A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

January 10, 2012

I think our self guided bike ride from Antequera to Ardales in southern Spain offered the most beautiful scenery on our bike trip, though that could be because the weather cooperated too.

We spent the first part of the morning admiring the burial dolmens from thousands of years ago in Antequera. Then it was off through the fertile Valle de Abdalajis, on very quiet roads past loads of olive groves and Lobo Park – a privately run reserve for all types of wolves, that in hindsight we should have visited.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 035 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Gently rolling hills out of Antequera

After about two hours of easy biking we arrived in the small town of Abdalajis. It sits beneath an imposing rock face and offers up fine views and a couple of small restaurants where you can grab a quick bite. The only downside to the place were the two medium sized birds kept in cages so small they couldn’t even open their wings, at the entrance to the Bar Nervi, on the outskirts of town. This is Spain – and I thought this kind of cruelty especially in full public view wouldn’t be tolerated. Guess I was wrong.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 047 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Fine views from Abdalajis

Then it was off to the El Chorro Gorge. And what a pretty ride it was to get there. The massive rock wall stretched on and off for miles on our right and everywhere you looked there were olive trees plus a smattering of lemon and orange trees. Just before the descent to the gorge make sure you look up and check out the climbers on the rock face.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 053 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

John enjoying the quiet biking

Spain Antequera to Ardales 057 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Beautiful don't you think

Spain Antequera to Ardales 074 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

One of the many rock climbers we saw

Then it’s a steep, fun descent down to the bottom of the gorge. But before going all the way down it’s worth stopping at the park to admire the views. There’s also a hotel, restaurant and hostel if you want to stay in the area – La Garganta  Turistica Restaurante and Hotel and the El Refugio Hostel.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 081 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

El Chorro gorge

After crossing the river you get an interesting view of a small rope and plank bridge that hugs the walls above the Rio Guadalhorce. The drop is 400 meters. It was built during the dam construction between 1914 and 1921. There’s a catwalk too if you look closely, pinned to the face of the gorge, about 100 meters above the river. King Alfonso XIII walked this on the day the dam was officially opened. After a number of recent deaths it was closed. Repairs are planned and it’s hoped that the Camino del Rey (the King’s Path) will reopen.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 088 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

A small rope and plan bridge hugs the walls of the rock face

Spain Antequera to Ardales 090 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Check out the catwalk on the right hand side

Next up on the bike ride was a climb through the fir tree forests in the National Park. Be warned. The roads are narrow. It turns out to be an olfactory treat all the way up – with the powerful scent of the fir trees.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 096 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Near the top of the climb

At the top of the climb we were in for a visual treat – the lake district. It reminded me of the colour of the water in Queenston, New Zealand.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 102 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

The Lake District - just outside of Ardales

Four kilometers more of cycling landed us in Ardales, one of the prettiest white villages we’d come across yet. Here we stayed in the Hotel-Apartamentos Ardales, a place I’d highly recommend. You not only get a good sized bedroom but a living room and a kitchen too, with free WiFi. And the woman running the place was one of the most helpful we’d come across in all of Spain.

Spain Antequera to Ardales 112 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Entering Ardales on a not so windy day

Spain Antequera to Ardales 115 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

The view from our hotel

The total mileage from Antequera to Ardales was only 44 kilometers – pretty low in my books, but there was enough to see, that it was a treat to bike at a leisurely pace. All in all a wonderful day on and off the bike.

Our appetizer that night was noteworthy – unusual and delicious – thinly sliced eggplant, lightly fried with rosemary honey. We both would have been happy eating only that.

Other posts from this trip you might find useful.

Leigh McAdam
HikeBikeTravel

Bellagio 0144 A Great Day on the Bike From Antequera to Ardales

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Biking, Europe | 2 Comments 

Get Active on the Canary Islands

December 21, 2011

Forget any misconceptions you may already have about the Canary Islands.

Sure, there are miles upon miles of golden sandy beaches to enjoy, along with the opportunity to sit by the pool and enjoy budget holidays at their best. But just because the reputation of the Canaries is one of sun, sea and sand doesn’t mean that there aren’t ample opportunities to get away from the coasts and do what it is you like to do best. If you are a hiking or bike enthusiasts, then you may be pleasantly surprised to know that the Canary Islands are well served in both areas!

Tenerife Hiking

Tenerife cycling Get Active on the Canary Islands

The roads of Tenerife

On the island of Tenerife, along with its stunning beaches, are over 4000 kilometres of footpaths perfect for hikers who enjoy relaxing and enjoyable walks through a range of different terrains with the hot sun beating down overhead. Most footpaths are sign-posted which shows how popular hiking is on the island. To get the best Tenerife hiking experience, head to one of the huge parks on the island. Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park are popular with day trippers and hikers, so put on your boots and explore every inch of these nature rich areas. On cheap holidays to tenerife it is possible to leave the resort and explore the natural surroundings whenever you want.

Lanzarote Biking

Get Active on the Canary Islands

Lanzarote area

Although serious bikers may be a bit disappointed, the rest of you will be pleased to know that Lanzarote does not have many high peaks, which means it is more or less flat (well almost) and perfect for biking. With year round sunshine Lanzarote is as close as you can get to the perfect biking destination in terms of weather and alternative terrains. Professionals as well as amateurs love cycling here which is why you’ll always see groups or individuals on rides throughout the island. The Timanfaya National Park is well worth exploring on a road bike, or you could follow the best trails along the north-coast of the island. Such lanzarote holidays will make a real change, especially if you have been to the island before and didn’t get a chance to be so active!

Take a Stroll in Gran Canaria

Get Active on the Canary Islands

A walk in Gran Canaria

Not everyone is a hardcore hiker. Yet just because you do not have the gear that hikers have does not mean you are a beach bum neither. If you just like to get out and about and take in beautiful scenery and nature without anything getting too strenuous, consider a walking holiday in Gran Canaria. Concerned that the island was becoming a bit too focused on the beaches; an attempt was made to diversify tourism on the island. As a result the government decided to reopen several old royal roads which are perfect for exploration on foot. These roads opened up thousands of acres to the public so there are plenty of places you can get out and about in.

There are plenty of wild and unspoilt areas of the Canary Islands. Get on your bike or put your boots on and explore them – you will not be disappointed.

Written by Ricky Durrance for Beat the Brochure.

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Biking, Europe, Hiking, backpacking, walking | 5 Comments 

What to do in London, England

December 13, 2011

London is awash with unique activities to satisfy even the most curious and intrepid traveler.

What to do in London, England

London doubledecker bus

Be it riding the London Eye to take in breathtaking views of the city skyline or strolling through Camden’s alternative market, you’re sure to find a variety of ways to occupy your time. London is known for its diversity and multiculturalism and this is something which is clearly reflected in the fabric of the city’s culture.

What to do in London, England

The London Eye

Perhaps consider visiting Notting Hill carnival on the August Bank Holiday for a celebration of Caribbean culture in London. It is the biggest festival in Europe of its kind and could not be more different from Notting Hill on a daily basis. Generally, Notting Hill is full of bustling, affluent shoppers, boutique hostels and trendy hip cafés. But during the carnival it is awash with a plethora of different sorts of people all united in a joyful freedom of expression and celebration. This is just one example of the ever changing landscape.

London too offers a whole wealth of parks should you wish to escape the city for a while. One I would particularly recommend is Greenwich Park. Set in idyllic Greenwich, you’ll find historical sites and the bustling park, framed by the beautiful Greenwich University campus. At the top you’ll find an observatory. Here you can view the city in all its picturesque glory.

With so much culture, history and activity on offer, it’s no wonder London receives so many tourists each and every year. For that reason it ‘s probably wise to plan some months ahead. This includes planning your accommodation. With the run up to the Olympics, this is particularly important. Online accommodation service providers such as the rental provider Wimdu offer many options for those wishing to book in advance. It’s wise to do so, as rates in London can prove fairly expensive should you try to book a room upon arrival. Once you have done so you will at the least be safe in the knowledge that you can enjoy the city fully and without stress.

What to do in London, England

Tower of London

If you should find yourself on a budget remember, contrary to popular belief, there are many things one can do in London which are free. Consider taking a walk across Tower Bridge and perhaps visiting the TATE Modern. Here you will find a world class collection of modern art both from Britain and elsewhere which are for the majority free to access.  There is also of course Buckingham palace, perhaps the most grandiose apartment in London.  You could visit the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. The opportunities are almost limitless.

If you feel as though you’ve enough culture, why not take the central line into central London and access the nightlife. You will find everything from swanky wine bars in Canary Wharf swarming with business types just finished on ‘the mile’ to hip arty types in Shoreditch. Whatever it is you decide to do, remember to plan ahead! This is imperative. London offers so much yet is so sprawling, that without a plan it can seem overwhelming. Make an itinerary before you leave. There is nothing stopping you from changing it at a later date.

Visit London today.

This guest blog has been made possible by Wimdu.

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Accommodation (Hotels, B&B's, Inns & Other), Europe | 1 Comment 

Next Page »

Latest Post

Another Free Guide – Cabot Trail Biking Tour Guide

Palm Springs, a desert resort city of 40,000 plus people, is located 100 miles east of Los Angeles and 130 miles northeast of San Diego. It is one of nine cities that make up the Coachella Valley with mountains surrounding it on all sides.

Inside Cabot Trail Biking Tour Guide you will find the following

1. Fantastic scenery, especially along the western coast of Cape Breton Highlands National Park

2. the climb in the afternoon of North Mountain rewards with excellent scenery too

Top 10 Popular Posts

  • 33 Interesting Facts About Africa33 Interesting Facts About Africa: I love trivia and I hope you enjoy these weird and wonderful tidbits - some of which I learned on my most recent trip to the African continent. 33 Interesting Facts About Africa There are 54 coun...
  • Crossing the Andes: Mendoza to Santiago by BusCrossing the Andes: Mendoza to Santiago by Bus: Crossing the Andes from Mendoza to Santiago by bus, or vice versa, is a superb way to see some stunning countryside. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than flying. It's only going to cost you $US20-25...
  • 12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations: Any serious trekker or backpacker is going to have their own version of the world's top trekking destinations. My choices are based on experience, reading, chatting with fellow hikers and what's st...
  • Travel Photo Thursday: Crowfoot Glacier, Banff National ParkTravel Photo Thursday: Crowfoot Glacier, Banff National Park: You'll find Crowfoot Glacier in Banff National Park, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Lake Louise. There's a good spot to photograph it from the highway though if you climb up Cirque Peak t...
  • Weird & Wonderful Facts About VancouverWeird & Wonderful Facts About Vancouver: Learning unusual facts about a city before you visit can really enhance your stay and make it more interesting. With a sharp rise in visitors to Vancouver in the summer coupled with the fact that Vanc...

View more of this category

If you're travelling to Canada, look
here for great Toronto Hotels

GREAT IDEAS FOR:-

UK Short Breaks

UK Family Holidays

UK Activity Holidays

For the many who have tired of sunloungers.
Wales. Home of proper holidays. Phrasebook
optional, sense of adventure
essential, indifference best
left at home.

Embed text goes here.
Travel Insurance
apartments
Short term accommodation WorldWide
Hiking and travelling will wear you out. Barcelona accommodation will offer you a place to rest at best prices. Further south, the broad offer in Seville accommodation will get you ready to conquer the Andalucia Moorish Trails. If you are travelling Portugal, Lisbon accommodation is what you need.
The cheapest way to travel