ALHAURIN – LA BOLA DE MIJAS
After starting out along a forest road and climbing a (usually) dry stream bed, the walk follows a track that climbs through the Alhaurín El Grande pine forest towards the top of La Bola. The ground underfoot varies from rocky paths, where some easy scrambling is required, to steep and sandy sections towards the top. The views en route are stunning. It is a linear walk, climbing almost continuously past the Casa Forestal to the summit where there will be a break before the long descent and a well deserved coffee/beer at the Mirador Hotel. There will be pauses from time to time on the way up for photo opportunities, to absorb the views and, importantly, to take a short breather. Participants should be aware that this is a long and at times arduous hill walk.
Directions to the Meeting Place
From the meeting place at El Mirador there will be a car share to the start point to walk to the top of La Bola.
From Alhaurín de la Torre/Málaga/airport
Coming from the airport go past Churriana and Alhaurín de la Torre on the A-404 keeping the hill to the left; the hotel is on the right hand side, 5 mins after passing Lauro Golf on the way to Alhaurín el Grande. This is the meeting place.
From Marbella/Coín
From the A-355, turn off at the signpost for Coín and Fuengirola & Mijas. Turn in the direction of Fuengirola and Mijas and go 6km along the MA-3303 until the roundabout at Venta Los Morenos (and the A-7053 from Fuengirola). Turn left at the roundabout towards Alhaurín el Grande. After 2km turn right at a small roundabout by an official Tobacco shop, go up the hill, along the top keeping straight all the time until a roundabout at Parque de la Libertad where the road goes left down hill for 100 metres. At On reaching a roundabout with a stone cross on it take the first exit on the right in the direction of Alhaurín de la Torre and Málaga. Continue past shops and restaurants. The Hotel El Mirador is on the left hand side, 1.5km along the A-404 after the BP garage at the end of the village. There is ample parking space and a nice terrace for coffee and drinks. This is the meeting place.