travel with otros caminos · route of ibn al jatib 19 route of the nasrids 20 short trips by bike...

OTROS CAMINOSTRAVEL WITH

O N F O O T O R B Y B I C Y C L E

Ithaca

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,pray that the road is long,

full of adventure, full of knowledge......That the summer mornings are many, when,

with such pleasure, with such joyyou will enter ports seen for the first time...

...Always keep Ithaca in your mind.To arrive there is your ultimate goal.But do not hurry the voyage at all.

It is better to let it last for many years;and to anchor at the island when you are old,

rich with all you have gained on the way,not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.Without her you would have never set out on the road.

She has nothing more to give you.And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.Wise as you have become, with so much experience,

you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

C. P. Cavafis

Welcome to Otros Caminos, the travel specialist on different routes in Andalusia.

We are glad to present our new catalogue. Once more, we have been working hard to design and develop the most interesting tours, aimed at travellers looking for a different kind of holiday.

We offer a wide variety of routes and itineraries off the beaten track, ranging from gentle family tours to challenging hiking and biking experiences, from picturesque mountains to breathtaking coastlines, always selecting charming hotels and country lodges.

Our years of experience in organizing and guiding routes and our in-depth knowledge of Andalusia’s most undiscovered areas means that we have just the type of route you are looking for.

Culture and history are also essential elements in all our routes. We are proud to work alongside the prestigious El Legado Andalusí Foundation. They have developed the most exciting cultural itineraries through-out Andalusia, which Otros Caminos has then converted into biking and hiking routes.

We want people to experience the very best of cultural and rural Andalusia, while we take care of the logistics. We also specialize in self-guided tours, as we believe travelling individually provides more opportunities to appreciate and share local traditions, while allowing us to offer smaller, charming, unusual accommodation.

Start relishing Andalusia as you leaf through our catalogue and visit our website www.otroscaminos.com.

Welcome to Andalusia and see you soon on Different Routes!

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IndexA different kind of journey... 4...Discovering “El Legado Andalusí” 7Why travel with Otros Caminos? 8Granada 9

CYCLING TOURS 12Route of the Caliphate 14The Washington Irving Route 15“White Villages” Tour 16Route of the Romantic Travellers 17Journey to the Badlands 18Route of Ibn al Jatib 19Route of the Nasrids 20Short trips by bike 21

HIKING TOURS 22Walking on the Route of the Caliphate 24Walking in the Grazalema Mountains 25Almoravids’ Route, on foot and by train 26Almoravids’ Route in Morroco 27Explore the Lands of the “Moriscos” 28Sierra Nevada Trekking 29Hiking in the Cazorla and Segura Mountains 30Short hiking trips 31

Terms and Conditions of Tours 32

www.otroscaminos.com

The idea of the journey as an experience in itself is one of the things that most differentiates human beings from animals. Just like Kafavis, the poet from Alexandria with deep classical roots, this passion drives us. To walk, discover villages and mighty cities, to cross forests, explore coastlines and learn from local people, sharing their customs… we love to travel, but on different routes. These different routes are the inspiration behind our name “Otros Caminos” and we mean to reach out to all those who feel the freedom of travel. The journey, its emotions, feelings, those little details, without rushing to keep up with a timetable… these are the important things for us, and the journey is a beautiful excuse, our very own Ithaca. Our goal is to understand the complexity, unity and moving simplicity of mankind and nature, of history and culture, through shared experience and coexistence with others.

On the following pages Otros Caminos presents you with a different kind of journey, on different routes through Andalusia, discovering its heritage on foot or by bike, with a guide or under your own steam.

Ancient thoroughfares and the illustrious travellers who once trod them inspire our itineraries. They are inspired in the nature, history and culture of a region as diverse as Andalusia. We invite the traveller to come off the beaten track, get on his bike or sling his rucksack to share a unique and revitalising experience. Making tracks as we walk and ride, we aim to show that it is possible to achieve economic progress and quality of life in our towns and villages, without damaging their traditions, identity and natural surroundings.

A different kind of journey...

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Our commitment to this philosophy means we design our tours as a contribution to the sustainable development of Andalusia: we always work with local people in each area (accommodation, meals, activities); we promote contact between clients and their local hosts; we get them involved in defence of local culture and the environment, fighting for the recovery, conservation and protection of rural tracks and trails, and, above all, offering advice to the villages and institutions we work with. We also invest a percentage of our profits in development and conservation projects related with countryside, towns and villages in Andalusia.

The journeys you will find in this catalogue use tracks, trails, cattle paths, old Roman roads, forest trails and old country roads in disuse… and they will carry you all over Andalusia, on foot or by bike, from one village to the next, exploring a host of regions and landscapes.

These journeys are just and example. A traveller’s limit is his/her imagination, because we have documented more than 5,000 kilometres of interconnecting tracks and trails so that you are free to design your own perfect journey (according to places, stages, difficulty, by bike or on foot…).

...On different routes

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Its rich and varied geography, packed with areas of enormous ecological interest (it has 2 National Parks, 40 Nature Parks and Reserves and 31 areas of outstanding natural beauty), is sweetened by the mildest, driest climate on the Iberian peninsular. Andalusia has nine months of good weather every year. Combine this with the warm welcome of its people and you have one of the best places in which to travel in the open air.

Andalusia’s position between Europe and Africa, a bridge between East and West, has made it home to a rich and varied mix of cultures. Our region always managed to conquer the hearts of those who conquered her, and they stayed. History is our collective memory and our identity.

Averroes, Maimónides, Ibn al Jatib, Ibn Zamrak, Juan Ramón, Falla, García Lorca, Picasso, Machado... the people of Andalusia have a history of openness and forward thinking, keen to embrace the world.

Andalusia is much more than typical stereotypes. Hers is the art of living that can be felt in all areas of life: her music, arts, cuisine and history. This is why Andalusia is the perfect place to travel off the road and away from conventional circuits, to get to the heart of her heritage, on different routes.

Be sure to check the broad range of information available on our website www.differentroutes.com and on ’s

www.legadoandalusi.esYou can also order routeguides from us, as well as books on culture,

gastronomy, history, art...

In Andalusia

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DiscoveringAl-Andalus (“shared-out lands”) came from the Arabic interpretation of the Visigoth name for the Iberian

peninsula, and it came to be used to identify the region governed by Muslim monarchs and Emirs between the 8th and 15th Centuries. The fusion between resident population and the newcomers from North Africa brought about a unique, mixed civilisation that dazzled the world with its classical knowledge, set in a Europe that was stuck in the darkest Middle Ages. Al-Andalus was a bridging point between eastern and western cultures. It served as a base for the divulgation of classical culture, it was the source of new scientific concepts and visions of the world, and forged the mentality of modern man through a Renaissance that would not arrive in Europe until centuries later.

Al-Andalus heritage gave a huge amount to past western civilisation, but it is also relevant in the present day. Its legacy is not only to be found in the beauty of numerous fortresses, palaces, gardens and entire neighbourhoods, nor in the bases of modern science, technology and literature that were laid down at that time. It can also be seen daily in a way of understanding and enjoying life to the full. Al-Andalus added a mystical, sensual ingredient to the collective gene pools of Andalusia, Spain and Europe; the ability to face the trials and tribulations of our existence while participating fully in the magic that is life. This is the spirit that runs through Otros Caminos journeys.

(a public institution, part of Andalusia Tourism) came into existence to conserve and nurture this living legacy of knowledge and heritage. Otros Caminos was created by a group of professionals from varied walks of life, sharing a love of their land and a passion for travel. This spirit that first seduced them was the beginning of a long process and the results are the journeys you see before you.

Otros Caminos works with the Foundation designing their long cultural itineraries for walkers and cyclists: Routes of The Caliphate (Cordova to Granada on the caliphal trade routes), Washington Irving (following in the footsteps of the 18th Century writer from Seville to Granada), Almoravids (crossing most of Andalusia, from Granada to Tarifa), Nasrids (the route of the retreating Moorish forces in the latter -day of al-Andalus), Alpujarra (discover this magical region, last bastion of the Spanish Moors) and Ibn al Jatib (he documented a large part of Moorish Andalusia - let him be your guide on this journey).

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Why travel with Otros Caminos?Know-how At Otros Caminos we are Andalusia experts. We have hiked and biked throughout our region on a continuous

search for itineraries off the beaten track, to get to those hidden spots without missing Andalusia’s most famous, essential assets. Our own joy of discovery and our expertise come together to develop routes where you can enjoy the natural beauty, history and culinary specialties of “our” Andalusia, the one we would like to share with you.

Tourism professionals and artisans in travelFrom designing a tour through to bike maintenance, from the moment you make a reservation to the preparation of documentation

for your tour, we take care of every detail. We know that quality is the key to a successful holiday. At Otros Caminos we take the experience of each staff member and combine it with the spirit of a competent and professional team. We believe travelling is an art, and we organise and prepare your holiday with time, dedication and attention to detail.

Self-guided or guided? – You decide! If you want to get out there alone, with your family or with friends, just choose the dates that suit you and the services you require. We book you into tried and tested accommodation, always charming, with the assurance of a warm welcome, and we take care of any logistics you may require, such as: luggage transfer between hotels, quality bike and GPS hire and all the necessary information in our route books, with route descriptions, cultural and practical information, detailed maps and even GPS files.

What is more, if you don’t have time or simply don’t want to get involved in planning and logistics, our guided group tours let you meet like-minded people and share an unforgettable experience. You will have all the services available without losing any of the excitement. You will make new friends and experienced guides take pleasure in showing you our countryside. Our tours are always in small groups (6-16 travellers), and we take great care over every detail.

An experienced team Our guides and office staff are, above all, real travellers, dedicated to the world of alternative tours. They use their experience and knowledge to organise trips for each and every taste.

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Granada, origin and destination“He who wants to feel the bull’s breath and the sweet pulse of

blood in the lips, should make for the baroque crowds of universal Seville; while he who wants to find himself at a gathering of ghosts, and perhaps stumble upon an unexpected signet ring in the corridors of his heart, should make for the interior, for the hidden Granada.” (Federico García Lorca)

Many of the excursions, hikes, rides and journeys in this catalogue either start or finish in Granada. Since its days as capital of the last (Nasrid) kingdom of al-Andalus, and Boabdil’s final surrunder to the Catholic Monarchs of Castile, Granada has been a universal symbol of humanism and poetry. For 264 years, the kingdom was an island of culture, art and wisdom, surrounded by political and military upheaval, as the Catholics advanced. This period was responsible for much of the magic to be found in Granada today. Granada was at that time home to a masterful sense of “the art of living”, symbolised in the unique palaces of the Alhambra. Add to this its privileged location, between the coast and the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada (now home to a prestigious ski resort), the stunning landscapes of its surrounding countryside, its ancient neighbourhoods and street life, and the vibrant mix of young

people brought together at one of Spain’s oldest universities… In short, you must come to Granada. This city has been Otros Caminos’s inspiration from the start - there is so much to do here and even more to feel.

While you are here, besides offering you truly enchanting hotels, some with rooms from which you can almost touch the Alhambra, we also organise activities such as:

-One-day biking routes in Granada’s surrounding countryside: The García Lorca Route, Lecrín Valley and “Temple” Routes, etc.

-Hikes in the following nearby Nature Reserves: Sierra Nevada, Huetor Mountains and Almijara Mountains.

-Guided visits to the Alhambra and the Albaicin neighbourhood. -Special packages in Sierra Nevada including accommodation and ski classes.

-Special programmes for Easter Week and summer.-... and much, much more.

Check our website or give us a call to plan a few days in Granada. Even better, why not add them on at the beginning or end of one of our tours?

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Following The Nasrids

Route of the Nasrids and Hiking the Cazorla and Segura Mountains

Lands of the Wadi Al Kebir

Route of the Caliphate and the Washington Irving Route

A Traveller Called “Al Jatib”Route of Ibn al Jatib and Journey to the Badlands

Alhama, Axarquía, Antequera and Ronda MountainsTarik and Muza put ashore in Tarifa in 711. In 1085, the Almoravids (warrior monks from North Africa) crossed the straight of Gibraltar to help king Al Mutamid

in his defense of Al-Andalus against the advancing Christian forces. They made for Ronda and from there to Granada and on to the rest of Andalusia.The towns they passed on their way came to mark out the final frontier of Moorish Spain: The Nasrid kingdom of Granada, which would hold out

for almost three centuries, covering much of modern-day Andalusia, from Cazorla to the straight of Gibraltar.

“Morisco” Country, from the peaks of Sierra Nevada to the sea...if it is not silent, you cannot really hear anything; at least distinctly; and when there is silence, no matter how complete, you can always here

something; the flight of an insect, the sound of water, the kiss of the breeze on a leaf, the beating of your own heart…”These words of the poet Antonio Machado sum up the spirit of these lands, both high and low, icy cold yet warm, deserted and densely populated

at the same time. In the south of Andalusia, very close to the Mediterranean, the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula tower up: the Sierra Nevada. Between these peaks and the warm waters of the Mediterranean lies a region steeped in history and legend: The Alpujarra. Hand in hand with other nearby areas like the Lecrín Valley and “tropical” coast to the west and the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve to the East.

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The AlpujarraLand of the “Moriscos”, Brenan`s Trails, “South of Granada” and

Sierra Nevada Trekking

Trails of the AlmoravidsWhite Villages Tour, Grazalema Mountains, Almoravids on foot,

Landscapes of Alhama and the Route of the Romantic Travellers

Cazorla mountains, Baza mountains, the Granada PlateauAl Jatib is a key name when we look at the old Moorish kingdom of Granada, home to the pinnacle of artistic and scientific refinement in those

times. Al Jatib was a prototypical renaissance figure: geographer, poet (one of only three to decorate the walls of the Alhambra with his verses), and tireless traveller. He left us exhaustive descriptions of this kingdom that dominated half of Andalusia and constituted the sum of Hispano-Muslim al-Andalus from 1231 to 1492. In 1347, Al Jatib accompanied his king, Yusuf I, along the north-eastern frontiers of the kingdom.

Landscapes with spectacular light, broad horizons where the traveller’s imagination can fly free.

Upper Guadalquivir, Úbeda and Baeza, Jaén, Magina Mountains.From the 11th to 15th Centuries Hispano-Muslim al-Andalus developed as an important cultural focal point. The Almohads, north African tribes who

came to help defend al-Andalus against the advancing Christian forces, left their traditionalist stamp on the region, in art and architecture as much as in war. After the defeat of the Almohad forces in 1212, they began to retreat and flee back to Africa. The gap left was filled by a new kingdom, the last heirs of the al-Andalus tradition: the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. This kingdom was to flourish for over 250 years, finally defeated in 1492, when Boabdil left the Alhambra palaces and handed over the keys to the city to Ferdinand and Isabela.

Seville, Cordova and GranadaThe great river “El Wadi Kebir” was and is Andalusia’s longest watercourse, with age-old routes running along its banks and to its hinterland; tracks

and trails that were some of the busiest routes in medieval times. They were used by merchants from all over the world, but were also a path for knowledge, science and the arts, linking the great cities of al-Andalus, the Caliphate, the Nasrids and other Moorish dynasties: Seville, Cordova and Granada. These routes have not lost their fascination and were rediscovered by romantic travellers like Washington Irving.

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www.legadoandalusi.es www.otroscaminos.com

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White Villages Tour

Route of the Caliphate

The Washington Irving Route

Route of the Romantic Travellers

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DIFFICULTYEASY MODERATE MORE

DIFFICULT DEMANDING

Technical (single-track, downhillor steep climbs with uneventerrain) and/or physicallydemanding.

For everyone. Easy cycling itineraries that combine road-riding with some easy off-road over short distances - 20-40 km/day - and not mountainous. Typically you will spend less than 4 hours/day riding.

Itineraries with 50% or more offroad, apt for beginners with a little mountain-biking experience.Typically 35-55 km/day, someclimbs and average of 5 hoursriding.

For experienced riders who wantto feel themselves work on thebike. Typical mountain bike routes on varied terrain requiring some technique and good physical condition. 40-70 km/day, sometimes in excess of 5 hours riding.


The Washington Irving Route

Route of the Romantic Travellers

Route of the Nasrids

Route of Ibn al Jatib

Journey to the Badlands

Brenan’s Trails Landscapes of Alhama

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Route of the CaliphateCordova to Granada by bike

This is a journey and an experience that bring together two of the most emblematic cities of ancient al-Andalus: Cordova, home to the ruling Caliphs, to philosophers, astronomers, mathematicians and doctors who illuminated the Middle Ages with knowledge, centuries ahead of the European Renaissance. Granada, whose mighty kingdom cultivated the sciences above all and where formal refinement and architectural decoration reached levels unmatched in any society of its time. Come and see these two cities, then, on a journey that combines culture, nature and anthropology, delighting the senses at every step. Your ride will be accompanied by tranquil hills of olive

Self guided bike tour 8 days / 7 nightsmoderate

• 7 nights w/ breakfast• 2 dinners• Route book, maps, practical

guide• Telephone help line 24/7 • Bike hire• Luggage transfers

groves, holm-oak woods, vegetable gardens and vineyards, rushing streams, imposing watchtowers, proud castles, impeccable farmhouses and humble farmsteads, all giving the backdrop to an unforgettable visit.

We will cover a large part of the «Vía Verde del Aceitete» (old railway line, reconditioned for cycling and walking) on this European Cultural Itinerary, between Cordova (where you can enjoy rich heritage and some authentic flamenco) and Granada (Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín)

ITINERARY:1: Cordova 2: Baena – Priego, 35 km3: Priego – Zuheros, 54 km 4: Zuheros – Alcalá, 60 km 5: Alcalá – Tózar, 30 km 6: Tózar – Granada, 60 km 7: Granada: Alhambra8: Granada14

The Washington Irving Route Washington Irving was fascinated by the

eastern qualities that Andalusia offered to the travellers of his generation. He covered the route between Seville (Moorish Ishbiliya) and the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Granada on horseback, searching for stories ingrained into the memory of the local people. This route coincides partially with the Roman Via Augustus and was a key itinerary in the days of Al-Andalus splendour. The towns and villages we will pass were not only important economic centres on this major trade and frontier route: They them-selves have histories dating back thousands of years. The result: mixed origins dating back to Tartessians, Iberians, Visigoths, Romans and Muslims.

Washington Irving described his 1829 jour-ney as “wanderings in the romantic mountains

of Andalusia”. We will follow in the footsteps of this tireless seeker of stories and those of his companion and friend, the Russian prince Dimitri Ivanovich, from Seville to Granada. He fell in love with his journey, as you will - with the mountains, broad horizons, hidden valleys, lakes and streams, legendary places, and the stunning backdrop of snow-covered Sierra Nevada, brought to an end by his arrival in the city of Granada, with all its romantic charm.

Designated European Cultural Itinerary, between Seville (with rich heritage, summing up so much that is Andalusia) and Granada (Alhambra, Albaicín, cultural and vibrant atmosphere).

Seville to Granada

Self guided biking tour9 days / 8 nightsmoderate

• 8 nights w/ breakfast • Route book, maps, practical

guide • Telephone help line 24/7 • Bike hire• Luggage transfers

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ITINERARY:1: Seville 2: Seville – Carmona, 46 km3: Carmona – Osuna, 60 km4: Osuna – Estepa, 30 km5: Estepa – Antequera, 60 km 6: Antequera – Loja, 60 km7: Loja – Montefrío, 39 km8: Montefrío – Granada, 58 km9: Granada

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“White Villages” Tour Ronda to Puerto de Santa María

Between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, set in dreamy landscapes of interwoven peaks and valleys, you will find the “Pueblos Blancos” (White Villages) of the Ronda and Grazalema Mountains. These villages constitute gems of popular Andalusian architecture, lodged between the deep green of their valleys and the rocky grey of the mountains. Discover a region and a people forged over the ages in these idyllic, hidden spots. This gentle Pueblos Blancos route will lead us to the heart of the region, dropping down form the lofty heights of the Ronda Mountains towards the plains of Cadiz to come to rest on the coast, at Puerto de Santa María. We set out from the

Self guided bike tour 8 days / 7 nightseasy

• 7 nights w/ breakfast • Route book, maps, practical

guide• Telephone help line 24/7• Luggage transfers • Bike hire

ancient city of Ronda (one time home to writers like Cervantes or the Austrian poet Rainer María Rilke) with its gorge, mountains, and famous bullring (Spain’s oldest). From here we will discover many of the “Pueblos Blancos”. Jerez de la Frontera and Puerto de Santa María provide the perfect epilogue to a journey packed with pleasures including famous wines and bright sunshine on the beaches of Cadiz Bay.

This is a journey designed for all, with pleasant, gentle stages. You can try the excellent wines and sherry of this region and visit Cadiz on the “vaporcito” steamboat.

ITINERARY:1: Ronda 2: Ronda – Benaoján, 18 km 3: Ronda – Olvera, 37 km 4: Olvera – Villamartín, 57 km 5: Villamartín – Arcos, 40 km6: Jerez – El Puerto, 28 km 7: Bahía de Cádiz, 28 km 8: El Puerto de Santa María

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Route of the Romantic TravellersGranada to Ronda

If you want to make an unforgettable journey, in touch with nature and local culture; if you want to travel in time and space, getting to know a large part of Andalusia in all its diversity; if you like cycling and contact with local people, then you simply must ride with us from Granada to Ronda.

On this intense journey you will get to grips with the roots of the ancient kingdom of Granada. Setting out from this city, we head southwest crossing the Almijara and Antequera Mountains, passing the beautiful El Chorro gorge and

climbing to the mountain pass of the Wind (Puerto del Viento) to finish in romantic Ronda. These are just some of the places, peoples and pleasures that come together to form the back-drop for an unforgettable experience.

The route, its unspoilt and varied landscapes, its historic towns and cities form the heritage that you will share with the ‘romantic’ travellers of the 19th century who came from overseas to discover the sensuality and mysticism of Spain.

Self guided biking tour7 days / 6 nightsmore difficult

• 7 nights w/ breakfast• Route book, maps, practical


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ITINERARY:1: Granada 2: Granada – Alhama, 61 km3: Alhama – Periana, 32 km4: Periana – Antequera, 59 km5: Antequera – El Chorro,

34 km6: El Chorro – Ronda, 60 km7: Ronda

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Journey to the BadlandsFrom Granada to Baza and back

We set out from Granada and make for the Marquesado del Cenete on the Altiplano. This is a broad plain flanked by Sierra Nevada and the Baza mountains, the natural pass to Almería in the east. Our first stage finishes in La Calahorra. Then the Baza Mountains await, with high lime-stone peaks, and beyond them the town of Baza. After Baza, you then ride through a strange semi-desert lunar landscape with unique light, known as the “badlands”. Here you will find a plethora of sandy riverbeds that form a labyrinth, home to aromatic plants. Beyond this

you come to an immense high plateau, dotted with large holm-oak trees and fields of cereals… Here you begin to come across megalithic dolmens, the silent witnesses to the beliefs and customs of our prehistoric ancestors - this was one of the first parts of Europe to be settled by man - and you soon arrive in the village of Gorafe. From there to Guadix , and then to Granada once more, crossing the beautiful Huetor Mountains Nature Reserve. You arrive riding through the famous gypsy neighbourhood of Sacromonte, as the sun sets over Granada.

Self guided biking tour 8 days / 7 nightsmoderate

• 7 nights w/ breakfast• 2 dinners• Arab baths• Route book, maps,

practical guide • Telephone help line 24/7 • Bike hire• Luggage transfers

ITINERARY:1: Granada 2: Granada – La Calahorra,

82 km 3: La Calahorra – Baza,

82 km 4: Baza, rest day 5: Baza – Gorafe, 45 km 6: Gorafe – Graena, 45 km 7: Graena – Granada, 64 km8: Granada18

Route of Ibn al JatibVélez Rubio to Granada

Between luxuriant vegetable gardens to the east and the spectacular Granada skies, between Miguel Hernandez and Federico García Lorca, there is a world laden with dreams, with broad horizons, deep valleys and the timid whisper of water in search of flowers…

Both these poets lived out their professions and their lives here, where six centuries before, the same landscapes inspired a young man from Granada. Ibn al Jatib was the prototype Renaissance man. Setting out from the village of Vélez Rubio in the province of Almería, we will

witness one beautiful landscape after another as we move towards the María mountains, following the Baza River valley that will soon open out to the towns of Baza and then Guadix. Finally we will make for the Granada plain from the north, skirting around the south face of the Aran mountains. On our way we will come across fields of thyme and juniper, pine forests, corks, holm-oak woods, cross the “Badlands” and the desert lunar landscapes surrounding Guadix… Finally, we dust off the verses of Hernández and García Lorca to recover our strength, or look in the descriptions of al Jatib for his views on our journey.


• 7 nights w/ breakfast• 2 dinners • Arab baths• Route book, maps, practical


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ITINERARY:1: Vélez Rubio 2: Vélez Rubio – Huéscar,

66 km 3: Huéscar, 58 km 4: Huéscar – Baza, 63 km 5: Baza, rest day 6: Baza – Guadix, 61 km 7: Guadix – Granada,

63 km 8: Granada

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Route of the NasridsThrough Jaén province to Granada

This journey starts in Andújar, at the foot of the Morena Mountains from where we will explore the open countryside of Jaén province, including a visit to the city of Jaén, and, from there, we head south, around the Mágina Mountains and across the Los Montes region to end up on Granada’s fertile plain. Beautiful Nature Reserves with a wealth of flora and fauna are to be found along the way.



guide • Telephone help line 24/7 • Bike hire• Luggage transfers

Come and explore this region with us, where once upon a time, summer raids to capture slaves and livestock, along with cultural and commercial exchange between supposedly rival kingdoms became an absolutely everyday occurrence.

ITINERARY:1: Andújar 2: Andújar – Jaén, 91 km3: Jaén – Huelma, 47 km4: Huelma – Piñar, 35 km5: Piñar – Granada, 47 km6: Granada

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Riding from Granada to Alhama you will discover the roots and history of this little-known region. Alhama is home to a rich heritage and offers stunning views and warm hospitality… not to mention its delicious cuisine, sweets and wines. In addition to all this you will relax in the town’s famous spa-baths.

You will begin on the fertile plain of Granada, passing on to sweeping olive groves. Riding on ancient trails and heading into the Almijara mountains. On our way back to Granada we will discover the cultivated lands of the Temple region, the old salt mines at La Malá, beneath the watchful gaze of towering Sierra Nevada.

Get up early on Saturday and after a leisurely breakfast, take the path along which Brenan went to the October fair in Ugíjar. Return, full of the feeling of not having achieved anything in particular, of simply having “lived”. The following morning, perhaps as the church bells toll, as Brenan said of Yegen, “you too will find yourself in the country”, heading to Cadiar this time…

Come and discover these two valleys and the handful of villages scattered about them. You will ride two tough circuits, with technical sections.

A route with a very varied terrain, excellent local cuisine, stunning landscapes and views.

Brenan’s TrailsLandscapes of Alhama

In Spain old, disused railway tracks have been converted into Via Verdes (Greenways). These are flat and easy for cycling – ideal for families with children. This Route was the old olive oil rail route, and runs through a sea of olive groves, passing old farm houses, crossing small streams and impressive valleys over old metal viaducts. Explore small villages, their exquisite cusine and of course, enjoy the best olive oil in the world!

Self guided biking tour 3 days / 2 nightseasy

Itinerary1: Jaén – Martos, 24 km2: Martos – Zuheros, 48 km3: Zuheros

Self guided biking tour 3 days / 2 nightsmore difficult

Itinerary:1: Yegen 2: Yegen, Ugijar Valley, 35 km3: Yegen, Cadiar Valley, 31 km

Self guided biking tour 3 days / 2 nightsmore difficult

Itinerary:1: Granada-Alhama, 60 km2: Alhama, circular route, 41 km3: Alhama- Granada, 58 km

Short trips by bike

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Grazalema Mountains

Almoravids’ Route

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DIFFICULTY EASY MODERATE MORE DIFFICULT DEMANDING

For eveyone, with no need for previous experience,although you will alwaysget more out if you areused to physical exercise.(2-4 hours/day)

For beginners inreasonable physicalcondition, all the better ifyou have someexperience - 4-5 hourshiking/day.

For people used tohiking, in good physicalcondition. 5-6 hourshiking/day.

More technical hikesrequiring experience andvery good physicalcondition.


“South from Granada”

Cazorla and SeguraMountains

Lans of the “Moriscos”

Sierra NevadaTrekking

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Walking on the Route of the CaliphateFrom Cordova to Granada

Virgin olive oil and magical trails, Baroque churches and steep, winding streets, hilltop villages, castles, the capital of an ancient world, the centre of an Eastern Kingdom, following the water-god between the mountains… Walking on the Route of the Caliphate.

This is a tour that explores the human and natural landscapes that mark out the famous Route of the Caliphate, between Cordova and Granada. Once we get to Cordova, immersing ourselves in its splendid past and

its bustling present, we will then travel to Baena, the olive oil capital, at the head of the Subbética Mountains. We will also visit the area surrounding a major fortress (Alcalá la Real) and the brief, yet rugged mountains that protect the plain and the Nasrid capital of Granada, heritage of a small, legendary village called Moclín. Once in Granada itself, if the host of attractions on offer allow you time, you can still discover the secret of Moorish wells and waterways, search out the origins of famous poems in the walls of the Alhambra.

Self guided hiking trip 9 days / 8 nightseasy

• 8 nights w/ breakfast• 2 dinners• Route book, maps, practical

guide• Telephone help line 24/7 • Luggage transfers

ITINERARY:1: Cordova.2: Baena– Zuheros, 4 hrs3: Zuheros, 3-6 hrs4: Zuheros – Zagrilla, 6-7 hrs5: Zagrilla – Priego, 3-5 hrs6: Alcalá – Fuente del Rey,

4-5 hrs7: Moclín – Tózar, 2-4 hrs8: Tózar – Granada by bus9: Granada

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Grazalema to RondaSix days hiking with spectacular scenery

between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, covering rugged mountains and forests unique in Europe, while the sun shines down like God’s fingers through broken cloud…

Not in vain might Grazalema mean “farmstead of peace”. On this journey we will discover a hidden corner of our world, home to silence and serenity. During this journey you will see the Reserve’s special flora and fauna, like the famous “Pinsapo” (Spanish Fir tree), a species

Walking in the Grazalema Mountainsunique to this area or the “Grazalema poppy”. From our very first steps we will envy the inhabitants of villages like Benamahoma, Monte-jaque or Villaluenga del Rosario with their long history and welcoming Moorish architecture. As the vultures circle above, we will discover their secret, which is no more than the knowledge of how to live a different kind of existence.

Apart from the beautiful white mountain villages you will also visit the charming city of Ronda.

Self guided hiking trip 8 days / 7 nightsmoderate

• 7 nights w/ breakfast• Route book, maps, practi-

cal guide • Telephone help line 24/7 • Luggage transfers• Permit for the “Pinsapar”

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ITINERARY:1: Grazalema2.: Grazalema, 3-4 hrs3: “Pinsapar” route, 6 hrs4: Grazalema – Villaluenga,

4-5 hrs5: Villaluenga – Montejaque,

6-7 hrs 6: Montejaque circular, 4-5 hrs 7: Montejaque – Ronda,

3-4 hrs8: Ronda

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Almoravids’ Route, on foot and by trainFrom Ronda to Tarifa

We set out from the ancient town of Ronda, heading for Grazalema, one of the famous “white villages”. You will discover silver and pink mountains with their perennial pas-tures, and then continue down through the Guadiario River valley to Algeciras and the Mediterranean, and on to its meeting with the Atlantic Ocean.

This tour is suitable for all, combining easy walks through unspoilt mountain countryside, valleys and villages, with train rides.



guide• Telephone help line 24/7 • Luggage transfers

Passing beautiful villages, autochthonous species of sheep and goats (“payoyas”) graze on evergreen meadows set between limestone valleys, fairy-tale gall oak forests and rocky gorges, producing delicious, highly prized cheeses. Sometimes we may take a train to short cut the route. We will take it again later to get to the final station, Algeciras. Seduced by the wild landscape of this coast between two seas, daydreaming as we stare out to Africa, we arrive in Tarifa.

ITINERARY:1: Ronda2: Grazalema, 2-4 hrs3: Grazalema – Villaluenga,

4-5 hrs 4: Villaluenga – Montejaque,

5-6 hrs5: Montejaque – Jimena,

4 hrs6: Jimena, 3-4 hrs7: Jimena – Tarifa, 5 hrs8: Tarifa26

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Guided hiking trip9 days, 8 nightsModeratemin 5 pax

• 8 nights w/ breakfast• Luggage transfers (mules)• Local guide• Full board during trekking

ITINERARY:1: Tanger-Chaouen2: Chaouen, visit3: Chaouen -Azilane , 6 hrs 4: Azilane -Akchour 5 hrs 5: Akchour, circular, 5 hrs 6: Akchour - Bni mâala 6 hrs 7: Bni mâala - Oued lao,

5/6 hrs 8: Oued Lao, transfer Tanger9: Tanger

Chaouen and western RifThe Moorish expelled from Spain found

shelter in the city of Chaouen, which was founded in 1471. The history is apparent in the region’s landscape, colours, architecture, customs and arts and crafts, and all reveal the deep rooted andalusi influence.

This journey begins with a visit to the charming and picturesque Chaouen, one of the cities in northern Morocco that has best conserved its traditional atmosphere. After 2 nights in Chaouen, we start a 5-day trekking through the heart of Talassemtane national park until finally reaching the Mediterranean Sea. During those 5 days we visit the villages of Azilane and Beni Maâla and encounter beautiful

The route of the Almoravids in Moroccofir forests (Abies pinsapo), natural gorges carved out by rivers, dense pine and oak forests, and if lucky some monkeys (Macaca sylvanu). During the entire journey we are accompanied by our local guide, and by mules that carry our luggage. We finish beside the sea, where we can swim and enjoy excellent fresh fish. The next day we visit the market of the Bni Said tribe before returning to Tangier.

You can find on our web other journeys around Marrakesh: The Atlantic, to the south of Essaouira (group guide) and the Central Atlas, Tagzizaoute in the valley of Aït Boulie (self guided)

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Explore the Lands of the “Moriscos”High Alpujarra, between Busquístar and Yegen

Walk between remote villages of the Alpujarra on ancient mountain trails. These are forgotten paths that will bring you into contact with the spirit, history and landscapes of a unique region called “The Alpujarra”.

The Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages to the south of Sierra Nevada. They cling to deep valleys and gorges that run south towards the Mediterranean. Their terraced lands have a good supply of water all year round thanks to the melt waters of the high mountains, giving the area the feel of an alpine oasis. This is perfect hiking country. Culturally

the region is fascinating. It has more than 50 villages that were the last stronghold of the “Moriscos” (Muslims from Granada forced to convert to Christianity). Our proposal is a week of moderate level hiking, staying in peaceful country hotels in different villages: Busquístar (which means “hidden Moorish paradise”); Trevélez, the highest village on the Iberian Peninsula, famous worldwide for its cured ham; the sleepy town Berchules, supposedly derived from the ancient Arabic “vergel” or pasture; and Yegen, with its literary heritage as the former home of the British author of South From Granada, Gerald Brenan.

Self guided hiking trip 8 days / 7 nightseasy-moderate


guide• Telephone help line 24/7• Luggage transfers

ITINERARY:1: Granada2: Bus to Busquístar3: Circular route, 3-6 hrs4: Busquístar-Trevélez, 5 hrs5: Trevélez-Bérchules, 6 hrs6: Bérchules-Yegen, 5 hrs7: Yegen, circular route8: Granada

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Sierra Nevada Trekking Cross the legendary Sierra Nevada Mountains from Granada to the Alpujarra…Sleep beneath the most star-filled sky you

can imagine, climb to 3,000 m. and beyond over enchanting mountain peaks, witness the last snows as they transform themselves into streams and waterfalls, and all the while soaking up the unique colours of this unforgettable range…

On this journey we will cross the high peaks of Sierra Nevada, and the Mulhacén, the highest of them all. We will be accompanied by breathtaking views and the summer melt waters as

they pour down waterfalls and streams into turquoise and emerald lakes. On long climbs, and sweeping descents looking out to the Mediterranean, you will have the chance to explore the Sierra Nevada National Park with all its flora and fauna, changing visibly according to altitude – from forests and herds of Hispanic mountain goat to butterflies and rare flowers. Finally, we have the possibility to visit the coast, where you can have a swim and sample a delicious dish of rice with seafood, before we return to Granada, the city of the Alhambra.

Guided hiking trip 5 days / 4 nightsdemanding

• 2 nights w/ breakfast• 2 nights bivouacking • 3 dinners• 3 picnics• hiking guide• transfers

ITINERARY:1: Granada2: Granada – Laguna de la

Mosca, 7-8 hrs3: Siete Lagunas, 5-6 hrs4: Trevélez, 4-5 hrs5: Trevélez – Granada transfer

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Following the Segura RiverThe Úbeda and Baeza ridge is a wonderful

natural viewpoint. From there you can make out, to the north, a large mountain range. These mountains cover more than 2,000 square kilometres and together form the European Union’s largest Nature Reserve. They are made up of a labyrinth of peaks, valleys, canyons, gorges and plateaus and they are home to the sources of a plethora of rivers and streams including the great Guadalquivir, that are in turn responsible for carving out these varied, picturesque landscapes. We head straight into the heart of these mountains to begin our journey in a village called Pontones. From here we follow the course of the Segura River to explore a good portion of these mountains. While you walk or rest, perhaps under the watchful eye of mountain goats, eagles or sparrowhawks, you may well be able to see plants unique to the area like the Cazorla

Hiking in the Cazorla and Segura MountainsGuided hiking trip 6 days / 5 nightsmore difficult/ demanding

• 5 nights w/ half board• 4 picnics• hiking guide• Luggage transfers

violet or geranium… As you discover villages, peaks and streams, you will get to know the real treasure of these mountains. For 500 years, these mountain forests formed part of Hispano- Muslim al-Andalus. After the battle of Navas de Tolosa in 1212, they passed to the hands of the Castilian crown, under the regional administration of Cazorla.

Thanks to efficient logistics, this programme will allow you to enjoy little-known landscapes. If you are willing to make the effort, you will walk through rugged scenery, rest in sleepy villages at the end of winding tracks, and discover the impressive orography, flora and fauna of this Nature Reserve.

ITINERARY:1: Pontones, Segura, 2-3 hrs 2: Pontones – La Toba,

6-7 hrs3: La Toba – La Muela,

6-7 hrs4: La Muela – Santiago de la

Espada, 5-6 hrs 5: Santiago de la Espada –

Pontones, 6-7 hrs 6: Pontones

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Short hiking trips Route of the Caliphate

Incredible tranquility and gorgeous views await you when hiking in the Sierra Subbética Mountains. Your base will be the village of Zuheros, one of Andalusia’s most beautiful, also famous for its excellent goats’ cheese. From here you will do two very different hikes in hidden valleys, to silent hilltops, passing through enchanted landscapes.

Leave your worldly stress behind and discover Andalusia while you enjoy the stunning hikes on this charming getaway.

“This vast view of mountains, valleys, villages and distant sea lay spread out like an illustration of the features of the world in a child’s geography book.”

(Gerald Brenan)

The English writer Gerald Brenan was perhaps Andalusia’s last romantic traveller, and “South from Granada” is one of his best-known works. It deals with the landscapes and way of life in and around the Alpujarra village that was his home: Yegen. In the spirit of the writer, and with the unmistakable backdrop of one of the region’s most emblematic villages, you will make a thoroughly active visit to this part of the Alpujarra. Yegen will be our base for four days of real connection with the countryside, the people and the trails of the Alpujarra.

Walking “South from Granada”Self guided hiking trip 3 days / 2 nightseasy


ITINERARY:1: Yegen, Brenan’s Route, 2-3 hrs2: Yegen-Mecina B. - Yegen, 5-6 hrs3: Circular, Mecina Bombarón, 4 hrs

ITINERARY1: Zuheros2: Along the Bailón river, 2-4 hrs3: Zuheros – Luque, 2 hrs

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On these pages we think you will find all the necessary information to choose and book your tour. Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by telephone (+34-958-291893) or e-mail ([email protected]) with any queries you might have regarding the itinerary, services, accommodation, activities, or anything else. We can always give you more information before you take the decision to book. In any case, once you book your tour, we will send you a complete dossier with a wealth of practical information about the itinerary (stage distances, journey times, etc.), transport and transfers, necessary equipment, accommodation and recom-mended reading. If you are travelling without a guide, we are only a phone call away to continue giving you all the necessary support.

TOUR INFORMATION: PROCEDURETo obtain the necessary information for the tours in our catalogue we recommend the following:-Check tour conditions: itinerary, services and pricesFor each tour the catalogue provides you with the route for each day (departure and arrival points, distance (cycling) or estimated time (hiking). Our prices of the self-guided tours are always calculated for a minimum of two people travelling on the same tour/date and sharing one double room,For exact prices and details of optional services available on each tour, consult our website, send an e-mail or call us by phone. However, here you will find a few indications of available services:

Bike rental:You can hire an excellent mountain bike from us – aluminium frame, front sus-pension, 27 speeds, V-brakes and Shimano Deore components. All our bikes are equipped with racks, front bags with map holder, water bottle, lock, extra inner tube and basic material to fix a puncture. Bikes can be collected and returned in our offices in Granada during office hours, or delivered and collected to starting and finish point of your route (surcharge for this service). Price from 90 € for 6 days rental.

Luggage transfer:If you don’t want to carry your luggage with you, then no problem: we will arrange for it to be taken to your destination on each stage, so that you have everything you want at the end of an exciting day’s activity. In every hiking tour, we include luggage transfer, except on transfers with public transportation.

Adventure Travel Insurance for trekking and mountain biking, price depends on the number of days and your residency.

Terms and Conditions of Tours

Cancellation Insurance: price depends on total tour cost:Total cost 600 € or less: 15 €Total cost 600-900 €: 25 €Total cost 900-1200 €: 30 €

Price of GPS hire depends on the number of days’ rental:Tours of 3 days or less: 10 €/dayTours of 4 days or more: 8 €/day

Check what is included in services, by reading the “Terms and conditions of services” section provided on the website for each tour. If you have any further queries, please contact us.Nevertheless, you should always check our Website in case for some reason, unforeseen when this catalogue went to press, there could have been a variation in dates and/or prices.

WHEN TO BOOK?For “self guided” tours, we recommend you book these well in advance, especially if they coincide with holiday seasons. Apart from these dates, 15 days’ notice is sufficient.For guided tours you should make your reservation at least 6 weeks ahead.

TOUR RESERVATION AND BOOKING PROCEDURE

1.Send your booking and await immediate confirmation from usYou can call us to +34 958 29 18 93 or send us an email at [email protected] can send us your inscription and booking form on-line through our website, by e-mail, or you can fill it out with us by telephone. For self-guided tours you will receive a confirmation in a maximum of three working days. In any case, we will then get back to you with our acceptance of your booking, a breakdown of prices of the services you have requested, as well as the total to pay and the amount to pay as a deposit for your booking.

2. Make payment of the depositSelf-guided tours can be booked at any time (subject to availability), paying the full tour cost. You can also make an advance booking (30 days or more in advance) by paying a deposit of 20% of total tour cost.

3. How to pay? You can make an advance payment, either by authorising a payment by credit card* (Visa, Master card, 6000, 4B, Diners, etc.) or by a bank transfer. Check our website, call us or send us an e-mail if you have any queries.Payment by credit card is subject to a 3% surcharge calculated on the total tour cost (debit cards exempt).

4. Pay the remaining part by the agreed dateThe total tour cost must be paid 30 days before the departure date, or at time of booking, if this is less than 30 days before. We will send you a bill before the established date of payment. If you have given us a credit card authorisation, we will charge the amount automatically on the date agreed. If you choose to make a bank transfer, this must be made by the set date.

Discounts and special offersIf you make a reservation for 4 or more people, we can give you a discount on tour cost or optional services. Check our website for further special offers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAbout the Tour ContractThe booking of a tour (subject to payment of established deposit) means the acceptation by the client/traveller and by Otros Caminos S.L. Travel Agency (C.I.AN.18727-2) of the general conditions applicable to all tours, and especially of those relative to each individual service purchased in said tour. On our Website www.otroscaminos.com you can consult these general conditions (such as condi-tions for changes and cancellation, insurance, use of information, equipment hire, privacy policy, etc) and specific details related with each individual service.

Changes in prices and tour conditionsThe information contained herein is given in good faith by Otros Caminos, and the utmost care has been taken to provide precise details of prices and conditions.Nevertheless, Otros Caminos reserves the right to modify prices and/or condi-tions if changes unforeseeable by the company occur: through printing errors, changes in costs to the company, changes to itineraries etc. Any changes in prices and conditions will be applicable to the client and to the details given within this document (to be paid either in full or through the deposit established).

Prices and general tour conditionsPrices quoted are always per person and based on two people travelling together.For self-guided tours, all services (except GPS hire), both included and optional, are calculated based on a minimum of two people travelling together: For example, bike hire with delivery and collection, luggage transfer, or transfers to and from departure/arrival points of the tour. For this type of tour, if the group is of four people or more, discounts can also be obtained.We reserve the right to cancel a guided tour if we do not reach the minimum number of 6 participant. In this case we will endeavour to find a replacement holiday for you or we will refund in full all monies paid to us by you.

Our cancellation policy:a. More than 42 days before departure date: deposit is non refundableb. from 42 to 28 days before departure date: 40% of total amount c. from 28 to 21 days before departure date: 45 % of total amountd. from 21 to 14 days before departure date: 55 % of total amounte. from 14 to 5 days before departure date: 80 % of total amountf. 5 days or less before departure date: 95 % of total amount TransfersWe can always arrange a private transfer for our clients between the departure and arrival points of the tour and airports, train stations, etc. Please consult us for prices.

© Otros Caminos. Travel Agency,C.I.A.N.18727-2

R.E.A.T.AV/GR/00191Sócrates 4 – 18002 – GRANADA – Spain

telephone (00 34) 958 291 893


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