Contrasts of Gran Canaria

Location: The Canary Isles, Spain. Holiday type: Independent walking, twin centre. Managed locally by hotelier. Activity level: Upper 2 boots Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected Mondays from 14 Nov '11 to 8 Apr '13   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Truly undiscovered, quite challenging, twin-centre walking week exploring the island's dramatic mountainous interior. Unique, outstanding flora and fauna, and excusive, high quality hotels. Complimentary car hire included so you can really explore at leisure.

Day-by-day itinerary

Monday - Arrive on Gran Canaria

It's just a 1hr drive (hire car included) to La Lechuza where you'll spend the next 4 nights.

Tuesday - The Valley and Volcanoes Walk 13km/8mi/5 hr

Crunch through cinders along the rim of 'Los Marteles' volcanic crater, before descending an original Guanche route lined with spiny agaves and euphorbia that cling to the steep valley side. Stop for lunch at a dramatic rock promontory with views down the barranco to the ocean. From the valley floor, your path ascends through sugar pink flowering almond terraces back to the crater rim.

Wednesday - San Bartolome Circuit 15.6km/9mi/5hr

Two spectacular southern valleys beckon today - after a steady ascent of 280m to Degollada de la Manzanilla, it's relaxed and easy going along a panoramic mountain track offering continuous views of the yawning gorge, steep pine woods and blood red cliffs. Picnic at a choice of viewpoints at Barranco de la Dala or Montana Negra, before a beautifully engineered Camino Real lined with yellow cistus leads down to San Bartolome for a relaxed drink in one of the bars.This evening, perhaps sit out on the open pool veranda under the stars.

Thursday - Roque Nublo Walk 14km/9mi/5hr

Balanced high on a rock plateau at 1800m, this iconic 60m high rock monolith is a symbol of Gran Canaria. Views are stupendous, with snow-capped Mount Teide on Tenerife floating on the horizon. Descend past herds of goats into La Culata, a farming hamlet, for some ropa vieja, a tasty casserole of chickpea, beef and potato in the local cafe, before a panoramic Camino Real winds back past lavender and scented pines.

Friday - The Bandama Caldera 6km/4mi/2hr

Perched high above the eastern coast, the Bandama Caldera provides a fascinating insight into the geological history of the entire island, and views are stupendous. Ornithologists should keep binoculars handy as there's a good chance of spotting flocks of linnets, trumpeter finches and Berthelot's Pipit - endemic to the Canaries. Lots of freely growing oranges and guavas to supplement your picnic before the short 45min drive through a rich rolling sea of banana trees to your 200-acre estate hotel with 360o views: fertile valleys and hills to the east, unspoilt coast to the north and south to Arucas. Time for a swim and Jacuzzi before dinner perhaps?

Saturday - Tamadaba 17km/10mi/6.5hr

A rewarding ascent to Tamadaba this morning taking in three climate zones: avocado and papaya; euphorbia, and Canarian pine forest. The Mirador de la Vuelta La Paloma is a fabulous shady picnic spot and affords magical long distance views to neighbouring islands. You'll then descend on the ancient camino real down through the tiny white villages of Lugarejos and El Hormillo passing pre-Hispanic cave houses still inhabited by locals today.

Sunday - Cruz de Tejeda 14km/9mi/5.5hr

A gentle shady descent takes you to the hidden valley of Montanetas - stunning views over Las Palmas and the eastern coast. We pass through the tiny village of Lanzarote - people from the neighbouring island settled here after a series of volcanic eruptions in C18 - before lunch against the backdrop of El Montanas and its lava flow. A stunning ridge walk takes you down into the heather-filled Tejeda valley - keep eyes peeled for ravens, buzzards and barbary falcons.

Monday - Leave Gran Canaria