Castaño Milenario (Millennial Chestnut Tree)

A circular walk through the Valley of the River Laroles including the visit to this natural monument.

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Medium Mountain

Hiking

Autumn

Technical data sheet

Technical Difficulty:

Short walk, with little unevenness.

Time with stops: 03:30 h.

Time without stops: 02:40 h.

Distance: 8,60 Km.

Positive height gain accumulated: 431,00 m.

Negative height gain accumulated: 431,00 m.

Minimum altitude: 995,00 m.

Maximum altitude: Are 1,368,00 m.

Departure point: Laroles.

Point of arrival: Laroles.

Water points: Yes.

List of water points:

River Laroles (point 4).

Closest/s Population/s : Laroles.

Municipality/ies: Nevada.

Region/s: Alpujarra Of Granada.

Natural Space/s: Natural park of Sierra Nevada - Las Alpujarras

Map & Profile

Full tour

Total distance: 8632 m

Waypoints

Point	Name	*Time ()**	Height	Latitude ()**	Length ()**
0	Observation deck (parking)	0:00 h.	1.036 m.	N37° 00' 41.2"	W3° 00' 56.8"
1	Cemetery (detour to the left)	0:07 h.	1.049 m.	N37° 00' 36.4"	W3° 00' 42.9"
2	First road crossing	0:10 h.	1.079 m.	N37° 00' 41.2"	W3° 00' 39.3"
3	Second road crossing	0:17 h.	1.122 m.	N37° 00' 47.8"	W3° 00' 39.7"
4	Bridge over the River Laroles	1:25 pm.	1.344 m.	N37° 02' 13.8"	W3° 01' 30.3"
5	Castaño Milenario (Millennial Chestnut Tree)	1:30 pm.	1.318 m.	N37° 02' 09.6"	W3° 01' 28.1"
6	Arrival to the path (abandonment of the ditch)	2:10 h.	1.277 m.	N37° 01' 44.1"	W3° 01' 31.3"
7	Junction with GR-7	2:15 h.	1.247 m.	N37° 01' 39.0"	W3° 01' 30.9"
8	Camino de Andurón (detour to the left)	2:45 h.	1.198 m.	N37° 01' 04.7"	W3° 01' 34.2"
9	Path to Júbar (detour to the left)	2:55 pm.	1.093 m.	N37° 00' 55.5"	W3° 01' 23.6"
10	Cortijo Los Castaños	3:05 h.	1.050 m.	N37° 00' 53.5"	W3° 01' 18.5"
11	Arrival of the road (left turn)	3:10 h.	1.009 m.	N37° 00' 54.2"	W3° 01' 15.4"
12	Recreational area along the River Laroles	3:15 h.	994 m.	N37° 01' 00.3"	W3° 01' 15.0"
0	Observation deck (parking)	3:30 pm.	1.036 m.	N37° 00' 41.2"	W3° 00' 56.8"

(*) Approximate times counting stops.
(**) Geographic coordinates. European Datum 1.950.

Introduction

A circular route that starts from Laroles and goes up, leaving the Camping Alpujarras to the right, until we get to the so-called Camino de La Loma, through which it continues. At1,350 meters of altitude we will cross the River Laroles and begin the descent. The millennial chestnut tree that gives its name to the trail is located attached to the river. We continue along the Acequia Real, which irrigates Mairena and Júbar. Later we will continue through the GR-7. When the time comes, we will take the Camino de Andurón, a steep descent that runs through traditional agricultural mountain areas. Finally, we arrive at road A-4130, through which we will return to Laroles.

This trail commemorates past eras, as it overlaps with the Camino de Arrieros that connected the regions of the Alpujarra, “La Abuxarra”, and the Marquesado del Zenete, “El Sened”. The first apported of silk, wine, and vegetables in the trade, and the second, cereals.

As we travel through the Valley of the River Laroles both ways, and along its two slopes, we will enjoy some formidable views.

Description

DURATION:

The realization of the path requires a 1/2 day.

DIFFICULTY:

Low. It is a short walk, with little elevation and that runs at all times through paths and marked trails. Special care must be taken with the car in the last stretch of the route, which runs through road A-4130. We must not forget that pedestrians should always drive on the left shoulder of the road.

M. I. D. E. Method (tour Information):

Assessment of aspects 1 to 5.

WATER:

River Laroles (point 4).

MATERIAL NEEDED:

Hiking boots, long pants, warm clothing depending on the time of the year (gloves, fleece or similar...), jacket or rain poncho, cap or similar, tubular or similar for the neck, sunglasses, high protection sunscreen, trekking poles, pare t-shirt, underwear, and socks, backpack with water (1.5 l.) and food for half a day, frontal flashlight, knife, lighter, map and compass and/or GPS (with spare batteries), phone and first aid kit.

BEST TIME/S:

The best time for this route is the fall, specifically, in mid-November, when the leaves of the chestnut trees are tinged with yellow.

MAPPING:

Sierra Nevada National park. The Alpujarra. Marquesado del Zenete. Scale 1:40.000. Editorial Penibética.

LANDSCAPE, FLORA and FAUNA:

Sublitoral mountain ridge and a predominantly forestal mountainous massif. Along the route, we will find almond trees, vineyards, chestnut trees, oaks, etc

PEAKS/PORTS:

We do not ascend to any peak or pass through any mountain ports.

MATCHING ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES:

Section of the GR-7: Laroles-Válor.

REMARKS:

Given its short duration, little to no altitude changes, absence of complicated steps, and relative proximity to inhabited areas, the route could be done with children if deemed appropriate

RULES TO RESPECT:

Summarized in a brief guide to environmental regulations applied to mountain sports in protected natural spaces of Andalusia (pages 54 and 55) and in the booklets General rules in the Natural area of Sierra Nevada, Responsible behavior in the National Park and Natural Park of Sierra Nevada, and Responsible behavior, Droppings, and debris of personal hygiene. More extended in the Decree 238/2011, 12 July, which establishes the organization and management of Sierra Nevada (points 5.4.5. –p. 163 - and 5.2. –page 262-).

WEATHER:

The weather in Nevada (Aemet)

How to arrive by car

We start from Granada taking the A-44 in the direction of Jaén/Madrid and then we take the exit 118 and incorporate to the A-92 in the direction of Almeria/Murcia. From the freeway A-92, we take output 312 (A-337/La Calahorra/Pto. de la Ragua/Cherín/Alpujarra/GR-820/Charches). At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue on the A-337. After 3 km, in the village of Calahorracontinue along the A-337 (left turn) in the direction of Ferreira/Pto. de la Ragua. About 13 km away, without turning, we will pass by the Puerto de la Ragua. We descend to the port, pass by the detour from Bayárcal/Paterna del Rio/Laujar de Andarax, and we will reach Laroles. In Laroles, we take the road A-4130 in the direction of Válor, and, before leaving the village, on the left-hand side, in the observation deck located at the beginning of the StreetLa Estación, we will find the parking. After the route, we will collect the vehicle and we will return to Granada following these directions in reverse.

Parking

Available.

Parking exit:

Observation deck at the beginning of the Street La Estación de Laroles.
https://goo.gl/maps/BSs4V47RmrWbcw11A

Parking arrival:

Observation deck at the beginning of the Street La Estación de Laroles.
https://goo.gl/maps/BSs4V47RmrWbcw11A

How to get there by public transport

Access to this route, using the public transport here exposed, will require, due to the buses available, the overnight stay in Laroles for two nights (the night before doing the route and the night of the day on which it is done).

The bus in the direction of Laroles depart from the Bus station in Granada which do it at different hours. Once we arrive by bus to bus stop Laroleswe will join the path by following the Street Clara Campo Amor, which is delimited laterally by the cemetery (located in front of the bus stop) and in whose beginning you will find an indication of the path. At the end of the path, we will return to the bus stop of Laroles. The buses that depart from Laroles in the direction of Granada do so at different different hours.

Route

Starting from the observation deck located at the beginning of the Street La Estación de Laroles (point 0), in whose vicinity we have been able to park our vehicle, we'll walk through the road A-4130 until we reach the cemetery. Once there, we will see a sign indicating the way to the “Sendero del Castaño Milenario” (point 1). We will go up by the Street Clara Campo Amor, we'll cross the road A-337 (point 2), we will pass next to the Camping Alpujarras, and we'll arrive at a second intersection with the road A-337 (point 3).

Por la carretera A-4130 a lo largo de Laroles — By the road A-4130 along Laroles

Primer cruce con la carretera A-337 (punto 2) — First crossing with the road A-337 (point 2)

Segundo cruce con la carretera A-337 (punto 3) — Second intersection with the road A-337 (point 3)

After crossing the road A-337 for the second time, we will begin to trace the Camino de la Loma, which is presented to us as a well-marked trail. From here we will follow the indications of the local trail (white and green markings), which will lead us without getting lost, through alternating sections of lane and trail, up to the River Laroles.

El Morrón Sanjuanero nevado preside el Valle del Río Laroles — The snowed Morrón Sanjuanero presides over the Valley of the River Laroles

Castañares del Valle del Río Laroles — Chestnut groves of the Valley of the River Laroles

Once we've reached the bed of the River, Laroles, we will cross it thanks to a bridge (point 4) and we will follow the trail protected laterally by a wooden handrail. Soon, we will come to the Millennial Chestnut Tree (point 5). This wonderful tree stands to the left, under the trail, along the course of the Acequia Real, and its shadow is the perfect place to stop and rest.

Puente de madera sobre el Río Laroles (punto 4) — Wooden bridge over the River Laroles (point 4)

Sendero sobre el Río Laroles — Trail on the River Laroles

Castaño Milenario (Millennial Chestnut Tree)

After admiring the resistance of the tree against the passage of time, as well as its formidable autumn color, we will continue to march along the path, which runs at all times between chestnut trees, next to the Acequia Real.

Continuidad del sendero junto a la Acequia Real — Continuing the trail along the Acequia Real

After around 40 minutes of walking, we will arrive at the point at which the Acequia Real presents a spillway, a place in which we will leave its course and will begin to descend through a lane with a concrete floor (point 6). We will pass by the place in which the GR-7 joins our route (point 7) and, after 30 minutes of walking down the trail, we will arrive at the beginning of the slope by the Camino del Andurón, a junction that is well marked with white and green markings that will have been accompanying us all the time (point 8).

Aliviadero de la Acequia Real (punto 6) — Spillway of the Acequia Real (point 6)

El Mar Mediterráneo en el horizonte — The Mediterranean Sea in the horizon

The Camino del Andurón will lead us between ground terraces and farmhouses up the road A-4130. Before we get to the road, we will join the path that connects Laroles with Júbar (point 9), a small town that belongs to the municipality of Nevada.

Bajando el Camino del Andurón de vuelta hacia Laroles — Going down the Camino del Andurón back to Laroles

When you reach the road (point 11), we will follow it passing through the bridge that crosses the River Laroles and next to the recreation area that is located next to the latter (point 12). After 20 minutes of marching on the road, we will have returned to the observation deck in which our car is parked.

Zona de recreo junto al Río Laroles — Recreational area along the River Laroles

Places of tourist interest

Accommodation

Gastronomy

Active tourism companies

The tracks for GPS in general, and, in particular, registered in ravines, corridors, corners and other tight places, generally contain inaccuracies.

Most of the GPS reflect the graphic scale of the map in the screen. As we activate the zoom of the device, the scale of the map will vary. If we “get closer to the ground,” the scale of the map decreases, and, consequently, we see a smaller amount of “ground” than if we “get away” from it, that is to say, that we increase the scale of the map.

When you follow a downloaded and previously stored track in our GPS, we must ensure that the scale of the map on which the path appears is never too small. We will seek to “get away” from the floor, and we will not obsess with faithfully following the stored track , because we may not notice the inaccuracies that the latter contains.

The precision of the GPS is used to record the route was a, and the GPS that we are using for doing it is another, and therefore, it will be impossible that the points of both tracks, which serves us as a guide and that we are recording, match at 100%. It is for this reason that, even with a single way to move from a particular place, let us note that the track serves us guide runs several meters to the right or to the left of our location.

This website is translated into English. Please note that, in general, there may be a discrepancy between the Spanish and English versions, due to the translation process, and the interpretation that may exist in different countries of the specific terminology of the proposed activities. The Provincial Council of Granada advises the user to be careful when following the instructions on the site, and to consult an expert in case of doubt. The user is aware of the importance of carefully reading these warnings. The use of this website implies the full acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in this legal notice.

Responsibility

The Provincial council of Granada can not assume any liability arising out of the misuse, improper or unlawful use of the information displayed on the Internet page of www.exploregranada.es.

The Provincial council of Granada disclaims any liability resulting from the misuse of the content of its website and reserves the right to update, remove, and restrict or block access when deemed appropriate. It is recommended that each one of the users is responsible and prudent in the mountain. In any case, the user has to take the necessary precautions, for its use involves the exercise of a high-risk activity.

The Provincial council of Granada is not responsible for possible security errors that could be caused by the use of computers infected with viruses. Neither is responsible for the errors caused by the use of browsers with non-updated versions.

The Provincial council of Granada is not responsible for the information that is displayed on web pages outside connected directly or indirectly by links to the page www.exploregranada.es.

The elaboration of these reviews has required the previous realization of the specific activity.

All times described are effective and indicative, having taken into account for their calculation an average group of participants, an average capacity of these and the minimum stops for refreshments and rest.

The information contained in this Website is to effects indicative of tourist practice or sport.

In no case does it involve the organization by the Provincial Council of Granada of the activities described herein.

The properties through which the itineraries run are not owned by the Provincial Council of Granada.

Neither corresponds to the same its maintenance.

In any case, the user has to take the necessary precautions for its use involves the exercise of a high-risk activity.

The equipment, signaling, and any other type of installation on the route may also suffer unforeseen variations with the passage of time, for various reasons such as weather, deterioration, or vandalism; therefore it is strongly recommended to be accompanied by a guide if you do not know the terrain or the situation in which the signaling or equipment are located.

Also, we invite you to document yourselves with books and specialized guides to complement the information described on this website.

Pre-plan the activity. You should obtain reliable and proven information about the route and the activity that is intended to perform, in terms of the physical demands, technique, equipment necessary to make it, etc, In this “design phase” of the activity is where you can act on those elements that generate the risk that the activity entails.

Inform yourselves about the weather in the area. Do not forget that the weather in the mountain is very variable. Today, there are numerous possibilities of obtaining this information. This information is valuable to analyze, evaluate and assess the tolerability of these risks (rain, snow, storms, wind, etc.) which may be present or to accompany the activity. The paths may vary a lot depending on the time of the year and the weather conditions, therefore it is recommended to pay attention to the recommendations made in this regard and check the weather before each departure.

Each one of the participants of an activity must assess whether the weather is or not adverse to their own physical condition and skills to cope with this activity and it is your responsibility to do it or not.

Confirm in the area the prior information. Once you have arrived at the area of the activity to confirm the information previously acquired on the condition of the trails, roads, the snow conditions, weather, water level of the rivers, the situation of the sea to the specific activities that develop there, equipment that could have the sports facility, in case you need them, and dangers arising lately in the path and/or activity etc

This information can be confirmed in the information centers, mountain guides, shelters, Police, etc., The information contained in this website is based on optimal conditions and equipment in good condition to do the activity, and it is not the responsibility of the Provincial council of Granada the conditions of the sport equipment.

Adapt the activity to our physical conditions. Be modest and learn to resign. You have to know to renounce, even though one is very experienced. The mountain will always be there and will wait for us. Always put first the safety of the collective, second the safety of the individual. You should never be too self-confident or lessen your focus, no tter how easy the activity is. The physical ability is fundamental to the realization of any activity in the mountains, so there is no overvaluing our physical abilities, and we have to know how to adapt the paths to our terms. In case of not having sufficient capacity, users should refrain from doing the routes.

Adapt the activity to our technical conditions. For the carrying out of any activity in the mountain and more those that involve some risk, it is necessary to have knowledge of the specific techniques and necessary to carry them out; so we recommend people who do not have the necessary knowledge to refrain from performing any activity, even those that seem easier like hiking. The simple reading of the reviews contained in this website do not train any person for practicing the activity. It is always recommended the accompaniment of guides and staff specialized in the mountains.

Likewise, it requires a prior and deep understanding of the medium in which the activity is carried out, as well as the right time and the optimal conditions to carry it out.

Personal technical equipment. It is absolutely essential to bring the technical material, clothing, footwear, specific documentation, equipment, sun protection, food and water, etc., necessary to perform sports activities. If the activity is of high commitment, it should be expanded to first aid kit and emergency resources. The equipment must be perfectly revised and adjusted to the information and pre-planning.

Subjective objective risks inherent in all sport activities on the mountain. In all athletic activities on the mountain there is an evident exposure to falls with very serious consequences, which may be, but not limited to: brain Trauma, in limbs due to slipping on rocks, in the jumps without any visibility of the bottom, poor reception to the water in the jumps, assurance deficient in the descent of rappelling, extreme tiredness, excess of confidence, lack of preparation or equipment for the activity, inappropriate use of material, hypothermia, and dehydration.

This type of sporting activity involves risks that each participant must know and assume.

We must never underestimate risks and overestimate our capabilities.

It is possible that the fixed equipment the activity counts on (ravines, climbing, etc) and that depends on the progression and/or the protection against the fall in some sections, is not in good condition, as we do not have a regulated periodic maintenance. It is the responsibility of each user to see/check if the material is in good conditions and judge whether or not they can trust in it before you use it.

There are activities which develop in the snow, in places that are very exposed, or in the inside of a course of water, and depending on the time (during defrost, immediately after a snowfall, after a period of rain or storm), could dramatically increase the flow becoming very technical and dangerous. We must never underestimate risks and overestimate our capabilities.

This type of sporting activity involves risks that each participant must know and assume.

As well as an activity in the nature, there may be rock falls, landslides or trees, etc

Guides. In case you go with a guide, you must follow the instructions of the guides, coordinators, or people with more experience, preventing situations of risk, personal or groupal. It is necessary to put in the knowledge of the guides or companions of the activity any possible injury or incident which may affect the development of the activity before and during the athletic activity in nature.

The participants in the activities contained in this website must possess sufficient knowledge and the physical capacity which will enable you to make the specified activities, and to deal with them they must have sufficient capacity, technical and physical, so that they can do it independently and safely. Likewise, they assume the risks inherent in this type of activities and have the knowledge and the equipment needed to perform the activities, and must be approved by the U. E. and in optimum condition for your use.

Do not go alone to the mountain to perform the activity. If you do so, limit yourselves only to places with prior experience, known and consistent with your physical ability and technique. Except in exceptional circumstances, never to leave alone a member of the group, and much less if they're injured or fatigued.

Report on the activity and planned itinerary and respect what has been planned. Communicate to someone (shelter, camping, hotel, friends, relatives) the place and the activity to be performed. And importantly, even if sometimes it is cumbersome, it is imperative to warn that same person of the end of the activity. This recommendation is essential when trying to perform a solo activity.

Graduations. The participants of the activities should be trained to perform the activities in function of the graduation set for each activity, so it is your responsibility to know these rankings and the risks that it involves, therefore you assume performing the activity and everything that could happen.

Learn how to orient yourself. Carry GPS, mapping of the area and compass. You can not trust everything to the GPS, in certain situations it may fail. With a proper handling of the compass and map, we can reduce the risks and prevent accidents.

The tracks for GPS in general, and, in particular, registered in ravines, corridors, corners and other tight places, generally contain inaccuracies.

The precision of the GPS is used to record the route is one, and the GPS that we are using for doing it is another, and therefore, it will be impossible that the points of both tracks which serves us as a guide and that we are recording, match at 100%. It is for this reason that, even when there is only one way to travel a particular location, let us note that the track that serves us as a guide runs several meters to the right or to the left of our location.

The activity in the mountains is not finished until we return to a safe place. The summit is only half of the journey. Do let your guard down until you're completely safe. This includes returning home in your car. There are too many mountain sports practitioners who have road accidents after a tough activity.

The digital mapping used in this website has been generated by the IGN (National Geographic Institute), to be used according to the conditions of the license of use and in accordance with the Ministerial Order FOM/2807/2015.

If there's any accident alert the emergency number, and even the family members or emergency contact. Every minute is important. To meet this recommendation is necessary to carry a mobile phone with charged batteries or any other means of communication to launch the alarm. The GPS is very useful to properly communicate our position and to facilitate our location. In Spain, the monst useful emergency phone numbers are 112 (Civil Protection), 062 (Civil Guard).

The Provincial council of Granada is not responsible for the correct or incorrect use which might be made of this summary, and the consequences that may arise from it. For this reason, it is recommended to the users to be responsible and prudent while carrying ouit the activities on this website. The use of these reviews implies the user will assume the inherent risks of the activity and involves the recognition of their sole responsibility for the security during the development of the activity. The simple reading of the reviews contained in this website do not train any person to practice the activity. It is always recommended to be accompaniment by guides and staff specialized in the mountains.

The various activities contained in this website, are part of what are considered to be risk sports, and they require learning and experience. This website provides technical information for many sport activities in nature, existing at present in the province of Granada, without managing to include, on occasions, information about the state of conservation and maintenance of the routes, facilities or equipment, if there's any. Therefore, the security contiditions for each and every proposed activity are not guaranteed.

The Provincial council of Granada does not assume in any case any responsibility for accidents that may occur while performing the activities listed here.

The information contained in this website is not intended to replace in any case, the experience of participating in sporting activities in the nature, who should be aware of the risks associated with the practice of these sports that are presented here and assume the responsibility to address these risks.

Some of the areas included in this guide are located within protected natural spaces subject to specific legislation and that the mountaineer should know beforehand.

The Provincial council of Granada does not assume in any case, the legal consequences of any infringements against the current legislation.

For any suggestion, the Provincial council of Granad invites you to send an email to the Contact from the web www.exploregranada.es.