages . . .
and the middle village, Bubión
Masses of wild flowers . . .
cover the banks
A beautiful example . . .
of a dark mullein
The ever present water that makes the area so beautiful
A ruined cortijo . . .
still has an oven and shelves . . .
and a view of Bubión from its threshing floor
What a tale . . .
this car could tell
No Al, it's a little small for you!
More flowers - more photos
Looking down to the Buddha Retreat Centre . . .
where trees surround . . .
a circular pool . . .
with a Buddha in the centre
Following the path we pass another Buddha . . .
then head down to a stupa . . .
which we inspect more closely
A large prayer wheel . . .
is protected by a wood and brick structure
The entrance to the centre when approaching from an access road
Looks like a local shepherd is keeping an eye on . . .
a flock of sheep and some goats . . .
which decide to stampede across the path as I approach
One of the few goats in the flock
Capileira comes into view . . .
but we have to descend into the gorge to get there
From this angle it looks like the houses are built very close to the
cliff
A last look . . .
at some of the flora . . .
before crossing back over the river
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