CASCADA RESTAURANT TO REFUGIO DE JUANAR (One Way Only)
This is a new, one-way walk that starts near the Cascada Restaurant, climbs to the Puerto de Marbella at the head of the valley and then continues along the wide track to the forest gate just above the Refugio de Juanar where the walk ends. As this is a one-way walk please pay particular attention to the Directions to the Meeting Place given below.
The walk starts a short distance past Gaianos Club where the asphalt road that climbs the hill next to the Cascada Restaurant is blocked by a chain. The route continues along this road which soon deteriorates into a track and then a steep mountain path. At this point the route is the same as the Cascada Loop hill walk.
After one hour the route branches to the right and continues to climb the valley along a rocky and sometimes narrow path. Eventually it emerges onto open ground close to the Mirador de Juanar from where there are splendid views back to Marbella and beyond. The climb to this point will have taken something over 2 hours so walkers will need to be reasonably fit with a good level of stamina.
From the Mirador the route continues along a wide and flat track that skirts the Pico de Juanar before arriving at the forest gate above the Refugio de Juanar. This is the end point of the walk. This final part of the walk is on exposed ground that can be cold on a windy day. Warm clothing is recommended.
Directions to The Meeting Place
As this is a one-way walk it is important to remember that the meet for registration is at the end point of the walk. This is the forest gate at the end of the unmade road about 1km after the Refugio de Juanar. From here car sharing as necessary will take walkers to the start point which is where the asphalt road that climbs the hill next to the Cascada Restaurant and past the Gaianos Club is blocked to traffic by a chain. At the end of the walk there will again be car sharing, using the vehicles that were left at Juanar, to return drivers to their cars near the Cascada Restaurant. It appears complicated but it is actually easily manageable!
From Marbella
Take the A-355 Ojén Road travelling north. Pass the Ojén exits and turn left at the Refugio de Juanar signpost. Follow this winding road for about 5 km until passing the Refugio on the right hand side. Continue up the unmade road for a further kilometre until the forest gate that marks the end of the road. This is the meeting place.
From Coín/Alhaurín
Take the A-355 to Marbella. Pass Monda and after approx. 5-6 km turn right at the Refugio de Juanar signpost. Follow this winding road for about 5 km until passing the Refugio on the right hand side. Continue up the unmade road for a further kilometre until the forest gate that marks the end of the road. This is the meeting place.
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