The Life of Riley

Via feratta in Andalucia

2012-01-29T04:51:00.000-08:00

Recently a number of new via feratta routes have been created in Andalucia. many are around the Rhonda area but others are further east nearer malaga. For more information see http://deandar.com/ferratas/

Acequia walks

2012-01-17T04:35:00.000-08:00

Many of us who live in the countryside areas around the Sierra Nevada rely upon the acequia system to bring us much needed water. For those not in the know, acequias are man-made water channels which run throughout the area bringing water to lower agricultural land They are often essential, allowing us to grow fruit and veg., fill swimming pools (perhaps illegally) shower or even wash the car.

Thought to have been fully developed by the Moors when they ruled the area, the system probably reaches further back into history. It seems obvious that digging channels to route water to where it was most needed must have gone on for millennia in order to make the most of what is a precious resource. The system has spread across the whole of the region with hundreds of channels creating a massive irrigation system that feeds the whole of the area. On my hillside alone there are four major acequias channels. The Acequia Alta which ultimately feeds my cortijo, runs directly from the Rio Lanjaron at about 1,400m and traverses the hillside before it finishes above the Tablate gorge about whole 10km from its start. En route, sluices allow the water to be managed and fed down a network of smaller and smaller channels before ultimately watering my lettuce.

When walking in the region most of us will have come across acequias. Often with a path alongside, they can provide relatively easy walking routes along steep hillsides and river valleys reaching into the mountain ranges of the area. Whilst providing easy graded walks, they sometimes have short steep sections where the channel itself will be sent down rock outcrops in order to change the level at which it runs. Sometimes however they give much more dramatic walking as they pass through rather than down an outcrop. If you do come across these sections it seems incredible that the original builders had the skill to create these parts of the system. I must admit I actually seek out some of the more dramatic bits and have found many during my exploration of the area.

Some of the best are actually on the Acequia Alta where about 2km from the river the acequia clings to high cliffs above a vertical drop of about 50m. These sections are unfenced and if crossed when the water is flowing are breathtaking. Another dramatic section is found in the Rio Chillar gorge near Nerja. Here the acequia cuts through cliffs high on the east side of the valley. The ‘’path’’ is about a foot wide and runs around the cliffs as the water channel itself runs through on a narrow tunnel. Even though these sections are fenced they still need a good head for heights.
Perhaps one the most used routes is that through the Monachil Gorge. Here though, you may not know it, the channel is covered for most of its length and the acequia takes you through dramatic natural rock scenery.

The Sierra Nevada range

2012-01-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

To many British walkers the Sierra Nevada is still a bit of an unknown quantity. Indeed until It wasn’t until I started visiting the area some ten years ago, then moving here six years ago and began working as a mountain guide ago that I began to understand the scale and range of this massif.

Hopefully this piece will shed a little light on what is a fantastic mountain range which is ideal for walking and trekking all year round. A few facts to start with. The range itself is effectively a 100km long escarpment running east from Granada. The steeper north side of the range holds some dramatic corries and steep rock ridges whilst more gentle southern slopes, divided by deep lusher river valleys, lead down to the Alpujarra, an area of white villages and olive groves. The highest point in the range is Mulhacen which at 3,482 m also claims the title of being the highest point in mainland Spain. This summit lies only 35km north from the Mediterranean coast a fact which, combined with the overall height of the range creates one of the rarest and most fragile mountain habitats in Europe. The proximity of the coast also means that you can walk the high peaks in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the evening.

Walking and trekking here is usually a non technical affair. These mountains lend themselves to long days along soaring ridges with major peaks en route or ascents of deep river valleys leading to the flanks of the high peaks. The classic traverse of the whole of the range, ‘’ruta de trese tresmiles’’ picks off some of the ranges twenty or more 3,000m summits and is a tough multi day trip. Generally undertaken from the east it involves about 60km of hard walking and overnight camps. Most walkers however stick to the western end where the big three summits of Valeta ( 3394m) Mulhacen and Alcazaba (3371m) are to be found.

Valeta, a classic shark’s fin summit stands above Granada’s Sol y Nieve ski resort. Easily accessed from the west this is a popular ascent and also gives access to the old mountain track which until 1995, when these mountains were designated as a national park, traversed the western end of the range at around 3,000m. Now used as a key walking and mountain biking route the track once allowed car access to these high peaks.

Mulhacen can be climbed in a day from the trail head above the village of Capileira in the Poqueira gorge on the south side of the range. A better ascent though is to do it over two days using the very well sited Poqueira refuge. This well run and popular refuge sits at 2,500m on the southern slope of the mountain and provides an ideal base for ascents via the steep west ridge.

Alcazaba or ‘’The Fortress’’ lies east of Mulhacen and can be climbed in a day from the refuge. The most remote and rugged of the big three it towers over the remote hanging valley of Siete Lagunas a popular site for wild camping. Accessed via its south ridge the summit itself has 400m cliffs on the north side dropping dramatically down into the Rio Genil valley.

A short break in the Pyrenees

2012-01-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

For those who haven’t been the Pyrenees might come as a bit of a surprise. The peaks span the French/Spanish border and are rugged and ‘alpine’ in nature. Though never higher than the Sierra Nevada there are over two hundred 3,000m+ peaks plus numerous smaller mountains and hills. The area has a long tradition of mountaineering which is reflected in the number of trails and routes and also the network of mountain huts available to walkers. It was in two of these huts that together with an old friend from the UK I spent a few days exploring the area around a village called Benasque.

The first hut, Refugio de Estos was a days walk in form the road through alpine meadows and wild flowers. Staying in a mountain hut over a busy weekend has to be experienced to fully appreciate. Bedrooms are often communal, ours had three tiers of sleeping platforms with around 40 people in, some of whom where up at half five to set off to do Posetts one of the main peaks in the range. We however had a late start by comparison (7.00am) and headed for a more leisurely ascent of Pico de Clarabide a mere 3,006m perched right on the border.

The second hut we used was the Renclusa on the north side of Aneto which at 3,404m is the highest point in the whole range. Like many huts this has no road access and here the supplies are brought in daily by two mules. Again the hut was crowded but luckily we had individual bunks however we did this time succumb to an ‘alpine’ start and had breakfast along with many others going for the summit at 5.00am.

The initial ascent across a very steep boulder field which led to a gully filled with scree and loose rocks. The gully was potentially the most dangerous section of the whole route. About a dozen ascending it at the same time meant that dodging loose rocks whilst trying to keep upright was essential.

Along with a few other peaks in the range Aneto still holds a small section of glacier. The crossing is easy and well marked and after the gully came as a relief. The summit itself is magnificent, if a bit crowded with the summit cross itself is reached by a short but very exposed scramble across a knife edge ridge which many people didn’t do, understandable when you saw the drop.

A problem on Aneto like many other ‘highest peaks’ is that many people go unprepared and just want to bag the summit. This was perhaps best illustrated by the number of young Spanish walkers who went up in trainers (!!!) with crampons attached. I sight I’d never seen before I must admit.

Cabra de Montana

2012-01-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

Last week I went with a few friends and again climbed Travenque a superb mountain east of Granada. After a steep ascent the final few meters offer a short scramble to a truly dramatic summit. The view east to Valetta, Caballo and the ski resort is one of the best in the range.

As often happens during a trip in these mountains during the walk we spotted a small herd of ‘’cabra de montana’’. Many of you will have seen herds of these ‘’mountain goats’’, normally running away into the distance. For those who haven’t these truly wild animals are about the size of a fallow deer, they are a tan colour with darker shoulders and haunches with the larger older animals having a pair large sweeping horns. Well suited to the mountain terrain where they are generally found they have short muscular legs and large soft hooves which are perfect for gripping steep rock faces. Generally browsers they live in areas of mixed scrub and broken ground in the lower mountains but I have seen them at 3,000m near the Caldera refuge on Mulhacen, on the edge of Lanjaron and also on the coast near Cerro Gordo. Often the only sign you have that they are in the area are large amounts of droppings on summits though you will often hear a sharp high pitched call as outlying individuals warn a larger group that you are approaching.

The groups you see will either be made up of females with their young or males. The two groups do not generally mix apart from the breeding season in autumn. This is also the time when males fight for dominance of a herd with head butting contests.

My first sighting of ‘’cabra’’ was about 10 years ago whilst descending the south ridge of Mulhacen. Needless to say seeing one of these animals for the first time was quite a shock particularly as it was quite a large male with a fantastic pair of horns. I have become accustomed to looking out for them but even so it’s often not until they move that I spot them as they are well camouflaged and blend into the backgrounds remarkably well.

Whilst often called mountain goats these animals are actually a type of Ibex, Capra pyrenacia . At one time there were a total of four subspecies. One, a Portugese subspecies, died out in 1892. Shockingly the other, Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica, became extinct on the 6th January 2000. A remarkably specific date. However this was when the last known specimen of a subspecies peculiar to the Pyrenees died. A frightening example of how easily we can loose unique animals. The two remaining subspecies however seem to be doing well and at the moment at least appear to be growing in numbers with an estimated population across the Iberian Peninsula of about 50,000.

Next time you’re out in the mountains take time out to try to spot these remarkable animals.

Summer Walking

2011-07-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

The summers high temperatures mean that walking can be arduous if not dangerous. Rather than offer a particular route this month I thought it would be useful to offer some advice to those who will still want to get out walking in the mountains and hills over summer

Obviously the key issues we face it over heating and sunstroke which can easily ruin not just a days walking but can also cause longer term problems. So what can we do to keep cool ?

Even in summer there are cooler days so keep and eye on the forecast and avoid the hottest days whenever possible. Attempt to get out as early in the day as possible, if you can do the bulk of any ascent in the earlier part of the day you can make use of the cooler and perhaps shadier part of the day.

When out walking take plenty of water. I carry a two litre water bladder or
‘’rehydration system’’ to give it its correct name. These tuck away in your rucksack and allow you to sip water whenever you take even the shortest break. I also carry a water bottle so that at longer breaks I can have one or two bigger gulps to refresh myself more fully. It might sound like a lot of weight , a litre of water weighs a kilo, but what you must remember is apart from some food and perhaps a thin jacket this may all be you need to carry and it will get lighter as you go.

After the example of a client I took out some time ago I also leave a flask of cold water in the car for my return. That way I know I can finish the water I am carrying and still have some in reserve at the end of the day.

Choice of clothing clearly affects you temperature. Personally I cover up as much as possible and find it cooler to walk in thin pants and a shirt than T shirt and shorts.
This also helps reduce the need to be constantly applying sun creams and also avoids picking up tics if you are walking through vegetation. My final piece of attire is a sun hat covering up the ever growing bald spot.

Finally route choice is critical. One idea is to get high for example by using the cable car and chair lift from the ski village above Granada which lift you to about 2,800m where you can explore the higher mountains.

Another option is to follow the gorges and streams found in the foothills and lower ranges of the area. Perhaps the most famous route is the Rio Monachil near Granada. Here you follow the rio using suspension bridges and narrow ledges through rocky defiles and natural rock tunnels passing waterfalls and inviting rock pools. Its great fun and offers a cool alternative for those wanting a bit of adventure during the summer heat.

Monachil Gorge , Granada

2011-04-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Monachil Gorge is a deservedly popular short walk close to Granada. Reputed to have been used in one of the Indiana Jones movies the gorge is a spectacular cleft through high cliffs. Our route uses suspension bridges to cross the stream running through the gorge and a narrow ‘path’ which is followed with the aid of well placed steel staples fixed into the rock. It sounds scary but it is in fact easy enough if you have a reasonable agility and a head for heights.

To get to the start follow signs from the Sierra Nevada motorway east of Granada to Monachil. As you enter the village you follow the one way system and take the first left over the river. Turn right and after about 400m re cross the river, signed, Camino de la Umbria. Turn left to follow a narrow tarmac road uphill for about 1km then left onto a track where a map gives details of the area. Follow the track for about 1km to park at its end near a building used as a mini hydro electric plant.

There are other routes to the start of the gorge itself however this one prepares you by taking in three smaller suspension bridges before you reach the main event. The walk starts up a flight of steps to the right of the building and is a well trodden fenced path, after about 10 minutes you reach the first small bridge, if you can’t manage this then turn back. Once you have crossed all the smaller bridges the path goes up a level to a ruin where you turn right to reach the main 30m bridge which spans the gorge. After this the path narrows as you follow a narrow concrete path about a metre above the stream. A description would not do the route justice so just go and enjoy it.

After about an hour you emerge from the end of the gorge and having passed the final sting in the tail you reach a field ideal for picnics and recovering. There is a bridge here back across the river however our return route continues upstream for about 2km to a second bridge below a number of finger posts. Cross here and follow the path as it climbs the north side of the valley passing through a very rudimentary field gate at an outcrop of rock. The path levels then drops to meet a track just below an acequia. Ignore the finger posts and go directly across the track to rejoin the path as it contours along the valley side passing below a farm. The path gives you great views down into the gorge and the route you have just done. After a final mirador the path drops to two threshing circles. Once you reach them turn left back into the gorge, at the ruin passed earlier turn right back down to the path we followed at the start of the walk.

8km, 3-4 hours, no water en route.

El Torcal, via feratta

2011-03-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Just outside the boundary of the Torcal natural park is the peak of Camorro Alto reached from the ‘’Escaleruela’’ track running in from the north. Low down on the northern flank of the peak about 1 km SW of the trail head is the start of what is a quite strenuous Via Feratta route.

For those not in the know via feratta are protected scrambles or easy climbs. large metal staples are fixed up the route for foot and hand holds and a wire hawser runs adjacent for clipping into for protection against a slip or fall. Needless to say you need some climbing experience along with suitable equipment before you attempt this route.

The route starts awkwardly up a steep corner and is very strenuous for the first 20 metres or so as it is slightly overhanging. From the top of the first section an exposed traverse leads to a second corner and a shorter vertical section which is again started awkwardly. At the top of this is a large platform with a short section leading to a narrow and exposed ridge. So far the route has been tough going but as long as you have a good head for heights and some experience simple enough. The next section however transforms the route out of the normal range as it is a short ‘’Tyrolean traverse’’. Put simply you clip into a pulley fixed to a cable spanning a four meter gap between the main cliff face and the outlying pinnacle you have climbed. Once clipped in you swing out into mid air and pull yourself across the gap. The traverse is hairy to say the least and with a problematic start and finish needs care to ensure you get it right.

Once over the traverse a final section of cable leads you to the top.

When I recently did the route with some friends we were accompanied by low flying vultures wheeling above us in the mist which as you can imagine added to the atmosphere a little.

During out return to the car we did a short scramble up a prominent rib to the right of the decent path., this may well have been a first ascent as it seemed to have been unclimbed before we did it. The area looks great for further exploration so I do intend to get back

3-4 hours, 5km, Experience and appropriate climbing equipment essential

‘’Ruta Medieval’’ in the Taha.

2011-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

The Taha is the area of the Alpujarra east of the Poqueira Gorge and is made up of about a dozen small villages ranging from the largest, Pitres, to Altabetar, a small hamlet of around twenty properties. Linking these villages is a network of pack horse trails and old footpaths. This is just one of a number of circuits possible in the area.

Start in Fondales, one of the smaller villages. From the village entrance follow signs for Ferreirola. The chances are that, like me, you will stumble though each of the villages taking wrong turns here and there but coming across flower-filled corners and blind alleys which give these villages their beauty and charm. Once through however the path is obvious as it is marked with a number of markers. About 10 minutes after passing through a baranco the path emerges in Ferreirola, head to the church and village wash house. Turn left here to a wider track which brings you to a wonderful spring flowing with naturally carbonated water. A couple of minutes later you come to a large ‘’era’’ or threshing circle. This is a great place to stop for a break with views into the dramatic Rio Trevelez valley and the steep path on the far side of the valley which marks our ascent route.

The path begins to climb, crossing a small outcrop. At a waymarker follow the path downhill into the valley to a ruined corn mill which still has some of its original grind stones. Cross the river on a narrow bridge high above the river to begin a steep ascent on the wonderfully constructed path as it zig-zags up the hill side. It’s steep, so take it easy. However after about half an hour you emerge high on the south side of the river with views north to the main Sierra Nevada range. Follow the shallow valley south to a small cluster of houses before turning right along a wider track.

The track cuts across a steep hillside often through pine forest which gives some shade. After about an hour turn right at a finger post marking the route back to Fondales. Follow the track back down toward the river before crossing the ‘’Roman’’ bridge, one of only three river crossing in this section of the valley. The path climbs back to emerge in the village just past a small wash house.

10km, 5-6 hours, Water in villages and at spring en route.

Carazon de la Sandia

2011-03-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

The ''heart of the watermelon'' Carazon de la Sandia is one of the main peaks of the Alayos de Dilar the rock ridge running allong the southern side of the Rio Dilar valley. The ridge forms what is perhaps the regions answer to the Cullin Ridge of Skye and forms a dramatic route not to be underestimated.
The start of the walk follows the river east as it passes through a dramatic rock lanscape of the Rio Dilar gorge and criss crosses the river a number of times. After about an hour the path zig zags its way ever upward through the forest to fianaly level out at about 1,600m before it begins a traverse below the main summit itself. The ascent up to the summit itself follows a narrow path which brances off the main route as it contours around the head of Rambla Seca. The ascent path slowly climbs up to a shallow col just south of the summit which is reached by a short scramble up the final outcrop. From this dramatic summit the views of are fantastic not least the breath taking drop north down to the Rio Dilar some 700m below.
The return route follows a narrow ridge south then west off the summit to rejoin our original path below Picacho Alto. A steep descent then follows as views of the aforested ridges of Cero de Montellano open up before you. As the path levels out it turns to follow a dry stream bed to fianlay reach a track back to the car park at the area recreativa.

7-8 hours , steep ascent /descent,18km, no water

Cruz de Viznar, Sierra de Huetor

2011-02-09T03:12:00.000-08:00

This walk marks the return to the Sierra de Huetor Parque Natural north of Granada. I’ve been walking and scrambling to the east of the area for a few years however I was recently given a map of the area and so have begun to explore more of the forest trails. The walking is fairly gentle following good paths through pine forest and open scrub.

Start from the information centre at Puerto Lobo above the village of Viznar. The centre is found by following brown direction signs from junction 252 off the A 92 autovia running east from Granada. A number of information boards mark the start of various trails, ours is marked Cruz de Viznar and is on the north side of the car parking near the entrance to a forestry building.

The path is clear as is climbs for about 30 minutes to finally zigzag up to a col about 5 minutes after passing a strangely phallic shaped rock. From the col our path heads North West following a sign for Cueva del Agua. Before we head off however the slight detour east up to the outcrop topped by the Cruz de Viznar is worth the effort. A sign warns of the dangers of ascending the last few meters of the outcrop to the cross itself. A direct ascent would indeed be dangerous however if you follow a small path along the north of the rocks an easier ascent can be found at its eastern end.

Returning to the col continue along a forest path which winds along a broad ridge before dropping to an odd two storey building at a path junction. Turn right to the Cueva del Agua and its view point. This is roughly the half way point of the walk so makes a good lunch stop. The cave entrance is gated, though accessible to dogs as we found out so take care if you have one with you.

Return past the building and continue along the now rockier path as it descends through the forest. After about 30 minutes pass a sign for La Alfaguara however stay on the level broad path to reach a forest track, turn right. This track takes us easily back to the start of the walk. If however if you still feel fit you can extend the walk slightly. Follow the main track as it descends past Mirador de Viznar into an area of forest. At a large bend on the track a sign post marks a narrower path up through the forest to return to the col we left a couple of hours before. From here descend to the car park.

I did this walk with some friends on a sunny but cool day in mid January. With the amount of shade it would make a good walk at any time of year. Spring would be ideal as I suspect that there would be a few more wild flowers out then when we did it.

4-5 hours, 10km, NO WATER

Lucero

2011-01-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

This walk comes highly recommended by my Spanish neighbour who at this time of year goes to work on skis. Lucky man, he works at the observatory above the Granada.

Lucero is the majestic pyramid shaped summit best seen as you drive from Malaga east toward Nerja.

Starting from the North of the mountain the drive is as good as the walk itself. From the road between Fornes and Arenas del Rey follow the clearly signed track to the Resinera Information Centre. About 150m after the centre the track forks, turn right uphill (Vivero de la Resinera to the left). The track climbs to cross an open area of pine forest before a wonderful switchback section traversing a steep hillside. After 11km the track drops to cross the river bed on a large concrete pad, 500m after a narrow track forks left. Marked by a Zona de Reserva and a Prohibited Traffic sign this marks our return route so park nearby.

We now walk west for about 2km along the track which becomes quite rough, then climbs to reach the start of the waymarked trail to Lucero. It’s an obvious route climbing to reach a large col where we get our first real view of Lucero’s summit and its ruined Guardia Civil watch post. The route becomes rockier from this point as it traverses the flank of Lucerillo before final steep and somewhat exposed zig zags to the summit. Once you get to the summit it’s clear to see why it was used as a view point by the Guardia during the civil war as the views from the top over the nearer ranges as well as across the Med. to the Rif Mountains of Morocco and North East to the Sierra Nevada are stunning.

Once you have had your fill of the summit return to the large open col below Lucerillo. Whilst you can return the way you came there is a better if far less used route back to the car. A boundary stone here, marked MP, marks a feint path running North. Take this path which is marked by a large stone arrow then by cairns and later red paint. Follow the path though open forest, cross a couple of dry stream beds then after about 15 minutes zig zag down to a further stream bed. Turn right to a cairn to rejoin the path as it now levels to join a wider track at a waymarker. Turn left to follow the track down hill then left again at a T junction as the track levels out at a rocky stream bed. This soon takes you back to the track where you left the car some four or five hours ago.

Lucero is obviously a popular summit, I saw seven! other people on the day I did the ascent, not quite Snowdon on a Bank Holiday but busy by local standards.

10km , 4-5 hours , No water en route, steep ascent

Sierra de Huetor.

2010-11-26T05:26:00.000-08:00

The Sierra De Huetor national park which lies to the north of the Sierra Nevada about 15 minutes east of Granada.

To get there take the autovia from Granada toward Almeria and come off at junction 259, clearly signed for the national park. From the junction follow the road on the north side of the autovia and turn right to park at Casa Forestal de Penoncillas. The walk starts on the east side of the access track at an information board and way marker. To be honest for most of the walk a description would be superfluous. The route is well marked and follows a clear path winding and climbing slowly through a ‘Karst’ limestone landscape. Whilst initially we walk though forest the habitat quickly opens up to a more open Mediterranean scrub or maquie. The non native pine forest in the area is slowly being cleared to extend the important native habitat of shrubs and scrubby oaks.

After about an hour the path reaches a magnificent natural mirador and the highest point of the main walk. This spot gives great views north to the rocky summit of Pennon the Mata. Also clear is the fire spotter’s cabin on the summit of Las Minas to the north. The path now re enters a more dense forest before dropping left at a way marker to zig zag down into a shallow valley before reaching a broad forest track. At the track turn left to reach a sign post. To the right Mirador de los Minas is signed and is well worth the short, though steeper detour with its 360 views of the whole of the area.

The main route, signed for Puerto Lobo drops left from the sign post. The next section is a delight as the path drops down through a classic piece of limestone landscape, a dry river valley. The valley is well used by both domestic and wild goats so is a bit muddy in wet weather. The foot of the valley is marked by a rock pinnacle, El Pulpito. Follow the path back through forest and turn left at a junction to soon reach another forest track. Heading down hill though a sided steep valley brings us to Fuente de la Teja, a main source for water used in the Alhambra gardens.

At the next junction continue straight along the main track to begin a final slow climb back up to the finish of the walk.

I did this walk at the end of November on a cloudy damp day, the forest sections gave some shelter and would also provide shade in summer. Whilst the walk is good at any time of year Spring would bring wildflowers and would perhaps be the best time of year to do the route.

12.5 km
5 Hours
Water at Fuente de la Teja (3 hours)

Cerro de Caballo

2010-10-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip up Cero de Caballo above Lanjaron I finally managed to locate a small bivvy refuge that I had been told about during last winter. At the time there was to much snow to find it and the recent trip was my first chance to go and have a look.

The shelter is a small stone arch over a pit and could have been constructed as a store for the now ruined Refugio de Lanjaron which lies near by.

The refuge is 100m north of the ruin which is found at the bottom of the south eastern spur of Caballo. From the ruin head approx 50m west along a descending path through an open bowl, at the lowest point of the path follow the shallow gully North to the bivi which is at the base of the cliffs.

Ermita de Cristo de Zapato

2010-10-21T05:25:00.001-07:00

This walk is in the Lecrin valley, a lush area to the west of the Motril – Granada motorway. Follow signs for Pinos de Valle from the motorway, the road crosses the dam wall of the Embalse de Beznar and climb up into Pinos, at a T junction at the top of the village turn right for about 100m and park.

The walks climbs from Pinos up to the Ermita de Cristo de Zapato perched high above the village. Struck by lightening about 18 months ago the ermita has since been rebuilt.

From the wash house where there is a nearby spring here for filling your water bottle signs point to Ermita de Cristo de Zapato. The track winds up behind a building near a quarry, after 5min. at a second sign, follow the path as it climbs steeply before levelling out in the forest. Now it’s simply a matter of slowly plodding up the many zig zags to the ermita.

After 10 minutes you pass a building on the right with pipes running to it through the forest. ( Where the pipes leave the path into the forest marks our return path and is marked by a yellow arrow.) Continue uphill to eventually reach the ermita perched on a painted rock outcrop. The ermita is normally open and is worth looking in. Behind is a new lightening conductor and beyond a short rock ridge can be followed for about 500m.

Return down the track we climbed until the junction noted during the ascent; here turn right along a narrower but clear path alongside water pipes. The path traverses through the forest passing a large alburca before slightly dropping and turning to the west. Pass a boundary marker and cairn above a small almond grove then re enter the forest. At the next clearing you get stunning views east across the Alpujarra as far as the Sierra de Gador inland of Almeria some 70km away. Cross through a baranco before the path descends to a T junction above a concrete track. At the junction turn left.

The return path levels as it crosses though grassland and scrub before meeting a wider track at a new alburca. Follow the track tacking care as it passes bee hives. The path drops to a cross road, here head down hill to join a tarmac road just left of a small bridge. Turn left for about 10 minutes back into the village.

Even if you have a map of the area don’t expect to see all of this route, like many local paths it simply does not appear even though it’s clearly old and well trodden.
As any regular walker will know in comparison to the UK’s Ordnance Survey maps Spanish maps, even if available leave a lot to be desired. A bit of perseverance and willingness to explore areas has it rewards as you will find if you do manage to do this or other routes in the sierras of the region.

4-5 hours
water at start
Easy route finding , steep ascent.

Fuente Fria / Monachil Gorge

2010-09-28T06:52:00.001-07:00

This route extends the normal Monachil Gorge walk of the previous blog and makes what is a great half day route into a fuller much more strenuous days outing.
The key to the extension lies in a path which climbs steeply up the southern side of the valley about 2km from the end of the gorge section of the main valley. At this point a number of paths are signed and there are about half a dozen finger posts directing walkers in various directions, the highest one on the ridge line above and to the south of the path points the way to Fuente Fria.

Initially the path climbs gradually zig zagging in and out of a shallow gully to the right of the main ridge before climbing onto the ridge itself to ascend more steeply to the edge of the forest. Here the path becomes very vague but is marked by occasionally cairns as it climbs through the pine trees. After about 10 minutes of ascent in the trees the path emerges to a more open area marked by felled logs and a path traversing the hillside through the forest. Follow the path west (right ) across the hill side before it climbs below a rock outcrop and becomes more defined. After about 15 of traversing you will reach a path junction with a way marker head south (left) and ascend steeply through the forest until a further finger post is reached. This marks the return route however we continue for another fifteen minutes or so to reach Fuente Fria itself, views here of the Monachil valley and beyond and a great spot for a rest before you return back down hill to follow the route signed to Cortijo Umbria and the return to Monachil.

5-6 hours, 12km, 500m of ascent, Water at Fuente Fria(?)

Monachil Gorge

2010-08-28T04:48:00.001-07:00

The Monachil Gorge walk is one of the gems of the Sierra Nevada. Just on the outskirts of granada itself it offers wire bridges, rock tunnels streams and a load of fun.

To get to the start from the village a there are a couple of routes however to get the most out of the walk I park in Monachil itself head upstream to cross the last bridge across the river turn Left and uphill for about 1km until a track heads left away from the tarmac , a finger post at the end of the track point uphill. Follow the track downhill to a small hydro plant then turn right up a flight of steps to an obvious path. Follw this as it descends to the river and the first small bridge. A description of the gorge itself would not do it justice however if you dont like the small bridges you have to cross the last big one may well be unpassable, beware.

After 2 - 3 km in the gorge itself the valley widens and you can picnic here or anout half an hour updtream at a small building and weir. Retun down stream to return to monachil either via the gorge or on either side of the valley making use of narrow paths that zig zag above the cliffs and river.

4-5 hours giving plenty of time for photos /picnic. easy walking with very narrow sections, no drinking water en route but often plenty of shade.

Puerto Palo, Alpujarra.

2010-08-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Whilst this route has recently been waymarked it is clearly an old route up to Puerto Palo. To get to the start of the route turn off the Orgiva to Pampaneira road as you pass the hermita at Padre Eterna, there are signs here for horse riding and the tibetan monestry. Follow the rough track, tarmac then dirt for about 3km to a point where a pine tree marks a sharp right hand bend and a board gives information about the walk.

Follow the obvious track west passing a small building on your left after about 1km you reach a tree nursery/research plantation and the track narrows to a path and begins to climb via a series of zig zags up the valley side through a wonderfull section of native woodland. The route is obvious and after about an hours ascent you reach a wide track , turn left to descend to the Puerto Palo bridge. from here ypou can continue up the track 500m to a picnic area.

To return retrace your steps allong the track passing the point where you joined it. Easy walking downhill takes you past two distinctive fuentes (neither marked as drinkable). About 500m after the second fuente a track joins from the right, you pass this to a second track marked with sign posts for the Sulyar route take the track to the Right and drop steeply passing a ruin, the track is wide but rough and occasionaly overgrown it eventualy brings you back to the track you started out on, here turn left back to the car.

Time 4-5 hours with break, distance 8km, No drinking water en route.

Tello to West ridge Caballo mountain bike route

2010-07-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Just to ahow that there more than just walking in the area i do do occasional bike rides as well. Unfortunately I forgot the camera on this one but have just published the route on my facebook page under Niguelas so have a look if you are interested

Limerick Climbing Club walking week.

2010-07-14T03:39:00.000-07:00

I recently guided fro Mountain House for a weeks long booking made by Limerick Mountaineering Club.

22! memebers of the club turned up in Malaga for five days of activities in the Sierra Nevada. The first day out was a Travenque ascent, all the group got to the top so the summit was slightly overcrowded with 22 clients, 3 guides and a couple of Swedish walkers who were also there.

Day two was the start of a three day trip up Mulhacen with two nights in the Poqueira refuge. The walk in was simple enough with three groups taking various routes in to the hut, day two saw a fairly early start for an ascent via the upper Rio Poqueira and the west ridge. Whilst there was some snow in the valley most was easily avoided with the west ridge proving to be the usual long slog up to the summit. Day three was a return out again on three differing routes.

After a rest day the last full walking day saw an ascent of Cero de Caballo which at 3,011m is the most westerly of the ''Tres Mille''. Suprising;ly this ascent was more tiring than Mulhacen for most , including the guides but aonce again all the group summited in magnificent weather.

The final day allowed for a short half day for some of the group who made an ascent up the the hermita above Pinos de Valle in the Lecrin valley.

2010-06-30T02:53:00.000-07:00

The Rio Chillar is a great walk for those who are staying in Nerja or allong the Costa Tropical. The full walk starts in the Chillar valley just north of Nerja itself and heads upstream for about 3 hours though you can easily do a half day just by going as far as Los Chohorros , sections of very narrow gorge where you can easily touch both sides at the same time.

DO NOT DO THIS WALK IF RAIN IS FORECAST OR THERE HAVE BEEN RECENT STORMS ANY FLOODING COULD BE DISASTEROUS.

The walk starts from a cement works just below the motorway, there is ample parking and if you have a 4x4 you can go some way along the river bed. Wherever you park its an easy route to follow as you simply follow the stream bed as it passes below steep cliffs. After about an hour and a half you meet the first of three narrow sections, here the problem may be one of allowing others to pass rather than route finding, all impressive stuff though and great fun. Once the thrird and final narrow section is passed you have a choice, eithert return to the start or head on upstream for a further hour. About half an hour after you pass through a boulder section marked with blue paint a dry valley comes down to the river from the west and and there is a blue waymarker post on the east bank. Follow the trail, marked by red flashes through vegetation to ascend steeply for about ten minutes before you meet an acequia channel. You will now need a very good head for heights however the fenceing allong the most exposed sections has recently been renewed. Follow the acequia south and you soon pass allong some very exposed section before returning to the easy walking allong the acequia line. After an hour you will reach a wider section marking he end of the water channel, here follow a steep and loose trail down to the river, TAKE CARE as the surface is loose.Once you meet the river simple head back down stream to the cars.

West ridge , Cerro de Caballo.

2010-05-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

The west ridge of Cerro de Caballo is perhaps the easiest ascent of the mountain, once youve got to the start that is. Access is along forest or mountain tracks either from Niguelas or Lanjaron and ideally you would need a 4x4. The route starts at a point named Tajo de la cueva where a mirador sits on the end of the ridge , the track here is a part of the long distance Sulyar route which circles the Sierra Nevada.

Once at the start the route finding is easy as a obvious footpath runs through a small patch of native pine. The first half hour is perhaps the steepest of the day so after an initial slog the ridge begins to level out but provides great walking and fantastice views particularly of Travenque and ridges beyond. Above about 2,800 the track becomes vague however the summit has been obvious all the route so unless you are in cloud or fog then just keep on plodding upwards to the final steepening for the last 100m to the summit itself.

On the day of our ascent there was still snow for the last 200m or so and the Rio Lanjaron valley stretching north from Caballo was still under a deep covering. As ever caballo summit offers panoramic views of the main summits and all around , West we could see the mountains above Malaga whilst closer to hab was Valetta with its snow covered summit and ridges.

Ascent 900m,overall distance 15km,4-5 hours, NO WATER en route.

Half day walk in Axarquia

2010-05-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

I have been exploring the mountains just inland of Nerja and Almunecar for some time nad recently descovered a great half day route which shows off some of the best that the range has to offer.

Beware walking here is hot , its onlu a few kilomiters inland and you need to carry plenty of water wear sun screen and sun hat.

The walk starts on the track to the area recreativa signed from the entrance to the famous caves at Nerja. Access is obvious allong a rough byt well used track. After about 3km there is a sign '' sederisimo'' park here. This is the finish of the walk but from here to the area recreativa is up hill and at the end of the walk you will appreciate getting to the car at htis point.

Continue on foot allong the main track passing through the area recreativa heading N. The track descends to cross a stream however follow the stream bed for about 100m then head right into the Barranc de la Higuera. the path is a bit overgrown at first but soon clears beneath some eucalyptus trees. After about 200m there is a track on the Right marked by stone cairns. From here ist uphill for about 45 minutes. keep plodding away however you can hardly miss the stunning views openeing up as you get higher particulalry toward the N W with views of La Peuta or S toward the coast. The track zig zags steadily up hill to fianally reach the crest of the Molinera ridge. Here the path leve;s for a short while and there a re level areas with great veiws for a well earned break.

The descent is obvious as the path head to the left of the ridge itself. take care as there are some loose sections however once again the views are stunning not least to the N as the summit of Alto de Cielo comes into view. Half an hour of descent sees you at a track which heads W back to the car, make the most of the waymarked short cuts across the hairpin bends to save your feet and to getinto some shade through the pine forest.

The area is well worth a vist at any time of the year however in spring there are numerous wild flowers on the limestone of the area.

2010-05-03T04:08:00.000-07:00

With snow still down to about 2,800m a walk up Valetta above the ski village in the Sierra Nevada was an ideal introductiion to the high mountains for friends who were with us last week. Valetta is a great looking summit however the route from the west is scarred by tracks particularly in summer which are used to access the summit and ski facilities.

The walk starts as ever in the cafe at Hoya de Mora ,a small developement at 2,500m. From Hoya de Mora the route is abvious as we head east uphill passing the statue of Virgen de las Nieve before we begin to hit patches of snow. In order to keep the route as easy as possible we were able to link clear areas for the bulk of the route until we reached about 3,000m from here we crossed snow fields to the shoulder of the valetta itself where there are stunning views across the north faces of valetta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba the three main peaks of the range as a whole.

With stong winds gusting aver 80km we headed back for a welcoming coffe back at the cafe.

White villages of the Taha

2010-04-24T03:20:00.001-07:00

The Taha is an area of the Alpujarra about 10km east of the Poqueira area. made up of about a dozen small villages tha arera is ideal for easier walking in the area. The history of the area is moorish and the name itself, Taha means settlement in arabic. Our route takes in six of the villages from the smallest Altabeiter to Pitres which is the mane village of the area. Starting in Fondeles we follow a pack horse track up toward Pitres passing through the hamlets of Mecinilla and Mecina en route. Reaching Pitres after about an hour comes as a relief and the plaza makes an ideal spot for a break. Pitres is known as the ''Port of Pitres'' and even though it lies at about 1,200m it has its own fishing boat moored at the entrance to the village. The maritime theme is in response to a past politician who promised the good people of the village anything they wanted if they voted for him, the response a request for two harvest a year and a port. Villagers on the coast ha rd of the request and sent a boat and ships anchor up the mountain to support the cause.

We leave from the eastern end of the village and follow GR 142/E4 signs to pass by a hostal and drop into a river bed here again is evodence of recent landslips and flooding . Continuing along the path we reach Altabeiter, a small hamlet of about 30properties which is worth the five minutes it will take to expplore the village. After the village we continue east(ignore the paths off this route) and reach an old watermill perched between two small streams. The path then climbs to run between an unusually formal garden set amongst the almond groves. Continueing east we finally reacj a track heading south down in to the valley follow this for about 5 minutes to a waymarker pointing back west along the valley side.

This section of the route adds mountain drama to what has so far been a much more pasoral scenery.The south side of the Rio Travelez valley is made up of dramatic cliffs and peaks with steep zig zaging paths climbing up the vally side. The path is well waymarked as you slowly descend passing a well maintained era or threashing circles soon followed by a magnificent spring with naturally carbonated water coming out. Soon we enter Feriaroles, at the old wash house in the cente of the village turn left then right at the bottom of the short street to soon return back to a small path which takes us back to Fondales an the start of the walk.

duration 4-5 hours
approx 10km
water at springs in villages

Poqueira Gorge walk

2010-04-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

Monday of this week I took a client out on a walk in the middle section of the Poqueira Gorge. The gorge is famous for the three white villages of Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira which are all tourist traps for most of the year but beautiful non the less. The general scenery of this section of the gorge is one of steep sided valleys with terraces of almonds and cherries interspersed with woodland and scrub.

Our walk headed up hill out of Bubion to Capileira then ascended to follow one of the many water channels or acequias which feed water throughout not only this valley but across the whole of the region. The walking was tough enough as the terrain of the area doesn't allow for much easy strolling. There are however viwes of Mulhacen and the upper ridges of the Sierra nevada so the views are magnificent. Once we reached the head of the valley at the now deserted village built to service the building of a small hydro electric plant we lunched . Here at the confluence of the Rios Nuerte and Toril is was clear that there had been a major slip higher up the Rio Toril as the water in that river was black with silt unlike the Nuerte which was crystal clear snow melt.

The route back to capileirra follows old mule paths along he western side of the vally passing numerour cortijos many of which have old eras or threashing circles outside. Whilst the route is simple enough there have been numerous small landslips allong the paths which lead to a few tricky moments crossing stream beds. In the end we had to cut short the walk as the route directly back to Bubion allong the vally was missing due to a large er slip than we had previously seen so hence a return to capileira and back via the road.

Rio Durcal

2010-04-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

This walk is one of many contrsts from desert like dry river valley, mountain scrub through to oak woodland and mountain valley. All this in the space of five hours walking.

One of the dificulties of many of these walks is getting to the start , this walk is no differetn however from the Durcal bypass follow signs from the via servicio northward to ''Durcal Central'', a small hydro electric station which lies at the foot of the Barranco de la Rambla. This is a dry river bed which runs N.E. into the mountains and as you follow it make sure you take in all the rock sceneryas you pass through a ''wild west '' landscape. After about 45 minutes you come to the will see the second of two low dams , keep an eye out for a cairn on the right and then follow a more defined path on the S. side of the valley. The path brings you to a fuente , however do not expect this to be running, beyond the path zig zags steeply for about 20 minutes to finally reach a track running S - N.

You are now in the heart of the mountains and the views around are fantastic. To the west, close at hand is Butreras and to the north you can easily see the ridge line of the Alayas de Dilar and Travenque beyond. Our route heads N along the track for 15minutes where it crosses a barranco you then follow a vague but waymarked path right up to an acequia line which runs all the way to the head of the valley at La Toma where the water is taken to feed much of the valley below you.

The acequia line is simple to follw and needs little discription. As you follow its very gentle traversing line you pass from dry scrub , through almond groves to finally reach oak woodland as you pass in to the Parque Nacional. Beyond you cross a frighteningly narrow steel bridge. From here the trail becomes less defined however as long as you keep the acequia line in sight you will soon reach the head of the valley and the Rio Durcal.

Unfortunaetly this is a linear walk however the retun is easy and the final walk down the dry river bed is easy on the feet.

Total distance 18km
Time 7-8 hours
Medium with little navigation problem.
No spring water enroute, however you cross a number of streams.

Snow Shoeing Puerta la Ragua

2010-03-29T04:11:00.000-07:00

Last month I went on a quick trip around the north of the range to Puerta la Ragua.
This is the only road that runs across the Sierra Nevada from La Calahorra on the north to Laroles on the south reaching a height of of 2,000m at Puerta la Ragua itself. The area has an established X country ski network but is in sharp contrast to the ski village above Granada.

With good weather the snow shoeing was excellent, fairly deep soft snow within the forest either side of the pass meant that the snow shoes where essentila as soon as we steped off the x country pistes. The route we took followed a line west slowly climbing to 2,375m at a minor peak , Morron de Hornillo, much of the ascent was along a ridge line so the snow had thinned a bit however as ever deep patches meant that the snow shoes where still essential even here.
As the cloud dropped for the return we took a more direct line back east to the pass passing through forest and decending deep and steep snow, great fun.

A well earned coffe at the pass's so;e cafe rounded off the day nicely.

Travenque

2010-03-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

For most walkers getting to a summit is the main aim of their trip. At 2083m Travenque is big by UK standards but dwarfed by others in the range. It is however a fine mountain standing alone, it looks as if its been designed by a young child , steep cliffs leading to a rocky point of a summit which once you arrive you will realise is surrounded on all sides by steep drops.

I hope I haven’t made it sound to intimidating, it is a moderately difficult ascent with a steep path section below the top however if you have sure footing and don’t mind using hands on rock occasionally you will have no problems.

To start head to La Zubia about 5km South West of Granada, go through the village and then follow signs for Cumbra Verdes a further 2km south, from the end of the tarmac follow a dirt track for 2km to a car park and at Cerro de Sevilla. A number of walks and trails start from here so it’s well worth a visit.

From the car park ascend east to reach a broad track and follow this crossing through a strange lunar landscape of white shales. There are fine views south across the Rio Dilar toward the ridge line of the Alayas de Dilar, which looks more like the Black Cullin of Skye than a Spanish ridge.

After about 2km the track reaches a broad sandy col, here the final summit can easily be seen together with the grassy gully that the final section of the route follows. Drop east off the col on a path before turning left up a dry river bed. After 2km you reach a sign directing walkers around the back of the main summit via a gap in the ridge to your right however this is the point we begin our ascent so head left toward the summit on a narrow path which begins from this point. After passing the end of a track which marks our return route continue steeply to reach a magnificent view point on the ridge leading to the summit. Hands on rock from here as we follow the zig zags up through the grassy gully to a small rock step bout 10m below the summit. Cross the step, turn left and then follow a path around a rock outcrop to a final short easy scramble to the summit itself.

The views from the rocky summit are stunning. Looking east are some of Sierra Nevadas 3,000m + summits such as Valeta (3299m) and Cero de Caballo (3011m), west is Granada and the Alhambra whilst all around your feet is open space as you look down onto pine forest and dry desert valleys.

To return head back to the rock step and follow the ascent back down until you reach the end of the track we passed on the way up. Follow this as is slowly descends to the col From here you can either follow our ascent route all the way or take a smaller way marked path that heading west from the col.

Route details
Length 10km, ascent 700m, no water enroute, approximate time 5 hours.

Rio Verde, Sierra Almijara.

2009-11-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

The Sierra Almijara lies as the eastern end of the range of mountains running along the Mediterranean coastline from Malaga toward Motril.There are some sizable peaks within the range , up to 2,000m however the walk I describe below is in the upper section of the Rio Verde inland of Almunecar.

The walk starts just south of the spectacular cliffs o the mountain road between Almunecar and Padul. This road is well worth the drive in itself even if you don't do the walk. From a lay by with information boards the path runs along the north side of the Cerro Martos along a traversing path with fine views across to the rest of the Tejeda range. After about 3km you reach a mirador where the view opens over the upper Rio Verde and south toward the coastline, a spectacular spot for a brief stop. From here the path descends more steeply to finally reach some steps and a hand rail for the last 50m descent to the river bed and petrified waterfall.

The fall was and is still being created as minerals in the water are deposited to create a type of ''flow stone''. Logs which have become lodged in the falls are becoming slowly fossilised as the minerals cover them. Not to be missed on a path slightly to the right of the falls is a small grotto where stalactites and stalagmites are being created by the same process. Well worth taking a torch.

After exploring this area around the falls follow the path for a short distance further on the right bank of the stream before dropping to cross the stream bed and gain access to a track. Turn right to a notice board with information about the Rio verde barranco. From here recross the stream on the track to climb up to a reservoir. Whilst not massive this is an unusual feature in these mountains and is a fine spot to stop for lunch as after this its all up hill back to the car.

From the northern end of the reservoir take a track which crosses and recrosses the stream a number of times to pass below a pinnacle of rock just before an unusual cortijo part built into a natural cave. Turn right (east) after the cortijo to pass an area with a number of bee hives , take care not to disturb the bees. The track is obvious from here as it climbs then descends a number of times until finally crossing a wide dry river bed before a last long drag back up to the road. Turn right to return to the car.

Duration 4-5 hours ,
Moderate walking, easy route finding
No springs enroute
Very hot in summer.

Mulhacen, a two day ascent.

2009-11-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Monday and Tuesday of last week should have been the time for a group ascent of Mulhacen. However dwindling numbers and illness meant that in the end there were only three of us in the party, myself, Maureen and Glen friends from Lanjaron.

The two day ascent involves an easy walk in to the Poqueira Refuge from Hoya de Portillo in the forest above Capileira. There are a number of possible routes to take however I favour the path which crests the Loma de Piedra Blanco ( ''ridge of the white stones'' ) as this takes you above 2,600m for some distance and leads nicely up to the Mirador de Trevelez at 2,700m. This is always a good place for a break before the descent back to the refuge at 2,500m. The mirador is also the spot where in summer the mountain bus deposits walkers who have caught the bus out of Capileira. Is this the highest bus stop in Europe ?

As with many mountain refuges the Poqueira provides basic , evening meal, bunk bed and breakfast in very hospitable surroundings. With an open fire in the main room and wine and beer available at the bar what could be better. The monday we were there was fairly quiet with about 20 people including a group of mountain bikers who arrived after dark and leaft before first light.

We left the refuge at about eight the next morning and headed west to ascend the valley running up to the Laguna de Caldera at the foot of the west ridge of Mulhacen. From the refuge to the summit is a climb of nearly 1,000m in 5km so its never an ascent to be rushed , so we didn't. Two hours plodding saw us at the refugio de Caldera. This is an unmanned bivouac hut at 3,000m where after a short break to photograph the wild ibex we set off up the final 480m to the summit. Never a technical route, unless it has snow on it , the ascent is steep and just needs to be taken at a very steady pace. An hour and a half of more plodding saw us at the summit under glorious blue skies with fantastic 360 degree views including as far south as the Rif of northern Morrocco.

The descent was via the south ridge back to the main track at the mirador before an easy final couple of hours back to the car.

NOT TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN WINTER WITHOUT ADEQUATE EXPERIENCE AND EQUIPMENT.
First day 4-5 hours , second day 8-9 hours
Water at refuge.
Easy walking first day , hard ascent of ridge and long descent on second day. Navigation moderate in clear weather.

2009-11-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

Sierra Lujar

The Sierra Lujar lies between Orgiva and the Mediterranean coastline at Motril. At over 1800 m it is not a small range yet it is overlooked as a walking destination as it lies in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada range to the north. Ive looked at the range for a number of years and last year did the then recently opened ''ruta de minas''( route of the mines) The more recent trip however took in the top of the range and access couldn't be easier with a surfaced road accessing the number of ariels on the summit.The track winds its way up the eastern and northern flanks and can be used by even normal road vehicles. En route to the summit we were treated to an annual spectacle as Egyptian vultures from the region gathered in order to begin their migration across to Africa. About 100 of these huge birds where circling the car as we drove up and we were even able to park within about five metres of two which were on the ground next to the track.

So what of the walking , from the masts we could see an area of cliffs off to the north across a wide valley running due north down toward Orgiva. Around the head of the valley was a faint track line which ran east to west along a ridge overlooking Motril and the coastline of the costa tropical (including the plastic green houses). After following ever narrowing track for about 2km we then headed north across an open area to a point looking across a shallow side valley filled with pine. Dropping through the pine was not to difficult however there is no path so we just made it up as we went along. At the bottom of the tree line there was the start of a low limestone raised limestone pavement which lead east to an outcrop high above the main valley itself. An ideal spot for lunch.

Throughout the short route the views across the whole of the area had been remarkable , particularly those north to the main Sierra Nevada range . Certainly I had never viewed the range from this aspect and summits from Caballo in the west, to the outliers some 20km east beyond Puerta la Ragua where magnificent and to see three central peaks of Valetta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba spread out before us was almost as good a site as the vultures had been on the ascent.

Our return route was simply to retrace out steps. Over all the trip was only about 9km however as an exploratory trip it was well worth it with a number of tracks and lines being seen and logged for a later date.

2009-11-05T04:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new blog about walking and trekking in and around the sierras of southern Spain. Based in the Alpujarra , the region just to the south of the Sierra Nevada I have easy access to walking and trekking routes in a number of mountain areas within about an hours drive of Granada.
The aim of the blog is to provide information on routes in the region adding more as I go along either repeating routes I've enjoyed in the seven years Ive been walking in the region or as I explore new routes.