Day 1 - The 3 villages

Monday 13th May

The Walk

We started off at about 11 am (after the inevitable Dog of the Day had chosen us) by trekking down through the village, noting the traditional architecture, the narrow streets, the flat roofs formed by placing flat stones on chestnut beams and laths, topped off by a layer of earth and launa (a cement-like stone which makes the structure waterproof once dampened), the overhangs, and the containers of flowers, all typical of this region. We left the village by a sign-posted path down to the river-bridge, quite a steep descent through terraces mainly growing olive-trees.

At the bridge we paused for a breather. Capileira was out of sight above us. Then a short climb on the other side of the valley, and the path levelled out. We chose a grassy terrace beside a ruined finca for a lunch-spot, and unpacked the picnic of tortilla, goat's cheese, ham, salad and Capileira-baked bread.

After the break we descended to the river Poqueira, recrossed and climbed to Pampaneira. There we paused in the picturesque square and visited a small museum. Then it was a further climb to Bubión, the middle of the 3 villages. There we entered a Moorish tea-room, where we enjoyed a cup or two of very refreshing mint tea, served in the traditional fashion with much ceremonial pouring. The tea-room also had a small terrace with a magnificent view down the valley.

From Bubión we trekked back to Capileira by road. This had been a fairly gentle walk of no great distance, but because most of us were out of condition, we were pleasantly tired by evening.

Personal Highlights

"The ceremonial pouring of mint tea in the Moorish Tearoom, Bubión"

"The view of the valley from the Mirador in the Moorish Tearoom"

The square in Pampaneira

Photos

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This document maintained by JohnB@crownsys.co.uk.
Text Copyright © 2002 John Braga
Photos remain Copyright © The Submitter