Lanzarote
Walk - La Geria and Montana Tinasoria
Starting point:
Roadside
parking by the LZ-30 just north east of Uga
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Map
I
have found this to be the best map for both walking routes and driving, from
Discovery Walking Guides Ltd
Lanzarote
Tour and Trail Map 1:40,000 scale
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Distance:
4.6
miles
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Traffic light rating:
(For explanation see My
Walks page)
More great Lanzarote
Walks
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Click
the PDF logo above to give a printable version of this walk without the
photos.
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Introduction:
La Geria is the principal
wine growing area of Lanzarote, east of the town of Uga and characterised by
the way the vines are grown individually, in depressions, surrounded by low
walls, generally circular. The
vines are grown in the volcanic “lapilli” which covered around one third
of the island following the eruptions of 1730 to 1736. The walls protect the
vines from the worst of the drying winds, which are almost constant. The
practice of growing in the depressions ensures that any moisture is directed
to the vines.
The preponderance of the
structures makes for dramatic vistas. Judging from their gnarled nature,
some of the vines are very old.
Montaña Tinasoria rising
to just over 500 metres (1640 ft) provides for a pleasant circular walk
around the rim of a long extinct volcano. The crater has also been
cultivated for vines.
The views from the summit
are spectacular ranging from the village of Playa Quemada to Arricefe along
the coast and over the pleasant hilltop village of Femes to the south west.
To the north are good views over the main volcanic area of the island.
The walking is
straightforward, initially and on the return, via the dirt road Camino de la
Calderetal. Indeed, it is possible to drive along this road although this
would miss out on the opportunity to have a good look at the viticulture.
If you are into “peak
bagging”, Montaña Guardilama provides an additional challenge and is
opposite Montaña Tinasoria, with the route clearly visible, off the Camino
de la Calderetal.
The starting point for the
walk is east from the LZ-30 just north east of the town of Uga. There is
rough roadside parking by a notice board and fingerposts. If travelling by
bus, alight in Uga and walk the half a mile from the centre.
Start:
From the LZ-30, walk along the broad track, heading east.
Pass two red kilometre
posts marking the 50 and 51 kilometre points along the GR 131. After the 50
kilometre post, you come to an information board which tells you about the
La Geria area. This was broken off its post when I passed and was propped up
by the side of the track.
After a series of ‘S’
bends, through which the track gently climbs, you come to the col between
Montaña Tinasoria and Montaña Guardilama. From here you first catch sight
of the expansive view along the east coast from the Puerto Calero to
Arrecife. There is a two way fingerpost here pointing back the way you have
come to Uga and Yaiza and onward to La Asomada, Conil and Montaña Blanca.
If you want the extra
challenge of the climb Montaña Guardilama, this is to your left and the
path to the summit is obvious. I suggest you do this first, then come back
to this point. If you follow my route clockwise round Montaña Tinasoria,
you will then have to retrace your steps on the main track to Montaña
Guardilama. Also, the anti-clockwise route round Montaña Tinasoria is not
as easy to find.
The path up Montaña
Tinasoria leaves the main track opposite the two way fingerpost (to the
right as you first approached it). It climbs gently to the summit, passing
ruined pink farm buildings. Keep left as the track divides just beyond.
Arriving at the summit,
there are a few useful rocks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are good
views in all directions.
Follow the obvious path
along the summit ridge, which is marked by a few stone cairns to begin with.
Follow the ridge as it curves right, gradually descending.
You arrive at a cultivated
area with a wire fence. Turn left here.
After 100 yards or so, the
path turns right to descend between the vines. The route of the path is
fairly obvious. It drops you down back to the main track. Turn left here to
retrace your steps to the road.
If you need to buy any
hiking equipment/clothing before your trip see the Hiking
Store
All information on this
site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any
damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.
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