Maroma

The Maroma

La Maroma means ‘the rope’, a name that came from the rope the ice-collectors used when cutting out ice from the ancient and deep cave at the mountain’s summit.

The El Robledal Hike

El Robledal – Alhama de Granada route to La Maroma. This is easiest route to the peak. you come at La Maroma through pine and holm oak forests.

How to Get to the Starting Point:

Head from Jayena to Alhama de Granada. take the A-402 towards Ventas de Zafarraya until you see a restaurant/hotel (Hotel Restaurante Los Caños de la Alcaiceria) on a bend.

Full Address of the Hotel:

Hotel Restaurante Los Caños de la Alcaiceria

Carretera A-402Km.

35 Los Caños de la Alcaiceria,

Alhama de Granada

Granada, 18120

Beside this hotel there’s a forestry road to the left. Follow this road and follow it for 5km. You should see a picnic area and information board about the walk.

Coordinates: – 36°55’43.7″N 3°59’47.4″W

Distance: 17km round trip

Set off time: the hotter the day the earlier you should move.

It’s not advisable to climb La Maroma in the summer during the day (see Moonlit Hiking below). However, it’s not unheard of – Setting off before dawn is necessary so by the hottest part of the day you’re finished.

Moonlit Hiking

During the summer there are moonlit walks where groups set off at 10pm, arrive at the summit at around 1am, bed down to sleep then set off on the descent at 6am. The temperature drops significantly at the summit, so windbreaks are necessary as well as good quality sleeping bags and lots of thermals.

Time it takes: Depends how fit you are – some people run it! 4-8 hours round route.

You set off in a picturesque pine holm oak forest,. These trees are often used for sap collection for resins. On a cold morning it can feel like you’re in walking in the UK.

Follow the Camino de los Barracones. Walk for about 1/2km and there’s a fork in the road with a wooden sign stating La Maroma left. Follow this. The path slowly changes into rock and you start to get to see some views in front of you. At times it’s not completely clear which way to go, but the path is pretty well beaten. The path starts to narrow you enter the Contadero (the counter).. This was used to steer sheep and goats through so they could be counted higher up the mountain.

The climb really begins now – in the shadow of the mountain. There can be small amounts of ice and snow here during winter months.

The path is marked by directional posts and cairns. It’s a largely straightforward route, but there are a couple of points where either a guide or a good gps would be handy. On reaching the first peak you’re rewarded with panoramic views across Granada province and Malaga. You have gained most of the height and should have good view . You have only a few kilometres to the top. At the top there’s a plateau with some rock windbreaks .

The views to the south stretch to Malaga bay, out across the Mediterranean Sea and over to Morocco.

On the south side there’s a huge hole which very deep. This is fenced off.

Top Tips

• The route is fairly easy to follow and is signposted for part of the way. When you start getting into the higher mountain sections, the path is marked by 'hitos,' rocks that have been pilled up and formed into largish triangles. They are not always vi

• Take at least 2 litres of water per person there is no water normally on the walk.

• Set off early if you’re making the climb during October to May; it’s not exactly busy on the hike but there are other hikers. The earlier you set off the quieter it is. During June, July, August and September due to the summer heat it’s best to do a moonlit walk (see above).

• The temperatures vary greatly, and wind chill factor needs to be taken into account when at the top. Layer up.

• Locals love to go up when there’s snow; it’s often at its busiest when there’s been a dusting (or more) of snow.

• Eating – Grab a breakfast or late lunch at Hotel Restaurante Los Caños de la Alcaiceria (see address above). It has a huge open fire, home-cooked hearty Andalucian cuisine and is very accommodating with muddy shoes.