Chorros de Epina - Playa de Vallehermoso

This stage of the GR-131 connects the villages of El Cercado and Chipude, crossing a landscape deeply shaped by rural life and traditional agriculture. The route leaves El Cercado, renowned for its handcrafted pottery, and follows ancient paths that have historically linked the western settlements of La Gomera. From the first section, the trail traverses cultivated terraces, palm groves and small ravines, offering a clear insight into the close relationship between the local population and the land. As the route progresses, the path climbs steadily through open terrain with wide views over the valleys and ridges of the island’s interior. The agricultural mosaic gradually gives way to areas dominated by native shrubland and fayal-brezal vegetation, reflecting the transition towards higher altitudes. Throughout the walk, the scenery alternates between exposed sections and more sheltered paths, creating a varied and engaging hiking experience. Approaching Chipude, the silhouette of the Fortaleza becomes increasingly prominent, dominating the horizon and marking the spiritual and cultural significance of this place for the island’s original inhabitants. The trail skirts cultivated land and passes through small rural settlements before reaching the village, where traditional houses and agricultural plots testify to a way of life closely tied to the surrounding landscape. The stage ends in Chipude, a village of great cultural value and a key point along the GR-131. The combination of rural landscapes, traditional farming practices and dramatic geological features makes this route a rewarding experience for hikers seeking an authentic insight into the interior of La Gomera.