SKL's Walking Blog

Gran Canaria – 2

Tunte to Ayagaures – 4th April 2025

One last trek before I head home. I can’t let the pain and distress of the 1st day continue to stop me and glad I was. The scent of the high pine forest, the bird song and the buzz of insects as I climbed up the mountain out of Tunte in the bright sunshine was healing.

Start point in Tunte, also known as San Bartolomé de Tirajana – the cop shop. Not sure about the statue.
Didn’t know about the volcanoes.
I’ve to get up there, hopefully by a less steep path.
There are still working terrace field farms in the valley.
A nice broad path at the moment but it is about to get hairy.
I’m up what was quite a steep twisting path. Strange how a drop to my right and side doesn’t feel as bad as one to my left.
Round a sharp U bend and the view on the other side of this ridge. Sparse pine forest stretching away on the slopes.
Forest well recovered from the fires in 2008.
Which claimed this. The oldest pine tree known in the Canaries, 550 years old or so.
The route I want is closed by ‘detachment’ – swines. This does not bode well.
Well that was a bit nerve wracking, but on we go. Down to that narrower path somehow. I am up above those prominent basalt layers across the gorge.
Handy wee cave in case the forest fires break out again.
Much closer now but still can’t see the way down.
Dead end. I’ve missed the turn off somewhere. Bloody hell unwanted extra miles.
All is now well and the descent starts in ernest.
Round the cliff side and Ayaguares way below.
Little Canarian gnome holes on the mountainside. I’ll sneak past and not disturb them.
Only a couple of K to go and you can see the second dam.
The first and houses clustered to the sides.
The mango man and cohorts.
Nearly there and should make it with plenty of time for refreshment in the bar.
The little church and, of course, the bar is closed. Oh well.

I’m very glad that I didn’t give in and just stay off the mountains after falling on that dangerous traverse. Today was bright and cheerful and though tiring at least it is the wear off overnight type.

A pic of the Faro in Mespalomas which would have been the end point. I doubt that I will get to complete this island.