Gran Canaria Walking Festival

UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE NUBLO

GRAN CANARIA WALKING FESTIVAL 2020

25 October

Sunday 25 October / Route 4

UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE NUBLO

We will witness the majestic landscapes of the mountain peaks of Gran Canaria and reach the skirts of the Roque Nublo, an almost lunar landscape offering stunning views that we will treasure in our memory.

From the area known as La Goleta, we will start our ascent to reach the platform of the emblematic natural monument Roque Nublo, one of the largest rocks in the world located over 1,800 metres above sea level in the Nublo Rural Park, which is a protected area. There, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Caldera de Tejeda, one of the largest calderas in the island and we will also have the chance to admire the views of the north side of the island and the mountain peaks, whose abrupt beauty surprised the famous writer Miguel de Unamuno. In addition, we will be able to see the village of La Aldea de San Nicolás on the west, and the south of the island. Some of the most important dams in the island can also be seen from the platform, which is known as El tablón because of its almost rectangular shape, resembling a board.

Technical data

Physical difficulty

Medium-high

Technical difficulty

Medium

Type of route

Linear

Distance

10,4 KM

Duration

4:15 h

Total elevation gain

518 m+

Cumulative negative difference in altitude

1052 m-

Track

Elevation Profile

Information to bear in mind

The path follows a trail at all times. We will only walk through a few paved short stretches to connect with the road in the neighbourhood of "La Culata". The path will be largely downhill, so the use of hiking poles is recommended.

This route is suitable for people over 15 years old.

Roque Nublo – Morro De La Reina – La Culata – Cruz De Timagada

The Roque Nublo is without question the most famous landmark of Gran Canaria. With its imposing figure, it stands 80 metres tall from its base and reaches the sky at 1,813 metres above the sea. This natural monument located in the municipality of Tejeda is part of the Nublo Rural Park and is one of the highest natural monoliths in the world.
Used as a place of worship by the indigenous people of the island, it is the result of the 3 rd phase of the erosional processes that took place in Gran Canaria, and is located in the geographic centre of the island.

This small rounded hill, also known as Morro de la Fogalera, is located near the Roque Nublo, on the inner side of the Caldera de Tejeda. The Morro de la Fogalera gets its name from the bonfires (locally known as fogaleras) that forest workers used to make in the past to inform their neighbours at the river basin of Tejeda that they could go to the pine forest area and collect the pine needles, coal or resin that they had already prepared in order to take it to the city and sell it.

La Culata is one of the small villages located in the municipality of Tejeda, which is remote and somewhat isolated, hence its name. Thanks to the water springs around the area, such as the one in the Barranco de la Mina ravine, agriculture was developed in the region. Of all the different crops and products of this area, almond trees stand out. In winter, when almond trees are in flower, they create quite a unique view. However, it is only in the summer when their fruits, the well-known almonds of Tejeda, are ready to harvest.

The cross known as Cruz de Timagada is located in a col in the area of the Caldera de Tejeda, which allows us to enjoy some spectacular views of this caldera. There, we will find a Christian Cross, which accompanied those who came walking from the west of the island to Tejeda or to the city of Las Palmas and who used this place as a place to rest before continuing their journey.

The majesty of the landscapes of the summit of Gran Canaria reaching the slopes of the ‘Roque Nublo’.

Once we get to the Roque Nublo, we will begin to descend through a path that will take us to the bottom of the caldera and start our way towards the area of la Culata. Then we will make our ascent to the cross known as Cruz de Timagada and then go down to the Barranco de Tejeda ravine.

The last stretch of the journey will take us to the village of Tejeda, declared as one of the "most beautiful villages in Spain", and finish this route in the “Hotel Rural Fonda de La Tea”a rural accommodation that dates back to the 19 th century where we will get to see some unique corners of the architecture and cultural heritage of the island.

The Hotel offers stunning views of the Roque Bentayga, from where we can also see the Roque Nublo. Its privileged location is ideal for enjoying nature and the island's mountains. In the vicinity of the hotel, we will organise a tasting of some traditional dishes.

This route includes

  • Civil liability insurance
  • Accident insurance
  • Picnic
  • Guided route and interpreter of the natural, ethnographic and cultural values of the island
  • Transport to and from the start and end points of the route (from Las Palmas G.C or Playa del Inglés)
  • Specialised guided tours in several languages
  • Almuerzo tipo snack

Enjoy your experience to the fullest thanks to the free app specifically created for our Gran Canaria Walking Festival.

Program
GCWF '20

22 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 1

UNDER THE SPELL OF TAMADABA

We will descend from the cave-houses in Fagajesto and walk inside the impressive cliffs in Agaete, under the gaze of the Tamadaba massif while feeling the energy of one of the oldest areas in the island.

23 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 2

ACROSS THE YOUNG VOLCANO

We will walk through pine forests and discover the most recent volcanic episodes on the island, until we reach one of the youngest volcanoes on Gran Canaria, from where we will enjoy a unique landscape full of contrasts.

24/ OCTOBER / ROUTE 3

IN SEARCH OF THE OLIVE GROVE

Impressive views of the south of the island will welcome us to a route that runs between ravines and an ancient volcanic caldera.

25 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 4

UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE NUBLO

We will witness the majestic landscapes of the mountain peaks of Gran Canaria and reach the skirts of the Roque Nublo, an almost lunar landscape offering stunning views that we will treasure in our memory.

The price of each route includes: transport, picnic, guides, insurance, snack or tasting lunch and gifts.