To enjoy the GR 247 Bosques del Sur Trail

Structure and characteristics of the path


MUCH MORE THAN A LARGE CIRCULAR

The GR 247 Bosques del Sur Trail has a circular route, which means that it can be walked in its entirety, returning to the starting point. Although in this guide it is described starting from the north and in an anticlockwise direction, it is evident that any point is good to start walking it, and in any direction.
However, in addition to this circular structure, the path has a series of Variants and Derivations that considerably extend the possibilities of enjoyment for the hiker. The Variants, transversal to the general north-south direction of the Path, join the east and west branches of the same.
There are three Variants, each of which can be covered in two stages. The first Variante (GR 247.1) is in the north, the second (GR 247.2) in the centre and the third (GR247.3) in the south, so the hiker and the cyclist have many options to design their own par ...

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When to walk it

Any time of the year is good for walking the Bosques del Sur Trail. However, given the continental Mediterranean climate of the Natural Park, spring and autumn are the best seasons. In winter, the mountainous nature of these Sierras means that there is snow, frost and low temperatures, especially in the higher areas, although the most frequent are the sunny and luminous days typical of Andalusia. The summer is hot, but the temperatures soften in the wide wooded areas of the higher areas where, in addition, the nights are always cool.

Where to stay

All Stages (except 5) and Variants end in places where you can stay overnight. In the places where there is a rural tourism offer nearby, you will find several possibilities, such as hotels, rural houses, camping sites, etc. Some of the Stages end in villages where there is accommodation, but the offer is limited, so it is advisable to book in advance. You will also find establishments at intermediate points of some Stages of the Path or in the vicinity of them, which can help everyone to choose the beginning and end of their day as they wish.

At the end of the stage where there is no private accommodation, or where it is not permanent or is very limited, you will find shelters, which are in constructions that have been rehabilitated specifically for this Trail. Most of these refuges occupy part of old forest houses that have been in disuse for many years.

In these houses, a space has been set up for hikers and cyclists t ...

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Water and food

With water you have to be very careful, because some of the fountains on the path can dry up. This can even happen in some of the fountains next to the shelters or in their vicinity. The characteristics of the climate and the soil of the Natural Park mean that in the higher areas the water available for safe consumption is scarce, especially in the driest months.

It is not advisable to drink from rivers and streams because the abundance of livestock and wildlife means that these waters can cause intestinal problems. It is advisable to carry water purification tablets in case it is essential to drink from them. Therefore, it is very important to start the day with enough water so that, when you reach the end of your journey, you still have enough to drink.

It should also be taken into account that a large part of the Trail passes through extensive areas where there are no towns or villages, which usually correspond to the ...

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Signposting and guidance

The Path is signposted and maintained. In order not to get lost, it is enough to pay attention to the signs. However, weather conditions or vandalism may mean that a signal is temporarily unavailable, so it is important to carry a map or GPS with the appropriate information.

The GR 247 is a Long Distance Trail (GR) whose signalling is approved according to the regulations of the Andalusian Mountain Federation, which is in turn the European Ramblers' Association. There are information panels at the beginning of each Stage, Variante and Derivation, directional signs at important junctions and other places of interest, and abundant wooden beacons and rock markings to avoid confusion at junctions or to confirm that you are on the right track.

The markers, in addition to the classic red and white bands of the GR, can incorporate the colours yellow and green in cases where the GR 247 overlaps are other approved trail ...

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Accessibility for people with reduced mobility

The Path does not have sections specifically adapted for people with reduced mobility. This is due to the difficulty in accessing directly by asphalt road to sections of the path that have good road surfaces and no or minimal unevenness. However, it is recommended that these people visit two paths of extraordinary ecological and scenic relevance that meet the above conditions (asphalted access, good road surface and very little difference in level) and that are connected to or form part of the Bosques del Sur Trail:

The forest track of about 600 metres to the Casa Forestal de Las Acebeas from the road to Siles. (See Derivation 10 and Stage 21). The site is very shady and the track runs through an area of great botanical importance, with an abundance of holly and hazelnut trees. The Acebeas Controlled Campsite is nearby, where you can also rest, and it is not far from Siles and Segura de la Sierra, ...

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Cyclability

One of the criteria that guided the design of the GR 247 route was to provide it with a high degree of cyclability, so bicycle lovers will enjoy riding it enormously. Most of the path runs along forest tracks, many of which are closed to vehicles, while in most of the others this traffic is very scarce or practically non-existent.

27% of the Sendero runs along paths, but all of them have been cleaned and conditioned. Nevertheless, some points and short sections of these paths will be a challenge for the cyclist, who will encounter rocky ground, steps or steep slopes.

More information

For more information on the GR 247 and the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park, visit Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park