The Canary Islands have long been known as holiday destinations, but less well known is that they also boast an array of varied landscapes including mountain treks, rugged cliff coasts and dense forests. Although they are two of the smallest islands in the archipelago, La Gomera and El Hierro both feature a number of walks to suit a wide range of abilities. The former's rocky exterior surrounds a gentle higher terrain; the latter is home to striking volcanic slopes and pine forests.
Featuring 27 walks on La Gomera and 18 on El Hierro, this guide covers routes of all types, from easy strolls to long-distance trails. It includes the Garajonay National Park on La Gomera and the World Biosphere Reserve of El Hierro. It contains practical information including how to get there and when to go.
Introduction
La Gomera
Walk 1 San Sebastian and Jaragan
Walk 2 Los Roques and La Laja
Walk 3 Risco de la Fortaleza
Walk 4 Los Roques and Benchijigua
Walk 5 Pajaritos to Playa de Santiago
Walk 6 Chipude and Barranco de Argaga
Walk 7 Chipude and La Matanza
Walk 8 La Laguna Grande and Alto de Garajonay
Walk 9 El Cercado and Valle Gran Rey
Walk 10 Las Hayas, Arure and Valle Gran Rey
Walk 11 Vallehermoso to Chorros de Epina
Walk 12 Vallehermoso and Cumbre de Chijere
Walk 13 Vallehermoso and Los Loros
Walk 14 Vallehermoso and El Tion
Walk 15 Tamargada and Vallehermoso
Walk 16 Hermigua and Agulo
Walk 17 Alto de Garajonay to Hermigua
Walk 18 Santa Catalina and La Caleta
Walk 19 GR 132: San Sebastian to Playa de Santiago
Walk 20 GR 132: Playa de Santiago to La Dama
Walk 21 GR 132: La Dama to Arure
Walk 22 GR 132: Arure to Vallehermoso
Walk 23 GR 132: Vallehermoso to Hermigua
Walk 24 GR 132: Hermigua to San Sebastian
Walk 25 GR 132.1: Igualero to La Dama
Walk 26 GR 131: Playa de Vallehermoso to Chipude
Walk 27 GR 131: Chipude to San Sebastian
El Hierro
Walk 28 Valverde and La Caleta
Walk 29 Valverde and Puerto de la Estaca
Walk 30 Valverde, Echedo and El Mocanal
Walk 31 Valverde to La Pena
Walk 32 La Pena, San Andres and El Mocanal
Walk 33 Puerto de la Estaca, La Cuesta and Tior
Walk 34 Mirador de Isora and Las Playas
Walk 35 El Pinar to Cala de Tacorn
Walk 36 El Pinar to La Restinga
Walk 37 Ermita de Los Reyes to El Pinar
Walk 38 El Pinar to Sabinosa
Walk 39 La Dehesa Circuit
Walk 40 Sabinosa to El Frontera
Walk 41 El Frontera and Los Llanillos
Walk 42 Guinea and San Andres
Walk 43 Las Puntas and Guinea
Walk 44 GR 131: Orchilla to Fuente de Llana
Walk 45 GR 131: Fuente de Llana to Estaca/Tamaduste
APPENDIX A Route summary table
APPENDIX B Topographical glossary
APPENDIX C Useful contacts
Paddy Dillon is a prolific walker and writer, with over 40 books to his name, many published by Cicerone.