Trevelez - Siete Lagunas

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Level Be prepared for a long, steady climb, which is particularly tough in hot weather, or if you’re carrying heavy gear. The path is mostly easy to follow, and is signposted for much of the route. The terrain is generally easy, but the final ascent involves a scramble up a rocky path by the side of a waterfall.

Transport

http://www.treksierranevada.com/wp-content/uploads/P1040076-225x300.jpgBy Car: From Granada, take the E-902/A-44 towards Motril. Take exit 164 and take the A-348 towards Lanjarón. Carry on past Lanjarón and after about a further 8km turn left onto the A-4132, marked towards Trevélez (the turning is just after you enter Órgiva).  Follow this road until you get to Trevélez. On entering Trevélez, take signs towards Barrio Alto and Barrio Medio. There are several car parks on the edge of Barrio Alto where you can leave your car.

1. From the car park/ bus stop on the edge of the Barrio Alto (upper village), head towards the centre, cross the square and take the street in the opposite corner. Go past the Coviran store and turn left up the hill, then make a dogleg to the right of some stone wash basins, and turn left as you exit the village. This route through the village is indicated by signs directing you to Siete Lagunas - Mulhacén. 

2. The route from here (PR-A 27) is well marked for much of the way with wooden posts. After about 0.5 km you will reach a section where the path has collapsed. Take a detour up to the left, but be sure to return to the lower path.

3. After a further 1.5 km you’ll reach the Cortijo de Piedra Redonda, a small stone building, and shortly afterwards take the path up to the left.

This is signed to La Campiñela and Siete Lagunas.

4. The next section is one of the steepest on the walk, so make sure you stop at the viewpoint for a breather and to enjoy the views of the Trevélez valley.

The gradient flattens out before you cross an acequia (irrigation channel) (5) and reach another set of signposts (6).

7. La Campiñela is an area of pasture, and is a good place to replenish your water supplies as there are a number of springs. At the time of writing, the signposting of the route stopped at this stage, but the onward path is fairly clear.

8. After about 1.5km of gentle climbing, you reach the Culo Perro (or dog’s bottom) river. Cross the river where convenient to take the path on the opposite side.

9. Follow this path for a further kilometre until you get to a branch of the river at the foot of a waterfall. Cross the river and climb up to the right of the waterfall until you reach Laguna Hondera, the first of the seven lakes. There is a path, but the terrain is quite rocky, so take care, particularly in wet conditions.

10. Once at the top, you can either just relax and enjoy the scenery, carry on up to explore the higher lakes, or continue to the high peaks. Mulhacén may be reached in 1h - 1h 30, but Alcazaba is a more challenging climb.