El Monje Loop via S70(edit)

This approximates to the hike with the same name in the Rother walking guide to Gran Canaria, route 2 in the 2017 edition. And what a cracking good route it is! Initially it looks intimidating, and in fact the first 300m is the most challenging section of the entire route. After that the path meanders gently up hill between the pine and almond trees full of blossom in January, with stunning views in all directions so that you gain height seemingly with little effort. The parking area is easily identified by the bus shelter and the Km12 sign. There is space for maybe 8-10 cars, but we had no problem at 11.30am on a Saturday in January. The trail starts on the other side of the road, and climbs up past a concrete platform before turning sharp left and zigzaging uphill between large boulders. The path is good underfoot throughout, well maintained and clearly marked, sometimes with stone slabs, sometimes with cairns or low stone walls. Junctions with other paths are clearly marked with signposts. We chose to do the circuit around Roque de Nubló clockwise, and also to take the easy path to the summit. This section is busy with hikers who have come up the much shorter route from the southeast. However, when you descend the short summit path and turn right to complete the circuit of the summit, you will have the trail to yourself again. When you meet up with the trail you ascended, turn left to come down the same way you ascended. Whilst we generally try to avoid retracing our steps, there is little alternative here, and the views are so stunning that it feels like a different trail. Overall - a grand day out, and after walking everyday for a week, our favourite hike in Gran Canaria so far.