La Gomera GR-132 day 5 Rey - Alojera

Our fifth hiking day begins in the district La Calera of Valle Gran Rey directly on the main road. After almost two hours of ascent with views of the Gran Rey valley, the vast Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby coastal cliffs, we reach the viewpoint Riscos de La Mérica, recognizable by a solitary standing tree. The cliff edge there offers a comprehensive view into Valle Gran Rey with the path of the previous day and the gorges leading west towards the sea.

We are now on the Mérica plateau, passing a dilapidated house (photo, letterbox geocache) and heading towards two flat rock domes. The eastern dome carries a ruin, the western one is the summit La Mérica. La Mérica is the local mountain of Arure on the orographically right side of the Valle Gran Rey. Near the summit, there is a good view of the rugged west coast of the island, as well as of the neighboring islands El Hierro to the southwest and La Palma to the northwest. After the Mérica summit, which can be easily reached without much effort, a more difficult summit (Cabras) follows, under which there is directly a goats' cave (photo), where the GR-132 trail passes by. We continue along the ridge path and repeatedly have tremendous views on the right and left. Before a inhabited mountain pasture, we reach a dirt road, via which we arrive in half an hour at Arure, whose white houses are already visible ahead.

Arure:

At the first houses of Arure, the forest road becomes an asphalt road with parking facilities. After a left curve, the GR-132 branches off towards Alojera and leads under an old aqueduct without water (geocache) to the Ermita del Santo. Not far from this aqueduct it is – leaving the GR-132 – to the main road; on the right is the restaurant El Jape, where also Bus line 1 stops. There is thus a connection to Valle Gran Rey or San Sebastian. For the other inn, you must turn left and walk through the whole village, where you will also find a pharmacy open in the morning and two grocery stores.

You should take time for the church complex Ermita del Santo with a large paved forecourt and great views of the Atlantic. It is hardly believable that there is a continuing path behind the church, as the terrain is so steep here. Mountaineering-wise, this section with its deep views towards Taguluche in the west is the highlight of the island circuit for me, even if not everyone dares it and after a rest with a view of the basalt walls take retreat again. The path along the walls Lomo del Carreton is about one meter wide at all times. According to eyewitness reports, the view from Taguluche on the hikers in the basalt walls is also spectacular. Caution is advised during storms, as I experienced. Even glasses on the nose are not safe, as it can storm fiercely here.

Far below we see the village Alojera and above it the asphalt road to Taguluche, which the GR-132 crosses. The GR-132 information board is found in Alojera at the bus stop of the island bus line 5; nearby there are also restaurants and small markets to supplement provisions.