Los Cahorros, Monachil, Granada
I was first pointed in the direction of Los Cahorros by I client who I was fitting a kitchen for in the old village of Monachil (Monachil Pueblo). It is a 5 minute drive heading from Monachil along the back road to the Ski Station and Ski Resort. It is also well signposted, with ample parking off the road.
One weekend my wife and I decided to take a look. We were rewarded with stunning scenery and an exiting walk. It is worth noting that it is well worth wearing sensible walking shoes. Although you will see lots of serious hikers and walkers, the pathways have been well made to ensure that virtually anyone can enjoy Los Cahorras.
As you walk from the parking area down the gorge itself, there are two routes to take which are signposted “Bajo”, base or “Alto” high. Whenever we go, we usually take the base route and return via the high route. Via the base route you walk alongside the Rio Monachil, corossing at various points over sturdy timber and steel “rope” bridges. Following this route takes you through a covered canopy of trees accompanied by the wonderful sound of the river below.
As you climb higher, you are eventually brought to what is probably the main attraction for many to Los Cahorros - The 150ft span “rope” bridge. This takes you over a deep section of gorge, into which runs two beautiful waterfalls. This spot is breathtaking, not only for it’s natural beauty, but because you will often see “freestyle” rock climbers scaling the sheer cliffs surrounding the gorge.
Once at the other side of the bridge, you will continue along a sheer sided canyon. Be prepared as you head along the canyon, because as we found out, there are a couple of points where you need to “bum-shimmy” along the path below overhanging rocks. It’s quite amusing to see the various ways people handle these obstacles. We usually sit and “bum-shimmy” our way past Others pass on all fours, some brave souls even take off their shoes and socks and drop down into the river. I say brave because in springtime you have the snow melt flowing and the water is ice cold!
After a couple of “bum shimmy’s” you will reach a 100ft cave, where you walk underneath huge boulders that form the roof of the cave. It is thought that these fell hundreds of thousands of years ago, forming the tunnel you will pass through. Out the other side, continuing the follow the footpath and the river, you reach an area that opens out widely, allowing you view up to the tops of the mountains surrounding you. This is where we normally stop for a bite to eat before making our way back.
You can continue in a number of directions here, even all the way to the ski resort, but looking at the routes, would suggest they are for more hardy walkers, hikers and climbers.
If you do make it to Los Cahorros, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the location. The walk that I’ve described can usually be done in about 2 hours there and back to the car park, at a steady pace.
