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 ...
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 ...
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 partial circular routes. These Variants have as much landscape and ecological value as the Stages of the circular structure. It is interesting to note that there is another route which, although not part of the GR 247, can be used as a transversal variant in the central area of the Park. This is the spectacular Ruta del Borosa, which continues with the route from Lagunas de Valdeazores to Collado Bermejo, joining the GR 247.2 Variant with Stage 15. Details of this route can be found in the description of both stages. In addition, the Derivations allow you to discover emblematic places in the Natural Park, such as some of its most outstanding peaks or the birth of the Guadalquivir. Of course, many other paths, marked or unmarked, are connected to the Path, so the menu of possibilities for the well-informed hiker is extraordinarily diverse.
HOW TO ORGANIZE THE DAYS OR TRIP
The different Stages and Variants of the Path are accessible to be covered in a day by any average hiker, both because of its length and its slope or other difficulties of the environment. Most of the stages are between 12 and 18 kilometres long and at the end of all of them (except stage 5) there are places to stay overnight. Knowing this, the hiker does not have to stick to the distribution of stages into which the path has been divided, but has several options to organize their day or their journey, either doing only a part of a stage or, conversely, covering more than one, or also combining a stage with a derivation. Everyone will enjoy the Path at their own pace, according to their wishes and possibilities, so that, if you do not complete the entire GR journey at once, you can always come back on other occasions - perhaps at a different station - to discover all the surprises that await you.
THE TYPES OF ROAD
As for the types of road the Trail runs on, about two thirds of them are forest tracks. Their abundance reflects the historical reality of the territories that make up the current Natural Park, whose mountains have a long tradition of forest exploitation. Not all the tracks will give the same sensation to the hiker. Many of them are very narrow, practically wide paths. It is very rare to find a vehicle on them and on some of them road traffic is prohibited. All of them are very quiet and have excellent conditions for hiking.
A little over a quarter of the path runs along traditional narrow paths that were in danger of disappearing, but which have been rehabilitated and rescued from oblivion. These trails were built with great effort and skill, and in the past they were constantly used by people and animals, so walking along them again is a pleasure that makes us relive the traditional lifestyle of the Andalusian mountain villages.
6.5% of the Trail runs on asphalt roads. A good part of them are simple asphalted forest tracks and the rest are narrow roads with very little traffic. Furthermore, these sections of road are short and scattered. Finally, 4.3% of the Path runs along livestock trails, which are still alive thanks to the fact that part of the sheep population in the Natural Park continues to practice transhumance.
When to walk it
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 ...
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 ...
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 to spend the night in a very sober way, as they do not have a fireplace, electricity or any kind of service. They are simple refuges- bivouacs. All the shelters that are in forest houses have a fountain next to them or somewhere nearby (except the one in Collado Zamora, where Stage 11 ends).
There are also two refuges which are traditionally used by the shepherds of the area, and which have a water cistern. It is important to treat the refuges with the utmost civility, care and cleanliness so that everyone can enjoy using them. In the case of Stage 6, its end is in a Controlled Campsite Area, where the need to bring a tent must be foreseen. In the case of Stage 5, it is possible to find accommodation near the end of the stage.
It should also be remembered that in many cases the shelters only occupy a small part of the Forest House of which they are a part, and the rest of the building, or neighbouring buildings, may be in ruins. It is important not to enter these ruins under any circumstances, as this poses a serious security risk.
On the other hand, there are no shelters in the Derivations, which should be taken into account if they are included in the plan for the day. On the tops of some of them there are forest surveillance huts, which are usually occupied by professionals during the hot months.
CAMPING AND BIVOUAC
Free camping is not allowed, but bivouac and night camping linked to mountain trekking activities are. If a tent is required, it must be set up at sunset and dismantled at dawn. If the group has no more than fifteen people and no more than three tents are used, only a previous communication to the Regional Ministry of Environment is necessary. If it exceeds one of the two figures, authorisation must be requested. Both procedures can be carried out online at the Regional Ministry's website.
This activity is regulated in article 9 of the Decree 15/2011, of 1st February, of the Regional Ministry of the Environment of the Andalusian Government, regarding the uses and activities in the Natural Parks. This regulation, in its article 9, also establishes that "it is not permitted to bivouac or camp at night within two kilometres of an urban centre, a tourist accommodation establishment or a refuge, unless the latter is complete, nor to spend more than one night in the same place". It is also stated that "participants will be responsible for collecting the waste generated by the activity and must deposit it in the places designated for this purpose".
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 ...
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 ...
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 higher areas where there are only shelters for overnight stays. During these stages, which are usually consecutive, the hiker must bring enough food. The points where the Stages and Variants begin and end can be reached by vehicle along a forest track or road.
It is therefore possible to provide the necessary supplies in support cars, either by the groups themselves who organise the crossing or by companies who can provide this type of service. The only exception is the Refugio Casa Forestal La Zarza, where Stage 9 and the Variante GR 247.2 Stage 2 end, whose forest track is only accessible by vehicle to personnel authorised by the Regional Ministry of the Environment.
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 ...
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 ...
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 trails such as Pequeño Recorrido (PR) or Sendero Local (SL) respectively. They also have the logo of the Path and the number assigned by the Andalusian Mountain Federation (GR 247). Some branches of the path also have the signs of the public facilities of the Protected Natural Spaces of Andalusia, which are markers with a small white arrow.
It is important to respect the signposting so that all walkers can enjoy the Path safely. On the other hand, there are specific signposts on the road and forest track accesses to the Path that inform about its proximity.
With regard to the help provided by this guide, it should be noted that the description of each route does not exhaustively include each and every one of the crossroads, but only the most important ones or those that require greater attention, since, as the Path is signposted, it is unnecessary to include them all. On the other hand, on a Path of this length, a more detailed description would make the guide unmanageable.
FIRST OF ALL, SAFETY
All the Stages, Variants and Derivations have several accesses by car ( with the exception previously mentioned of the Refugio Casa Forestal La Zarza, where Stage 9 and Variant GR 247.2 Stage 2 end, whose forest track is only accessible by vehicle for personnel authorised by the Regional Ministry of the Environment). However, it must be taken into account that a large part of the path runs through unpopulated areas.
It is important to find out about the difficulty of the route, the weather conditions and the hours of light, and to share this information with those accompanying you so that the group's expectations are correct. Take a map with you and plan where to go in case of problems. Do not overestimate your strength or that of the group, and do not separate yourself from it. Carry a suitable first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone battery.
Don't forget that in the mountains, temperature fluctuations throughout the day, sunshine and the possibility of unforeseen weather phenomena (rain, storm, snow, etc.) are greater than in flat areas.
In a large part of the Natural Park there is mobile coverage, but in some areas it is not possible to count on it. For this reason, it is important that you leave your route to a friend or relative. In any case, in emergency situations you can always ask for help by calling 112.
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, ...
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, ...
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, with notable tourist attractions.
The first section of the Borosa route, specifically to the Arroyo de Las Truchas, is just over 1 kilometre long. It is signposted by the Regional Ministry of the Environment as part of the aforementioned El Borosa route, perhaps the most popular in the Natural Park and, of course, one of the most spectacular. It connects with the Bosques del Sur Trail on the GR 247.2 Stage 2 Coto Ríos-Refugio CF La Zarza. The emblematic public facilities of the Natural Park in the Torre del Vinagre area are very close, such as the Visitors' Centre, the Botanical Garden, etc.
For other public use facilities accessible in the Natural Park, please consult the website of the Ministry of the Environment of the Regional Government of Andalusia.
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.