Customer Reviews:
 better off with than without May 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Just back from a 9-day trek in the Alpujarras guided largely by this book and accompanying map. Cannot compare with any other guide books, but we had little trouble following any of the several walks we tried from this book, and some of the potentially tricky navigational moments were aided greatly by CD's descriptions and guidance, as well as enlivened by his occasional wry comments. Basically, if you can read and see where you are going, and have a modicum of sense of the terrain, this book should be all you need.
Criticisms (minor gripes really) are that the book - and the map - does not show all trails available, and notably omits the Sendero Sulayr (which is a fairly recently devised higher-level circuit around the Sierra Nevadas), which could have provided extra flexibility in 'joining up' CD's detailed trails. Secondly, as we were walking point-to-point, rather than starting from the car park, as these walks often did, we were devising itineraries incorporating bits of 1 or more of the recommended walks, which although possible, does not seem entirely in keeping with the intended use of the guide. Also - and inevitably - some of the info on provision of accommodation, eateries and shops is inaccurate and needs updating. So Charles, if you're out there, time for a new updated edition, but you're doing a lot that's right!
 Terrible October 31, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is a terrible walking guide. The directions are meaningless and do not take into account starting points. Thank goodness for friendly locals who could point us in the right direction! We gave up on the book and just used the maps , although these were not detailled enough. Many paths are not marked at all which led to confusion. Perhaps this book works wonders if you are simultaneously using GPS, which we were not, but which the author seemed to be promoting at every turn.
Very Annoying October 29, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Just back from here and indeed very beautiful and great walking country. We found this book very annoying as it failed often to give clear instructions when needed. We gave up after 3 as we got lost every time and we are quite experienced walkers. More compass directions and how far a turn is rather than loose terms like "shortly". The map with it was good though. I get the feeling that it is really designed to be used with GPS.
 Wonderful place August 20, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've been visiting the Alpujarras off and on for several years now, but I hadn't realized how much I'd been missing till I got this book. Once you get away from the main valley (too many expats for my taste!)you get a real sense of somewhere apart, somewhere special. The walks are well chosen and clearly described and, as far as I can see, don't just follow the standard routes. Some of the cross country walking is extraordinary.
 ex pats /locals July 18, 2007
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
this book descibes walks that fail to take into account two facts(or fails to mention)number one is the aquafars do not look like the sort of structures that would bare constant use as foot paths,also the locals that we encountered whilst trying to use them were not best pleased to say the least.Also the camino has been deliberatly obscured by locals and expats alike all looking for there own private idaho. That said it is a beauitiful valley
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