Los Tilos

This UNESCO biosphere reserve in the north-east of amazing La Palma, a youthful volcanic mountain-island, envelops the archipelago's most extraordinary barranco - Barranco del Agua, a deep, sheer-sided ravine cloaked with fine, lush rainforest, a fabulous specimen example of the Canary Islands' unique vegetation, the remains of the old Mediterranean flora before that area got drier.

There are numerous good walks in this area, but the jewel is the outstanding circuit above the Barranco del Agua known as the (rather clunking) Camino de la Reserva de la Biosfera, a long, tough climb to high springs and sensational viewpoints above the head of the ravine and round back the other side. The walk follows irrigation channels (similar to Madiera's levadas) fed by the springs, winding giddily above some horrid drops and through some narrow, wet and low tunnels. The Camino can be really quite exposed for short stretches, and you are advised not to walk it in wet or windy weather.

It is absolutely thrilling, but not for the faint-hearted.

The Camino can be really quite exposed for short stretches, and you are advised not to walk it in wet or windy weather.

Bring a torch plus wet protection for you and your kit for the tunnels, some of which have soaking showers of water.

The Camino is a tough walk, 7-8 hours climbing 1,200m and descending almost the same, on rough tracks.

Another walk heads north, after providing stunning views over the Barranco del Agua, deep into the Barranco de Herradura. (See the Sunflower guide.)

The weather here can be difficult. The prevailing winds bring cloud and rain from the north-east, so flexible planning is advisable.

The Cicerone is good on the Camino, although the Sunflower has the better map.

SEE OUR LA PALMA PAGE FOR INFORMATION AND OTHER WALKS ON THE ISLAND, FURTHER GENERAL AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION (AND WARNINGS) AND PHOTOS.