tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22736195877133340952024-03-13T22:50:35.142+00:00News from Sierra Nevada GuidesA range of interesting news items about walking, rock climbing and mountaineering in and around the Sierra Nevada mountains of southern Spain.Jane Livingstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11318870539311654184noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-65909184083919014972019-09-13T11:24:00.001+01:002019-09-21T14:28:25.266+01:00Staying Safe in the Mountains <div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;"><br />International Mountain Leaders have to complete Professional Development courses each year.</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 17.9px;"> </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">This year Mike, Jane and Steve from Sierra Nevada Guides were joined by Tom, another IML to spend 2 days in the high mountains looking at techniques for keeping our clients safe on the sometimes steep and rocky terrain we often find in the Sierra Nevada. Part of our reasoning for choosing the Sierra Nevada was not only the benefits learning in the terrain we regularly use, but also southern Spain’s usually warm sunny weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">We had agreed with BAIML that Steve as a Mountain Instructor and Course Director for Mountain Leadership and Skills in Ireland, could facilitate the course, and this turned out to be a good decision, as he is a really great tutor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV1Er-Xfq2zoPz71F7FsFZP_5m8MEXtgCNiu1jzd6dta2gTyJ-FRQ4WGnmMH-RSQsk5aphh3ZXO1RsJUkoKVSjViQY35qnZXpoH0rPAdYIRORNUW1xNb1dZ39eX8GH3XkuUHqXwhlDQ/s1600/P1070867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17.9px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV1Er-Xfq2zoPz71F7FsFZP_5m8MEXtgCNiu1jzd6dta2gTyJ-FRQ4WGnmMH-RSQsk5aphh3ZXO1RsJUkoKVSjViQY35qnZXpoH0rPAdYIRORNUW1xNb1dZ39eX8GH3XkuUHqXwhlDQ/s320/P1070867.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">We used the University Albergue at 2500m as our base and met there on the first evening. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tom had warned us the previous weekend that the weather forecast was not looking good. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were a little sceptical of his suggestions that we might be faced with snow, as we had been above 3000m earlier that week walking in light clothes quite happily. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However we were prepared with warm clothes as we read about the ‘gota fría’ heading our way. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is a cold front which sometimes sits over eastern Spain bringing unusually cold temperatures and often torrential rain. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Steve was driving down from near Murcia and found himself in the rain!</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">After an enjoyable evening catching up, we had an early start the next morning to plan the day. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We had booked places on the micro-bus which is operated by the National Park to take visitors up to 3000m and provides some interesting facts about the environment on the way. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUYPxwHyr4tDL-yiyDC8OuMGlkUzMK16ITczu17DU206wwMcJ_ODUOynnjLGroq-Kuj31o8nz3FBDuvK1Zn97eLrjSTY1PzAFhrs9xBpNsrsOhfLkRB2u6KYvAx2CN52ni9SBkKWsKw/s1600/P1070874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17.9px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUYPxwHyr4tDL-yiyDC8OuMGlkUzMK16ITczu17DU206wwMcJ_ODUOynnjLGroq-Kuj31o8nz3FBDuvK1Zn97eLrjSTY1PzAFhrs9xBpNsrsOhfLkRB2u6KYvAx2CN52ni9SBkKWsKw/s320/P1070874.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">Our original plans had been to follow the easy scramble towards the summit of Veleta, talking about safety and route choice on the way. However the wind and cold meant this would have been unwise and unsafe so instead we took our ropes and warm clothes to the Carrihuela bivouac refuge at 3205m and used this as ‘basecamp’.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">During the morning, Steve led us through some revision of knots, safe anchors and spotting. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was good to remind ourselves of how much we already knew from both our Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader courses as well as learning some new techniques. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For me one of the highlights was a really simple game for moving over steep ground, which involved holding a flat stone on the back of each hand whilst walking over the rocks at the back of the refuge. This meant you had to stand upright and hold you hands flat for balance (otherwise you will drop the stones) and it really worked!</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">After a break for lunch, we looked at belay techniques and using a rope to support a client who was lacking confidence in the terrain. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We then wandered around the rocky landscape underneath Veleta using both ropes and slings to support each other before returning to the bus.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">It had been an excellent few hours, and we had managed to find shelter from the increasingly strong winds and almost freezing temperatures - southern Spain that day was sunny, but certainly not warm!!</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">During the early evening Tom and Steve spent an hour or so talking about photography. Tom is a really good photographer and Steve had just bought a new camera. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No CPD points for this session (though I am sure we could have made the justification for them), but some stunning photos of the sun setting over an increasingly stormy summit of Veleta were an added bonus.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">The second day dawned but rather than sun, the tops were covered with quite a dusting of snow. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We debated our options and decided we more learning would take place by staying around the hostel as traveling any higher - this turned out to be a good move, as the driver of the bus returned after the early run saying there was too much ice and snow to be safe and he would not have taken us!</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">That morning we spend some time revising abseiling techniques (both the traditional and South African) and debating when each might be used. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">After warming coffee and cake in the hostel bar we made use of some nearby fencing (which is made of wooden poles and wire rope) to talk about keeping clients safe on fixed equipment, and when we might take people over what is called ‘the guides path’ - a short section of chain on a path near the old Sierra Nevada road.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">The final hour we had some more practice with ropes and slings on the steep rocky paths behind the hostel. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">We retreated to the warmth of the hostel bar for a final review and debrief before sending Steve off to do battle with the weather (the forecast for Murcia and Alicante was severe and we read the next day of some deaths on the roads due to flooding).</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.94pt;">A really great 2 days, lots of learning, sharing and reviewing our practice. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all agreed it would be good to do something similar the following year.</span></div>
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Jane Livingstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11318870539311654184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-38382056077931292352017-02-24T14:28:00.001+00:002017-02-24T14:28:07.483+00:00Using a GPS for Navigation<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Using
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I consider myself to
be a skilled navigator, a bit of a nerd when it comes to map reading and using
a compass along with all of the skills and techniques that make up navigation.
<b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/learn-to-use-a-gps/" target="_blank">At Sierra Nevada Guides we are teaching map reading and navigation throughout the year.</a></b> On almost every course I am asked, ‘do you use a GPS?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well the answer is, “yes sometimes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the GPS devices available: SatMap Active 10, Garmin Etrex 10, Garmin 64S and a Garmin Oregon 650.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digital mapping of The Sierra Nevada on my lap top</td></tr>
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I liken it to having a.b.s. or powered steering in my car. I wouldn’t drive a car without if I had the choice. For me, owning and being able to use a GPS device is another item in my toolbox of navigation techniques. If I am working in remote places, big mountains or going out in poor conditions then I’ll put my GPS in the top of my rucksack. It goes further than that though. I like to plan all of my walks in advance using a map. Often I’ll use online or digital mapping to plan my route. That way I can see the detail of the map clearly (the computer screen is well lit) and I can use a mapping programme that measures the distance of my route, tells me how much ascent there is and just how long it might take me to walk the route! Once out on the walk I’ll be using my map and compass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tjD-ohmL_vk_wB66fE9cUPak_tvL2J05-qnqFNUWX9fXHCB2RwohLPWaMUbMZKvS5TSNHLVlwOvivG6cccbpONRVF9rv4UDj7JW1M0vBewTGflLTf9QSNWCGzzRGzTIEhXpf6_KIyDw/s1600/ViewRanger+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tjD-ohmL_vk_wB66fE9cUPak_tvL2J05-qnqFNUWX9fXHCB2RwohLPWaMUbMZKvS5TSNHLVlwOvivG6cccbpONRVF9rv4UDj7JW1M0vBewTGflLTf9QSNWCGzzRGzTIEhXpf6_KIyDw/s320/ViewRanger+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View Ranger App with Gran Canaria mapping on my iPad</td></tr>
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Last year I visited Gran Canaria for a walking holiday. Having downloaded the details of some walks from the local walking guru “Rambling Roger” I was able to install his routes onto the mapping I had on my ipad and use the ipad as my map! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The other nice thing about using a GPS is that you can make a track of where you have been. This means that once you have finished your route you can see how far you have walked and where you have been on the computer screen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There have been some memorable moments where I have resorted to using a GPS from my map.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIONnm6EBkBIgDNyEb4qkOgdBrUQZ_yWJIOiC6QJCT0p9XgT155MHgjEJeHVugEyLXw7-J44ApGFGkS-72G3tno2j-E4cErE84Cp1FVqPSVkW3BzpWOCIrSCB1PY8V2KwvHxHKem3OfY/s1600/No+Need.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIONnm6EBkBIgDNyEb4qkOgdBrUQZ_yWJIOiC6QJCT0p9XgT155MHgjEJeHVugEyLXw7-J44ApGFGkS-72G3tno2j-E4cErE84Cp1FVqPSVkW3BzpWOCIrSCB1PY8V2KwvHxHKem3OfY/s320/No+Need.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Refugio, no need for a GPS.</td></tr>
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I remember as part of a two day trip here in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, we had left the Poqueira Refuge on day 2 and ascended to a ridge that we could use to snowshoe along back to the valley. We left the hut at 2500m in beautiful sunshine and spent an hour ascending gently to the ridge at 2700m. However as we reached the ridge, the mist was swirling in from the far side, and it wasn’t long before the visibility was down to around 20m. Knowing exactly where I was it would have been possible to use a compass bearing and a combination of pacing and timing to keep track of our location along the ridge. But as we were guiding two people it was much easier to get the GPS to do the work for us and so we could snowshoe where the snow was best rather than go in a straight line following a compass. With the GPS doing the work we had a great day playing in the snow!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An hour later, time for the GPS!</td></tr>
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Having and using a GPS doesn’t detract from being able to navigate. Going walking in the hills and mountains using a GPS still requires you to have good map reading and navigation skills. The GPS might tell you the direction but it will not tell you that you are about to walk over a cliff. A map will describe the terrain and your knowledge and experience will enable you to plan a route safely and how long it will take you. In October 2016, the British military were training in the North West Highlands of Scotland and were using devices to block the satellite signals rendering GPS navigation devices useless. Recently a friend of mine was on Ben Nevis, it was so cold that the batteries of his GPS froze and wouldn’t work. It would be dangerous to have a total reliance on a gadget!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another question I am frequently asked is what type of GPS should I get? Well that’s <b>the content of another blog</b>. However I’ve been using a GPS for over 10 years. In those days they didn’t come with very good mapping. Even when they did and although we have several with mapping I hung onto my basic old Garmin Etrex as all I wanted from it was a grid reference of where I was. It’s only been in the last 12 months that I have changed my opinion. Most devices now have the ability to install mapping onto them and they have generally got a lot easier to use. I no longer want to spend 5 minutes typing a grid reference into my old ETrex as I now have the choice of touching the place on the map (with a touch screen device) that I want to go to then pressing a button to navigate. 2 presses of a finger taking only 2 or 3 seconds! It’s a similar process with the new button press devices, move the cursor using the joystick to where you want to go to then 2 presses of the button and you are navigating. Slick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTCF8J12zYylmO5XZO3u56CFTO6dWzuJLU2dU6okbgqYCBBU5vkNbi5CxB7y360vUz1Lohx1uIsUwaOVj-ZG_BFgYWhYzgBBfe7_8CrxFPWCP7zWlvk7bQjvbgT8p15m5rr_x1arIr0U/s1600/P1030808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTCF8J12zYylmO5XZO3u56CFTO6dWzuJLU2dU6okbgqYCBBU5vkNbi5CxB7y360vUz1Lohx1uIsUwaOVj-ZG_BFgYWhYzgBBfe7_8CrxFPWCP7zWlvk7bQjvbgT8p15m5rr_x1arIr0U/s640/P1030808.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electronic devices may let you down so keep up to speed with your map and compass navigation skills.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garmin 64S a good device</td></tr>
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Of course it is essential that you have your device set up correctly and know how to use it. We meet lots of people who are not using their device correctly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/learn-to-use-a-gps/" target="_blank">If you are thinking of getting a GPS but are unsure which is the right one for you, you can book a session with us and we’ll show you how they work and let you try them out. These popular 1:1 half day sessions cost 75 Euro’s. They are also suitable for getting started if you have just acquired one but are uncertain about using it.</a></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumUu53Swxtw4AkVm7Ets_lkVmMUGjdOvjCuoK1JsQHb_SsRL9qAaek4I9FWqt0MvX3cDdbMwvFA1IMEXG6L6rWHXbYkytgg4qSvt4DJYIAWqq1uYynL7s_B4LGfaBgKlQ1TVMpFMFRVE/s1600/P1030825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumUu53Swxtw4AkVm7Ets_lkVmMUGjdOvjCuoK1JsQHb_SsRL9qAaek4I9FWqt0MvX3cDdbMwvFA1IMEXG6L6rWHXbYkytgg4qSvt4DJYIAWqq1uYynL7s_B4LGfaBgKlQ1TVMpFMFRVE/s320/P1030825.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garmin 650 a good device</td></tr>
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<b>Sierra Nevada Guides – Getting to Grips with your GPS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• What is GPS and how does it work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• What the buttons do and the menus are for…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Setting up your GPS correctly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Finding out where I am and relating it to the map.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Creating waypoints and making a route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Making a track of where I am walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Getting information about where I have walked and plotting it on your P.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Using online programmes to plan a route and transfer it to your GPS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• Downloading routes from the internet onto you GPS and following them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0f0f0f;">• What is geocaching and how do I do it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Mike, Jane, Martin and Steve at Sierra Nevada Guides are qualified International Mountain Leaders who in addition to running navigation courses are available to lead you walking and scrambling in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.</a></b></div>
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Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-32981323364433527872016-11-16T12:36:00.000+00:002016-11-16T12:36:11.443+00:00The Tour of Mulhacen<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>“The best and most varied multi
day trek in Spain’s Sierra Nevada”</i></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mulhacen is 3482m high
and is the highest mountain in mainland Spain and indeed the Iberian
Peninsular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is situated in The
Sierra Nevada National Park near the city of Granada around two hours drive
from Malaga.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxu1cFol2Mu_1sujyH00DviY-Z26AlaJkmumg05FH0LDeft0WLLjwUKm3mQoBoe2mUDuqNeDtQybbK_xiPy6FptZHueCUvU1z2h1Xh2yCirbIKzqQOgyHIpudRbA-Z0d1ihRndQvq6g4/s1600/Near+the+Refugio+Poqueira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxu1cFol2Mu_1sujyH00DviY-Z26AlaJkmumg05FH0LDeft0WLLjwUKm3mQoBoe2mUDuqNeDtQybbK_xiPy6FptZHueCUvU1z2h1Xh2yCirbIKzqQOgyHIpudRbA-Z0d1ihRndQvq6g4/s640/Near+the+Refugio+Poqueira.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early season, the route from Mulhacen's South Ridge to the Refugio Poqueira.</td></tr>
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There are several long
distance trails passing through or around the Sierra Nevada but none that
combine the villages, the highest peaks and pass through the different and
varied climatic / wildlife zones in a way that can be enjoyed without camping
or bivouacking.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulhacen from The Caldera</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our aim with The Tour
of Mulhacen is to combine all of the best aspects that make the Sierra Nevada
National and Natural Parks a special pace to enjoy into a week long holiday.
This includes ascents of the two highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Veleta
3396m and Mulhacen 3482m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Sierra Nevada is
Spain’s largest National Park. It’s uniqueness stems from the large number of
endemic species (over 100 with 63 species of endemic plants). During the Tour
of Mulhacen we hope you will be able to spend time appreciating the unique and
special landscapes that you are passing through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">The Sierra Nevada with its proximity to Granada was
part of the old Arab Kingdom of Al Andalus. In fact the name Mulhacén is
derived from Muley Hasan, the penultimate Arab king, who legend states is
buried on the mountain. The southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are known as
the Alpujarra and are characterised by pretty white villages in the Moorish
style. Capileira, where this walk starts and finishes is perhaps the prettiest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">The route is a journey through some high and remote
places. In summer the weather is generally good with little rain in June and
usually none at all in July and August. September is mainly fine but there are
usually a couple of stormy days which can result in snow high up. In any month
there can be high winds making the higher parts of the route difficult, also it
can be misty with low cloud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Apart from the (2 days) sections walking along the
GR240, there is no signposting to be relied on. Good map reading skills, a
compass and knowing how to use them is essential. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT1NsTxgbmZuoN3N5PCbwBVVDmY46JsYrRUvl7ZyoA7umsiTDBADBeHwLnM_xIjc6b_gEsocDCoQWX3lQRMO31fQ8NrZJGU-o-c6vpp2BkrSHVQ8e2VJU-JsxjmiKU6ZyFZZgwGtfDuc/s1600/Near+Trevelez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT1NsTxgbmZuoN3N5PCbwBVVDmY46JsYrRUvl7ZyoA7umsiTDBADBeHwLnM_xIjc6b_gEsocDCoQWX3lQRMO31fQ8NrZJGU-o-c6vpp2BkrSHVQ8e2VJU-JsxjmiKU6ZyFZZgwGtfDuc/s640/Near+Trevelez.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tour of Mulhacen, near Trevelez.</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 1<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Capileira to Trevelez.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A route following the
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">6 to 7 hours walking
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7UWLpAGXpSVGsWuweNb3EzjzzuzDa2y8pQstr_Q8PqDtPpdTF6MPXhe-xzVdHZO0NU-s_vnFyUI5bsi_Hp_3Y2i8QgVd6t8T19gBwOwrZQkXqGMyrlEjcxDhgP_o2SiSV4zjg-nVLnc/s1600/The+Star+of+The+Snows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7UWLpAGXpSVGsWuweNb3EzjzzuzDa2y8pQstr_Q8PqDtPpdTF6MPXhe-xzVdHZO0NU-s_vnFyUI5bsi_Hp_3Y2i8QgVd6t8T19gBwOwrZQkXqGMyrlEjcxDhgP_o2SiSV4zjg-nVLnc/s320/The+Star+of+The+Snows.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The endemic, "Star of the Snows"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capileira" target="_blank">Capileira 1436m</a> is a
very pretty mountain village with lots of bars and hotels. The information
centre is situated beside the bus stop almost opposite the Bar Moirama. Here it
is possible to buy maps.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Spanish are not
known for their early starts, however for the first two days, starting from a
lowly height of around 1400m to 1500m it is advisable to make an early (ish)
start to avoid the heat of summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
Today’s walk follows the <a href="http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/servtc5/ventana/mostrarFicha.do;jsessionid=D0F6310E18FEA85F70A1EB29E0C6C331?re=s&idEquipamiento=22107&lg=EN" target="_blank">GR240</a> to Trevelez, The first two hours being uphill to Hoya del Portillo 2100m. Fortunately a lot of
this climb is in forest that provides shade. Once above Hoya del Portillo the
mountainside opens out and we leave the forest. This is a fairly arid hillside
but where there is water look out for some spectacular plants. Crossing this
hillside in the afternoon regularly give sights of both eagles and vultures
circling above.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.andalucia.com/province/granada/trevelez/home.htm" target="_blank">Trevelez 1476m</a> is the
highest village in mainland Spain. As such it is famous and it is also a centre
for curing hams in the dry mountain air. Perhaps not so pretty as Capileira but
still a very nice picturesque village.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 2<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Trevelez to The Postero Alto Refuge.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ascending the Rio
Trevelez to Puerto Trevelez before descending to the Postero Alto Refuge. About
8 hours walking with 1500m of ascent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA_fXNwglBSdK6E0OnCPcgF1US9_WMjRWuKR9hb6hsQN7bLQgiPnkl3zH9F-GC7l9QQLEcWHx3MjaKWTK8hqDMiXp_pETpkypAL0ZpsUrrTXCDnYKWXc14v7h0G2s4xoU6pJS5dMUc4I/s1600/Postero+Alto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA_fXNwglBSdK6E0OnCPcgF1US9_WMjRWuKR9hb6hsQN7bLQgiPnkl3zH9F-GC7l9QQLEcWHx3MjaKWTK8hqDMiXp_pETpkypAL0ZpsUrrTXCDnYKWXc14v7h0G2s4xoU6pJS5dMUc4I/s1600/Postero+Alto.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refugio Postero Alto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Today’s walk is
probably the hardest day of the Tour of Mulhacen. This is due to reaching the
steep slopes of El Horcaio in the heat of the day. However it is a great and
varied days walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We head out of the
village to the north following joining and following the Rio Trevelez. This is
a verdant valley, very green, even in the height of summer. As we climb we pass
through summer farms where the farmers still use horse to access their high
farms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once we have scaled
the slopes of El Horcaio, the mountain path is more gentle beside a nice
mountain stream that we follow to today’s high point of Puerto Trevelez 2800m
where we cross the main east / west ridge of the Sierra Nevada and descend down
to the Refugio Postero Alto 1880m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The <a href="http://refugioposteroalto.es/" target="_blank">Refugio PosteroAlto</a> is a unique building sometimes described as “The Hobbit House” with its
many adjoining extensions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 3<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Postero
Alto Refuge to The Pena Partida Refugio (shelter).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">An easier day with a
chance to pass the spectacular waterfalls of Los Lavaderos de la Reina. About 6
hours walking with about 650m of ascent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8BHWvTEydHmRyeSoNkzMtDtIzcRUq7tQCZspt2qcdEohtZ1517s6Yy0sUoc1WgZ7eWgtKxc5bEz2vUt-Cmeg5CPczxepIAD8pxIRc0J_uy1hLvsq9z1I7krVoXKTjbALHvlIlaQGDCY/s1600/Iberian+Ibex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8BHWvTEydHmRyeSoNkzMtDtIzcRUq7tQCZspt2qcdEohtZ1517s6Yy0sUoc1WgZ7eWgtKxc5bEz2vUt-Cmeg5CPczxepIAD8pxIRc0J_uy1hLvsq9z1I7krVoXKTjbALHvlIlaQGDCY/s320/Iberian+Ibex.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iberian Ibex, a common sight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Today we will follow
the GR240 path past the Lavaderos de la Reina, spectacular waterfalls in the
early summer due to the vast amount of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>melting snow on the high peaks. A chance to follow some spectacular
“acequia’s” which are old water channels originally constructed by the Arabs to
share the water around the mountain sides brining more farmland into use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.fedamon.com/index.php/zona-del-alhori-2/11-federacion/198-refugio-de-pena-partida-2430m&prev=search" target="_blank">The Pena PartidaRefuge 2451m</a> is just a stone shelter with a wooden sleeping platform. For this
night you will need to carry a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and any spare clothes
you need. This is the only night on The Tour without a manned refuge or hotel.
If undertaking this trip with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://mountainwalkingholidays.co.uk/the-tour-of-mulhacen/" target="_blank">Mountain Walking Holidays</a></i></b>, there is
a certain amount of support available so a meal will be prepared for you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 4<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pena Partida to The University Albergue at Hoya
de la Mora<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">16.5Km with 1400m of
ascent. About 8 hours walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpegMxexr6u-i7g7pHUwftzuGwv8woxZPMmG-FYSmA0lSk5SRBhVmmQlTaBJ-JOVTfppiyfsYDHZB-j2H_jZMb6EUDhv9fhbEsN1b4m51XnpoWT9ta06V-XKE9kbSUyA25GKosurtboOg/s1600/Virgin+of+the+Snows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpegMxexr6u-i7g7pHUwftzuGwv8woxZPMmG-FYSmA0lSk5SRBhVmmQlTaBJ-JOVTfppiyfsYDHZB-j2H_jZMb6EUDhv9fhbEsN1b4m51XnpoWT9ta06V-XKE9kbSUyA25GKosurtboOg/s320/Virgin+of+the+Snows.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Virgin of the Snows, <br />Hoya de la Mora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We continue along the
GR240 descending to cross the Rio Genil and to a path know as the “Vereda de la
Estrella” or “Path of the Stars.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From here we start our ascent on little used paths to the Valley of San
Juan which we cross to the old observatory and to <a href="https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.nevadensis.com/&prev=search" target="_blank">The University Albergue atHoya de La Mora 2500m where we will spend the night in relative comfort.</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 5<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hoya
de la Mora to the Refugio Poqueira via the high peaks </span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">of Veleta </span></b><b style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(3394m)
and Mulhacen (3482m).</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Not as hard as you might think! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take the National Park bus </span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">from the </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">Albergue to 3000m before the ascent of Veleta. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;">Between </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">Veleta and Mulhacen it </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">is mainly easy walking apart </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;">from the final
400m climb. Our descent off </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">Mulhacen is down </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;">the </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">gentle South Ridge to the
Refugio Poqueira. We end the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">day with a celebration in the <a href="http://refugiopoqueira.com/" target="_blank">Refugio Poqueira 2500m</a>. </span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">16.8Km </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">with around 950m of </span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">ascent.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL5ZjI30CixcbUnW2j7kNc7xMN5iRe6QHXbxUJSvtHQ3eWPeCprU1tZxVAqP-lLM-Htqq5KejbtWRTpSOkNOcEuA-5Nl9cIk2Q9ZyCJOjdtu1od4M7ByDpuYKpw1R9-RCVGmiZ_h4EAY/s1600/Veleta+from+Refugio+Poqueira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL5ZjI30CixcbUnW2j7kNc7xMN5iRe6QHXbxUJSvtHQ3eWPeCprU1tZxVAqP-lLM-Htqq5KejbtWRTpSOkNOcEuA-5Nl9cIk2Q9ZyCJOjdtu1od4M7ByDpuYKpw1R9-RCVGmiZ_h4EAY/s640/Veleta+from+Refugio+Poqueira.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refugio Poqueira with Veleta 3396m in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 6<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Refugio
Poqueira to Capileira<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A descent of the
delightful Rio Poqueira back to Capileira. 4 to 5 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When to do this route<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUwx-qWtJsDIrlkU8qqXh-YEv7hgrvIGkErZiDNeHrgDguSsA_L_wsoxzP1jfvvJiqqrHCOSQIBq4zYf58aNIvolbaSrotLINQiQ_Y4qndSa3INePukWqhqfHlNqhqiIxCXYqvSU8Oms/s1600/Mulhacen+Summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUwx-qWtJsDIrlkU8qqXh-YEv7hgrvIGkErZiDNeHrgDguSsA_L_wsoxzP1jfvvJiqqrHCOSQIBq4zYf58aNIvolbaSrotLINQiQ_Y4qndSa3INePukWqhqfHlNqhqiIxCXYqvSU8Oms/s320/Mulhacen+Summit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Summit of Mulhacen 3482m.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This route really
needs to be done after the snow has melted making it a safer undertaking. Most
years The Tour will be in condition from mid June through until mid October. The
Alpine flowers are especially good at the beginning of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said there are some areas of
concern:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">i.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Refugio Postero Alto is only open throughout the week in July, August and
September. Other months it is only open at weekends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ii.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Snow
often lies across the route near the Carrihuela Refuge (Day 5) until mid July.
This re-freezes overnight and can be difficult to cross especially early in the
day without crampons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Accommodation and Campsites<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There is plenty of
hotel accommodation in both Capileira and Trevelez. In Capileira we have used
several Hotels but the cheapest is the Hostal Moirma which we found perfectly
adequate. If you need an early breakfast, best buy provisions in and have it in
your room as you are unlikely to get anything before 8am. The Bar Meson
Poqueira does a good tostada from 7.30am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In Trevelez The
Refugio Alpujarra Alta is good basic accommodation, though there are plenty of
hotels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Capileira and
Trevelez have mini supermarkets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCOyo0a5ZC6N6Qyzmd2GCk20_pLVjFFlzGcGQz7w9xBAI-LgZoTnF7pzpK_BpD37Hh-L4S7Ode7O0jOsEsqbLLn20hDDJeqig2O_YIew7_uuLwmjMhdTFqh7pBcYE7CTh3SsNImvT9LA/s1600/Beer+at+the+Refugio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCOyo0a5ZC6N6Qyzmd2GCk20_pLVjFFlzGcGQz7w9xBAI-LgZoTnF7pzpK_BpD37Hh-L4S7Ode7O0jOsEsqbLLn20hDDJeqig2O_YIew7_uuLwmjMhdTFqh7pBcYE7CTh3SsNImvT9LA/s320/Beer+at+the+Refugio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beer at the Refugio Poqueira.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Refugio Postero
Alto and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Refugio Poqueira need to
be booked in advance. They provide good wholesome meals, have a bar and limited
shop where you can buy basic items such as chocolate and biscuit bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Refugio Poqueira has hot showers
available and you can rent a towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For both refugio’s you will need a sheet sleeping bag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The refugio Pena
Partida is a basic bothy with table and chairs and a sleeping platform.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The University
Albergue at Hoya de la Mora is a very basic hotel. They serve reasonable meals
and will make you a packed lunch. If you are intending to use the National Park
bus to gain height from here, this can be booked when you make the Alberge
booking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are Official Campsites
at Trevelez and Pitres (20 minutes drive from Capileira). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It is possible to wild
camp in the National Park though there are some rules to follow (available
either direct from the National Park or in leaflet form in English from the
Information Centres). However this route as described does not require “wild
camping” in the traditional sense and would be difficult within the rules
dictated by the National Park.</span><span style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Maps and Guidebooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY7A9neABSYN3K-SmPWLrPn5G5fOGr7RXiDA2hfMYuXAbGhl38bEsgQ0nkDvQ2XhX83LJU8Vg5eohpJ2GA86va3F-I-bRLwx4TsYAUpDbEqCMFWyvybuyBNJeSgHc3D9Lmjcd9qyp78I/s1600/P1020709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY7A9neABSYN3K-SmPWLrPn5G5fOGr7RXiDA2hfMYuXAbGhl38bEsgQ0nkDvQ2XhX83LJU8Vg5eohpJ2GA86va3F-I-bRLwx4TsYAUpDbEqCMFWyvybuyBNJeSgHc3D9Lmjcd9qyp78I/s320/P1020709.jpg" width="188" /></a><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Editorial
Penibetica 1:40k Map, “Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, La Alpujarra,
Marquesada del Zenete” is perfectly adequate for the route and comes with a
guidebook (in English) to the Area. It is available from Stanfords and we
recommend that you get it laminated prior to your trip as it is very flimsy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It is also available
from the Information Centre in Capileira and some shops and bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Other multi day treks in the Sierra Nevada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are several
other long distance routes that pass by or through the Sierra Nevada and
Alpujarra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The GR240 is Spain’s
longest circular long distance footpath that circumnavigates The Sierra Nevada
in 19 stages. The only villages it passes through are Capileira and Trevelez so
stocking up with provisions is difficult if doing it in one complete outing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The GR7 crosses the
western edge of the Sierra Nevada near Lanjaron and continues through the
Alpujarra.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The “Integral” is a
traverse of all the 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada, usually from east to
west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some variations on
the route and most people spend 3 or 4 nights wild camping along the route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Tour of Mulhacen as a Supported Trek:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our sister company, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://mountainwalkingholidays.co.uk/the-tour-of-mulhacen/" target="_blank">MountainWalking Holidays</a></i></b> offer this itinerary as a supported trek.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPyNRLQO0W0C23FapTQyZA5vMzQJFKX7N-eVRnqLOYxXuviG0YwiSoCB0iLJo1A_HFpLPD0ycAh1SrLitFSGi2uyepTxG3EiMgKgvyA-sfKWwxOTPcD91QJlEvInvMFJf3WY7RZaLRfs/s1600/The+Road+to+Mulhacen%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPyNRLQO0W0C23FapTQyZA5vMzQJFKX7N-eVRnqLOYxXuviG0YwiSoCB0iLJo1A_HFpLPD0ycAh1SrLitFSGi2uyepTxG3EiMgKgvyA-sfKWwxOTPcD91QJlEvInvMFJf3WY7RZaLRfs/s640/The+Road+to+Mulhacen%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The route to Mulhacen as seen from the Carrihuela Refuge near Veleta.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a> are the only <a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Qualified British Guides</a> living and working in Spain's Sierra Nevada.<br />
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Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-77038749461307808252016-02-05T14:27:00.000+00:002016-02-05T14:27:09.371+00:00Undiscovered Routes <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PeiEtrfreO0/VrSve1MwA-I/AAAAAAAAAoY/6BmMzZWRSv0/s1600/phone%2B030.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PeiEtrfreO0/VrSve1MwA-I/AAAAAAAAAoY/6BmMzZWRSv0/s320/phone%2B030.jpg" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz0owek7BKA/VrSv-ne4lfI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Yl5RjpJtKQE/s1600/phone%2B021.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz0owek7BKA/VrSv-ne4lfI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Yl5RjpJtKQE/s320/phone%2B021.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANooJL4XBvs/VrSwIvz-tGI/AAAAAAAAAog/iDoQGi5n62g/s1600/phone%2B027.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANooJL4XBvs/VrSwIvz-tGI/AAAAAAAAAog/iDoQGi5n62g/s320/phone%2B027.jpg" /></a>
One of the great things about walking in this area is that not many other people do it. Routes are not massive erosion scars as in the popular areas of the UK and you can walk without crowds of people. It also means that routes are still out there to be found and whilst it might not be the first time they are walked often it is clear that they are little used. This happened to me recently when I ‘’discovered ‘’ a new route following the line of an acequia in the Rio Trevelez valley.
I first spotted the line of what I though at the time might make a great walk during last summer. I was a passenger in a coach full of clients returning from a days walking near Trevelez. Returning back down the valley I saw a clear straight line running across the cliff face on the mountain side which creates the south side of this rugged valley. Later in the year when I was this time driving down the road I managed to stop and inspect the line using a pair of binoculars , even from a distance it looked like a dramatic line but it was still not clear that is would ‘’go’’ .
I finally got around to going out to actually having a look last week and finally discovered that the line I had seen threading its way through steep cliffs and scrub was in fact an acequia and that it could indeed be walked.
I set off along what was at first a fairly wide concrete channel crossing open hillside. On turning the first corner it became clear that the line was going to be more than a normal acequias walk. The channel has been cut through steep cliffs, passes below overhangs, is in places pinned to vertical rock sections and includes a couple of natural rock archways. The second of these is so tight that it required removing my rucksack and a squirming along the bottom of the acequias in order to continue the route.
For some , my wife included it sounds like the worst possible sort of walk but if you have a head for heights the km or so of channel makes a wonderful walk.
The dramatic section of what turns out to be the Acequia Almegijar comes to an end on a waymarked path running through the area called the ‘’Ruta Medieval’’. This trail links the white villages through the Taha area of the Alpujarra valley and is worth seeking out in its own right.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Busquístar, Granada, Spain36.964618842388262 -3.271127241833482936.939244842388263 -3.311467741833483 36.989992842388261 -3.2307867418334828tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-70955439275346875712016-01-15T12:52:00.000+00:002016-01-15T12:52:30.127+00:00Lucero and the Axarquia <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeol5-XLjbs/VpjqvaPkryI/AAAAAAAAAoA/4T0DQmVTHvc/s1600/catallejo%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeol5-XLjbs/VpjqvaPkryI/AAAAAAAAAoA/4T0DQmVTHvc/s320/catallejo%2B019.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTu7W1ffL7M/Vpjq0Wsb8II/AAAAAAAAAoI/iwpwKUzoO70/s1600/catallejo%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTu7W1ffL7M/Vpjq0Wsb8II/AAAAAAAAAoI/iwpwKUzoO70/s320/catallejo%2B027.JPG" /></a>
A couple of weeks ago I returned to the coastal mountains of the Axarquia to once again climb Lucero. This is a dramatic peak lying inland of Nerja , with a distinctive pyramid shape it sits proud on the skyline above the coast. Also known as the ‘’Raspones de Moriscos’’ the walk is one of the most breathtaking in the area and whilst not as high as some inland route has the feel of being on a much bigger mountain.
The summit sits at 1,779m and offers some wonderful views both across the Mediterranean or inland to the distant Sierra Nevada. The rock in the area is limestone which creates its own distinctive karst landscape with pinnacle like summits with dramatic cliff faces and steep drops into the forested valleys below.
The final section of the walk is along a waymarked trail from a forest track accessed from a forest track which comes through the resin forests south of Arenas del Ray. The path itself is well marked and takes you steeply through some weirdly shaped naturally eroded limestone outcrops and bypasses a number of lesser summits en route. Some of these offer what look to be great opportunities for exploration either as additional walking routes or for scrambles up good clean limestone. En route to the summit I did spy one such route and went ‘’off piste‘’ for a section to scramble to the rocky summit of Cerro de Venta Panaderos before the final steep plod up zig zags to the distinctive summit of Lucero itself.
The summit is marked by a small ruin. Now only one section of wall remains of what was apparently a lookout for the Guardia Civil both during the civil war and later as the area was used by rebels still hiding from the authoraties.
These mountain ranges as a whole are criss crossed with old drovers routes and mule tracks used to take livestock and good between the coastal areas and the inland towns and villages. There are two key points where these routes converged, the Puertas Frigliani and Competa. These low cols allowed slightly easier access through the range. Many of these routes had ‘’ventas’’ or bars along them to provide drinks for the men who walked or rode through the mountains. The ruins of these can often be seen particularly at key point on the walks such as the top of steep climbs or the junction of routes.
This area is best walked in winter and spring as over summer the high temperatures mean that walking here can be dangerous or on occasion the park is shut due to high fire risk.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Nerja, Málaga, Spain36.7565204 -3.872465799999986336.7310764 -3.9128062999999864 36.7819644 -3.8321252999999862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-78750069948697331502016-01-01T14:33:00.002+00:002016-01-01T14:33:53.547+00:00Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains<div class="MsoNormal">
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Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">All mountain guides
and International Mountain Leaders have to undertake “C.P.D.” (Continuous
Professional Development) annually to maintain their registration as a guide.
For British International Mountain Leaders this is a minimum of two days per
year (not including 1<sup>st</sup> aid).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the North Faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a>
are pleased to announce that we have been accredited<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to run a CPD event in the Sierra Nevada during 2016 which
will provide 2 CPD events for those attending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUexHK3M6_4Xx3vXPeoFkuly6IWRM_dcIPyNNYL0wpnRNQm5YtpTYD1bOgx3DsEzKGcvZ10AyX2id7eMqwAoezws1-Of6Hyqoy0mL9mtcE6V7elT1ndkoaofmb_jscwMuTAOK96t3qjSs/s1600/Parnassius+apolo+on+Thyme.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUexHK3M6_4Xx3vXPeoFkuly6IWRM_dcIPyNNYL0wpnRNQm5YtpTYD1bOgx3DsEzKGcvZ10AyX2id7eMqwAoezws1-Of6Hyqoy0mL9mtcE6V7elT1ndkoaofmb_jscwMuTAOK96t3qjSs/s640/Parnassius+apolo+on+Thyme.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parnassius apolo butterfly feeding on Thyme 3000m asl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This will be a
“showcase” event demonstrating the uniqueness and very best that the Sierra
Nevada has to offer as well as climbing the four highest mountains including
Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. The specific
details of the event are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3<sup>rd</sup> to 8<sup>th</sup>
July, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest
Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National
Park.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQue63xSiueLRFPkWWNJy_0Dq5o26pCJ02bauwkyFPguniyG7Bo_egMFdmtq_GkctXjp39EdIFzJc7AhTWFNldxYyF4jQGQ4TZKlMpsdw_JllC-u6s6nD-R-wi4DxGHwjFkdHGI-jOl0/s1600/Erigeron+frigidus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQue63xSiueLRFPkWWNJy_0Dq5o26pCJ02bauwkyFPguniyG7Bo_egMFdmtq_GkctXjp39EdIFzJc7AhTWFNldxYyF4jQGQ4TZKlMpsdw_JllC-u6s6nD-R-wi4DxGHwjFkdHGI-jOl0/s640/Erigeron+frigidus.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erigeron frigidus an extremely rare endemic species</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mulhacen at 3482m is
the highest mountain in mainland Spain. Situated in Spain’s largest national
park, The Sierra Nevada is surrounded by a natural park. Together they have
some wonderful scenery, early summer flowers and fascinating geology. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">It was
declared a Unesco </span>Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its
exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species with over 100 endemic species.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGsjuIAK_nHwZ5vCrc6ePZbCbN76Ka4EjOGleqwUj5jAi4TghUauoMeW2wVRwdHdxsSd9-s6EJdh54wi_KyfoB0Ok4TyO5TgSG1WRUN6eMxvJUvzNJ82TUxflE6hw0vyIAgRwRR-xyes/s1600/Iberian+Ibex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGsjuIAK_nHwZ5vCrc6ePZbCbN76Ka4EjOGleqwUj5jAi4TghUauoMeW2wVRwdHdxsSd9-s6EJdh54wi_KyfoB0Ok4TyO5TgSG1WRUN6eMxvJUvzNJ82TUxflE6hw0vyIAgRwRR-xyes/s640/Iberian+Ibex.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Iberian Ibex near the summit of Mulhacen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6veIz1nu4U8QzYqTnm1sCJfp2wJCtv3AeZ4-KdHPj7aRD1gp3ZJTR5TO8Y6RVQyDNTxzoicGDm38QirfckmWEx1Gzx0z3KtfU5zwUjj8rlz4Q2oCBHPwDtBZg77R3872kmwduKtrPQLQ/s1600/Scramble+on+Veleta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6veIz1nu4U8QzYqTnm1sCJfp2wJCtv3AeZ4-KdHPj7aRD1gp3ZJTR5TO8Y6RVQyDNTxzoicGDm38QirfckmWEx1Gzx0z3KtfU5zwUjj8rlz4Q2oCBHPwDtBZg77R3872kmwduKtrPQLQ/s400/Scramble+on+Veleta.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An easy (grade 1) scramble on slabs to ascend Veleta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In addition to the
natural history of the area we will be aiming to ascend the four highest
mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Mulhacen 3482m, Pico del Veleta 3394m, Alcazaba
3371m and Cerro de Los Machos 3329m. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlmU6YtUn5MVie9BJ2wUch7fGOuIlXP_If-b5MjyYd9GhwMrHjLrw0Om6Iz7u1wjjD3eRjgD_sJd0h3CdNQjpAsvU5Z6k03GIUI9xwG4_EtkBzLCOrCHTlKmDdJJAz_G-pZtLoqs6oW8/s1600/Star+of+the+Snows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
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The itinerary will
include some easy scrambling and crossing a short exposed section of chain.
Participants will need to bring suitable slings to safeguard themselves.
Aspirants will be equipped and coached by the three qualified IML’s from Sierra
Nevada Guides who will be leading this event. Four days in the mountains with three nights will be spent in
mountain Refugio’s. The cost not including travel or accommodation is £200 per
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/baiml-cpd-event/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Full details of the event are here.</span></a></u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbTyGWuztFdMDLTTjTLDPm-irFNiPl92ayWBZBrBfqonmdFdadpkKaAfyVWFiVrOl5Gjojzh4W-JXzQdg05LNcHSvKgtuJV9qoZf8XqK2yHMirJDZuKbTG_qClNNx-26MlXBroPQijtU/s1600/Artemisia_granatensis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbTyGWuztFdMDLTTjTLDPm-irFNiPl92ayWBZBrBfqonmdFdadpkKaAfyVWFiVrOl5Gjojzh4W-JXzQdg05LNcHSvKgtuJV9qoZf8XqK2yHMirJDZuKbTG_qClNNx-26MlXBroPQijtU/s640/Artemisia_granatensis.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sierra Nevada Camomile, Artemisia granatensis another very rare plant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Whilst this event is
designed to provide CPD for IML’s it would also provide good experience for
Aspirant IML’s and Mountain Leaders considering becoming IML's.</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1cRMnpiS6gRpUduOWBQCGPa9drOtYsiEHCGOrXh_zXhRbBOqgzUqjwG9lMhm79t92mLOd0TdUi7eVfIQEMlBvMafkgHDb9EjKctNhHKRsamwtphAKjnvnRl7WctBS4_XJUMv4kT8xpY/s1600/Chains+near+Veleta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1cRMnpiS6gRpUduOWBQCGPa9drOtYsiEHCGOrXh_zXhRbBOqgzUqjwG9lMhm79t92mLOd0TdUi7eVfIQEMlBvMafkgHDb9EjKctNhHKRsamwtphAKjnvnRl7WctBS4_XJUMv4kT8xpY/s400/Chains+near+Veleta.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Crossing a section of chain at 3200m near Veleta<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Learning Outcomes</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To see how plants
adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To observe the
uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To observe the impact
man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To learn how the
National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the
environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Understand the range
of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of
less reliability than O.S. maps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Crossing exposed fixed
equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Crossing snow patches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRbyv_K2oqrN60XCpKj6QjxaWVSaub8ueVi1slf36ry0KY8rOphkfxpVtDyphEw0deqgxm83uL3Y9Ot7xTN3_SvPVDM74H3ywdii1dSzpSf5b50cjHNIwJUMbYfwsvv2KDOXj0UEisuk/s1600/Mulhacen%2527s+West+Flank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRbyv_K2oqrN60XCpKj6QjxaWVSaub8ueVi1slf36ry0KY8rOphkfxpVtDyphEw0deqgxm83uL3Y9Ot7xTN3_SvPVDM74H3ywdii1dSzpSf5b50cjHNIwJUMbYfwsvv2KDOXj0UEisuk/s640/Mulhacen%2527s+West+Flank.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera bivouac Refuge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">This course is being led by qualified International Mountain Leaders from <b><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a></span></b>: Michael Hunt, Jane Livingstone and Martin Riley. Both Jane and Michael are members of BAIML whilst Martin is the first British member of AEGM, the Spanish Guides Association.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQB17COrMXyaOLuSpwXpn-ToXUsSvV2Sx_xXj4-MSfjPlqbCoYOoGR5wuIS8eCpFuIz0xF0QXRL0BT_ZsEgMy45GkL7ReBuaN6MHrqHHaRk_Td1RJ462kKbZNO_54Ce0bLEu0aJAJ6Jc/s1600/guides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQB17COrMXyaOLuSpwXpn-ToXUsSvV2Sx_xXj4-MSfjPlqbCoYOoGR5wuIS8eCpFuIz0xF0QXRL0BT_ZsEgMy45GkL7ReBuaN6MHrqHHaRk_Td1RJ462kKbZNO_54Ce0bLEu0aJAJ6Jc/s200/guides.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane, Michael and Martin<br />Sierra Nevada Guides</td></tr>
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Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-15535015245360189422015-12-19T16:14:00.002+00:002015-12-19T16:14:14.211+00:00Training Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Training
Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/baiml-cpd-event/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Sierra Nevada Guides will be providing (CPD) training for U.K. International Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada in July 2016.</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKiKcAPK4dX8uivbqvot4dPD7JPiGx_7P3L7MchY0hrFBkKkylzT9uqGCQooM4L89HuH7rOJSLSgsgC7Snv1YZlh62EFhOs_fTzYsFpVYIDHIlUcK_WC_x7VZL7UvkF7rSj0U-N0zb0E/s1600/P1010332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKiKcAPK4dX8uivbqvot4dPD7JPiGx_7P3L7MchY0hrFBkKkylzT9uqGCQooM4L89HuH7rOJSLSgsgC7Snv1YZlh62EFhOs_fTzYsFpVYIDHIlUcK_WC_x7VZL7UvkF7rSj0U-N0zb0E/s640/P1010332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane scrambling on Veleta 3396m 2nd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">All International
Mountain leaders have to complete a minimum of 2 cpd training days a year, and
we are privileged here in the Sierra Nevada to be a provider of such training.
Though the course is primarily aimed at qualified International Mountain
leaders, it is also suitable for Aspirant IML’s already undertaking training to
qualify or qualified British Mountain Leaders considering applying to be
accepted on the IML training courses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3<sup>rd</sup> to 8<sup>th</sup>
July, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest
Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National
Park.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-8YFNw7WjrZe6AUY7pG689F6o1RsAOoAJFNhK_R2JbHgmz_ak4r6og0pFmxNYlFrsNMWYFW2jhZQVijd3i9jkjxWu0NZ7GqpeL8NGW8bA8yr2TTQwynHAwL8KQVVz58FtBgPWbZkaeg/s1600/Mulhacen+from+The+Caldera.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-8YFNw7WjrZe6AUY7pG689F6o1RsAOoAJFNhK_R2JbHgmz_ak4r6og0pFmxNYlFrsNMWYFW2jhZQVijd3i9jkjxWu0NZ7GqpeL8NGW8bA8yr2TTQwynHAwL8KQVVz58FtBgPWbZkaeg/s400/Mulhacen+from+The+Caldera.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera Bivi Refuge 3080m</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mulhacen at 3482m is
the highest mountain in mainland Spain. Situated in Spain’s largest national
park, The Sierra Nevada is surrounded by a natural park. Together they have some
wonderful scenery, early summer flowers and fascinating geology. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">It was
declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally
diverse plant, bird and animal species. There are over 100 endemic species recorded including 63 different endemic plants.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMGyL7pNHpoEZrzkRhYo2H8e7KAnQFYSDhpAx87LkGvhYyDXysb-_1QbCvfpnmicIuktm-1GiLMA2zl4k1mi04k1oECdDVR2XAJhQaLtq5mdTnnj_cFmEf0OUIVRkCJl6vxcl-Ovn0bU/s1600/Alpine+Accentor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMGyL7pNHpoEZrzkRhYo2H8e7KAnQFYSDhpAx87LkGvhYyDXysb-_1QbCvfpnmicIuktm-1GiLMA2zl4k1mi04k1oECdDVR2XAJhQaLtq5mdTnnj_cFmEf0OUIVRkCJl6vxcl-Ovn0bU/s400/Alpine+Accentor.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine Accentor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In addition to the
natural history of the area we will be aiming to ascend the four highest
mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Mulhacen 3482m, Pico del Veleta 3394m, Alcazaba
3371m and Cerro de Los Machos 3329m. The day we ascend Mulhacen will be enroute
to overnight in the Refugio Poqueira. The ascent on this day will be approx
1500m and taking around 4.5 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will be a good opportunity for aspirants to experience a “fitness
test.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The itinerary will include
some easy scrambling and crossing a short exposed section of chain and probably patches of snow.
Participants will need to bring suitable slings to safeguard themselves.
Aspirants will be equipped and coached by the three qualified IML’s from Sierra
Nevada Guides who will be leading this event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Whilst this event is
designed to provide CPD for IML’s it would also provide good experience for
Aspirant IML’s and Mountain Leaders considering becoming an IML.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9dyH150fnNgNKXxCrniRzFsX8soqzxHZ9rO6FsczZPA6hyphenhyphenf8UppMi3SbqNSbzcqgOYEaIroi88BaUQj336vPAn4qW_FnJ0afKhHqmCTQCNy5OEOvtK8dqQN-ZTq04_lUZdJAAfV3fUo/s1600/Papaver+lapeyrousianum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9dyH150fnNgNKXxCrniRzFsX8soqzxHZ9rO6FsczZPA6hyphenhyphenf8UppMi3SbqNSbzcqgOYEaIroi88BaUQj336vPAn4qW_FnJ0afKhHqmCTQCNy5OEOvtK8dqQN-ZTq04_lUZdJAAfV3fUo/s640/Papaver+lapeyrousianum.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaver lapeyrousianum an endemic species</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2zbODXRrGGY739nkNbBC0tvzz81y-e0miOoI1UCS_9HZ7CpqAamN-vT20-WRz_dLyfhMDpvyhu-na6XSUFxpJUrWa5WSSGDWpHFsZ8zZ7ZBpIRUShZGqsfGvREHBWvKsendQV-IZLVg/s1600/P1010500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2zbODXRrGGY739nkNbBC0tvzz81y-e0miOoI1UCS_9HZ7CpqAamN-vT20-WRz_dLyfhMDpvyhu-na6XSUFxpJUrWa5WSSGDWpHFsZ8zZ7ZBpIRUShZGqsfGvREHBWvKsendQV-IZLVg/s400/P1010500.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane negotiating a section of "fixed gear"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Learning Outcomes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To see how plants
adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To observe the
uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To observe the impact
man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To learn how the
National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the
environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Understand the range
of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of
less reliability than O.S. maps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Crossing exposed fixed
equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Crossing snow patches (probably).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad.
<a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Martin Riley of Sierra Nevada Guides</span></b></a> is the first British member of the Spanish
Mountain Guides Association (AEGM).</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OyVmlMimEsSsvXemcz6aKJopbTHzGyBu0BaGSFWLgktjJ7hyfI6gmgyPlvr5siD19htTmRl8UnSlBrZSLOipjRAMdVvVxCXt4xqcrJRTd5gcS_QWO3lOgRUabxTf0xzhE7nxrmkQjDQ/s1600/Estralla+Nevadensis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OyVmlMimEsSsvXemcz6aKJopbTHzGyBu0BaGSFWLgktjJ7hyfI6gmgyPlvr5siD19htTmRl8UnSlBrZSLOipjRAMdVvVxCXt4xqcrJRTd5gcS_QWO3lOgRUabxTf0xzhE7nxrmkQjDQ/s640/Estralla+Nevadensis.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estrella de las Nieves (Star of the Snows) an endemic species with Trumpet Gentians.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Programme<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNEChzCsyEpCMCRG23NqYHPmDue5EhgvqIKF1qBzcO18GTOCIKz-PrJIBeLvDMuLZCXJxjfUU1KV8uhpCg-JXRAlLPrb2qx4Mvxb2GbVcV1esT2aHM0R61rOU96Eq2FT8J-u-1jvG4zU/s1600/Caldera+from+Mulhacen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNEChzCsyEpCMCRG23NqYHPmDue5EhgvqIKF1qBzcO18GTOCIKz-PrJIBeLvDMuLZCXJxjfUU1KV8uhpCg-JXRAlLPrb2qx4Mvxb2GbVcV1esT2aHM0R61rOU96Eq2FT8J-u-1jvG4zU/s400/Caldera+from+Mulhacen.JPG" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Caldera from Mulhacen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Make own way either to
Capileira or to Lanjaron (see note on travel or accommodation options).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Breakfast in
Capileira. We depart the mountain village of Capileira at around 8.30am,
driving up to a high road head at Hoya del Portillo 2100m, where we commence
our walk up Mulhacen 3482m. Our descent to the Refugio Poqueira 2500m is via
the Caldera and the Rio Mulhacen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Spend night at the Refugio Poqueira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">An ascent of Alcazaba
3371m the most remote of the “big 4” is via Siete Lagunas, returning to the
Refugio Poqueira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Departing the Refugio,
we ascend Pico de los Machos 3329m and down to the University Albergue at Hoya
de la Mora 2500m via an interesting easy scramble into the San Juan valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Taking the National
Park bus back up to 3000m we a scramble up Pico del Veleta 3394m and return
back to the Refugio Poqueira via a section of fixed chain and back to our starting
point at Hoya del Portillo for around 5pm. Spend night in either Capileira or
Lanjaron (see accommodation options as before).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Depart <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpQVxHEUXJtkkFlYdWGj9wGIRAVEoAoygEYesqBQwJ3ohTBTyOPiXkiBHsOiFrEkP4kZfUquHrFAlzCorevVUU17r8qh9EaD3kuaDAqRmMButw9h_rBoLmkfmnE9J9gelZrf7n6VuE6U/s1600/Iberian+Ibex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpQVxHEUXJtkkFlYdWGj9wGIRAVEoAoygEYesqBQwJ3ohTBTyOPiXkiBHsOiFrEkP4kZfUquHrFAlzCorevVUU17r8qh9EaD3kuaDAqRmMButw9h_rBoLmkfmnE9J9gelZrf7n6VuE6U/s640/Iberian+Ibex.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iberian Ibex, common throughout the Sierra Nevada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cost<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Sierra Nevada Guides</span></a>
</span></b>are not charging for their time running this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the costs below are options and reflect prices locally.
The charge we are making for this CPD event covers our travel expenses and hut
fees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">£200 per person towards Sierra Nevada Guides.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You pay your own
accommodation fees locally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You will need your own
travel, medical and rescue insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlEQmF7YZaLsfUmUhLTOloHhhJmOi5Tji6HEkjJKDCTiYzlPuLXv-nfKE1HKY47t9i18HhuX0iismLcB0mHMTxbM_W4SxqfBXY0TyOZu0xmjngyjc8s60YBk5XtNWOaU_kvisxVPuzZY/s1600/%2522Blue+Deeams%2522+Chaenorrhinum+glareosum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlEQmF7YZaLsfUmUhLTOloHhhJmOi5Tji6HEkjJKDCTiYzlPuLXv-nfKE1HKY47t9i18HhuX0iismLcB0mHMTxbM_W4SxqfBXY0TyOZu0xmjngyjc8s60YBk5XtNWOaU_kvisxVPuzZY/s640/%2522Blue+Deeams%2522+Chaenorrhinum+glareosum.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Blue Deeams" Chaenorrhinum glareosum an endemic species</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Accommodation Options<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For those wanting to
keep costs down there is an option of camping at Jane and Mike’s mountain farm
situated at 1305m above the spa town of Lanjaron. This is a bit remote and not
the sort of place where you can just nip out for a beer! Jane and Mike will
provide a BBQ evening meal with plenty of beer and wine along with breakfast on
the day of departure. 20 Euro’s per night <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For those wanting
superior accommodation we recommend a hotel in Capileira (where we will meet
for breakfast before heading into the high mountains) or Lanjaron a spa town
with plenty of hotels close to our base. You will need to book your own hotel
but we can help with this. Allow 50 to 70 Euro’s per night for this option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Whilst in the
mountains we will spend 2 nights at the Refugio Poqueira and 1 night at the
University Albergue. Bed, breakfast, evening meal and a packed lunch costs
about 55 Euro’s per night. Drinks are extra! Costs at the Refugio Poqueira are
approx 10 Euro’s per night lower if you have a UIAA membership (Austrian Alpine
Club, etc).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESa1XMgCzN4C9-Nka7dFurdcJBSo6s7QiCFOuL61fyPX40YOgj_6E7hjm2ngLuui1rojMR4xbNnlyxq7b6Vd9UOluq6h6mtNmz8yU6fuhVoGJ1N7jeAdntxnOMmhf4Uuf6mBohnf8-aY/s1600/Alcazaba+%2526+Mulhacen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESa1XMgCzN4C9-Nka7dFurdcJBSo6s7QiCFOuL61fyPX40YOgj_6E7hjm2ngLuui1rojMR4xbNnlyxq7b6Vd9UOluq6h6mtNmz8yU6fuhVoGJ1N7jeAdntxnOMmhf4Uuf6mBohnf8-aY/s640/Alcazaba+%2526+Mulhacen.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the north faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Travel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The easiest option is
flying into Malaga as there are cheap flights there from most U.K. regional
airports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Car hire is cheap and
could be the cheapest option if there was a group of 3 or 4 sharing. From
Malaga Airport there is a direct bus to Granada where you can change for
Lanjaron and Capileira. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.alsa.es/en/home"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">https://www.alsa.es/en/home</span></a></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you choose to stay
/ camp with us we will meet you / pick you up from Lanjaron.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We are prepared to do
airport pick ups for 100 Euro’s per trip but this would need a group of 3 or 4
splitting the cost to be worth while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>Insurance</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You will need adequate medical and rescue insurance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Contact details:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Michael Hunt and Jane
Livingstone<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">email: info@sierranevadaguides.co.uk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">tel:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>01433<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>639<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>368<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>This training event is only open to BAIML members and to MTA members who hold ML (Summer) who are considering enrolling to become International Mountain Leaders.</b></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/baiml-cpd-event/" target="_blank"><b>Book a place on this event.</b></a></span></div>
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Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-28254073002036270892015-10-06T12:36:00.000+01:002015-10-06T12:36:42.594+01:00Mountain Weather <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pz9VhOCTMw/VhOxVi9k5fI/AAAAAAAAAnk/mh3ZNtsbQ2k/s1600/100_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pz9VhOCTMw/VhOxVi9k5fI/AAAAAAAAAnk/mh3ZNtsbQ2k/s320/100_0747.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-
DY7A3lyRG94/VhOxjLU7jUI/AAAAAAAAAns/XzOx8tNgXw4/s1600/veleta%2Bn%2Bside%2B017.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY7A3lyRG94/VhOxjLU7jUI/AAAAAAAAAns/XzOx8tNgXw4/s320/veleta%2Bn%2Bside%2B017.JPG" /></a>
With the end of summer we have experienced some dramatic weather. The usual end of season thunder storm struck in mid September causing flooding and mayhem across the region.
On the day of the storm I had a large group out and was due to lead them from the hostal at Hoya de la Mora across to the Poqueira Refuge crossing the Sierra Nevada at about 3,000m. As I drove up the mountain in the early morning it was clear that a storm was brewing with thunder and flashes of lightning around the area.
The group was the first of two from the Territorial Army reservists out on an adventure training exercise. I met them and after a bit of discussion we decided that we would set off on the trip. So with most of the group wearing full waterproofs we headed out in heavy rain which surprisingly began to ease up as we climbed. By the time we reached the Carahuela refuge, a small bivouac hut below Veleta we were able to take gear off and dry out as the sun began to break through. It wasn’t until I returned home the next day I realised how big the storm had been. Lanjaron had been flooded out and suffered some damage. Other villages however had suffered much worse and further a field the storm had even caused a couple of deaths.
At first it seemed strange that we had managed to do any walking at all however I realised that by being at height in the mountains meant that we had in effect been above the worst of the storm. At 3,000m, our highest point of the day there was about 2km of stormy weather between us and the villages below.
This was wasn’t the first time this affect has happened to me. Much earlier in the year having left my car above Capileira I was at the Poqueira Refuge with a small group. We woke to a covering of a couple of inches of fresh snow. Even though the snow stopped falling by the time we got back down it was a couple of feet deep, meaning my car was effectively snowed in. Lesson learned.
The weather over the coming season dramatically alters the nature of the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges in the area. Over summer, settled conditions mean that you can feel fairly safe going into the high mountains without too much worry. Winter weather conditions can turn fairly benign mountain trips into serious alpine outings where you need to be prepared for extreme conditions.
Spanish forecasting has improved in the past few years so before you go out you can get a good idea of what to expect. Personally I use http://www.aemet.es for general forecasts and http://www.mountain-forecast.com for the higher peaks. Both are well worth a look.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com018413 Capileira, Granada, Spain36.962136699999988 -3.358828099999982436.955792699999989 -3.3689130999999826 36.968480699999986 -3.3487430999999823tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-4989407055852314162015-08-09T14:01:00.000+01:002015-08-09T14:01:53.098+01:00Crowded mountains <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fva-dQoZYz0/VcdOea0kYxI/AAAAAAAAAms/yK7_RqcTL_w/s1600/cabra.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fva-dQoZYz0/VcdOea0kYxI/AAAAAAAAAms/yK7_RqcTL_w/s320/cabra.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujsbRaaWBZ4/VcdOtfmh0gI/AAAAAAAAAm0/FFqxuY2F9IM/s1600/laguna%2Bcircuit%2B029.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujsbRaaWBZ4/VcdOtfmh0gI/AAAAAAAAAm0/FFqxuY2F9IM/s320/laguna%2Bcircuit%2B029.JPG" /></a>
With the heat of summer I have done quite a few trips around Veleta in the past few weeks. This peak is second highest in the Sierra Nevada and with its proximity to the Granada ski village and an area called Hoya de la Mora it is a relatively easy summit to ascend and so is perhaps the most climbed peak in the range.
This was brought home to me last week when I arrived at the summit last weekend with a couple of clients. The summit of the mountain is marked by a concrete pillar and on this occasion it was crowded with a group of about fifty walkers.
It was almost like getting to the summit of Snowdon. As we lunched the numbers grew as more and more walkers and cyclists arrived at the summit.
It does seem that the popularity of walking in the mountains is growing.
Other mid week visits have been much quieter affairs with the whole mountain empty of walkers. On those visits it is quite common to come across quite large numbers of Cabra de Montana. In late July for the first time ever I came across a young cabra kid suckling off its mother. I had never seen this before so it was great to see. A week later with a group of friends we watched as a fox circled a group of three or four cabra before they finally decided that enough was enough and they chased the fox off down the mountainside.
Cabra do seem to becoming more used to walkers and in some areas particularly will allow you to get quite close before they run off. Descending Mulhacens south ridge in early August I walked within about three meters of a group of four large males who casually watched as I approached before finally getting up and sauntering off. They didn’t seem in the least worried by my presence seemingly accepting the fact that I was there in their territory. Near the Poqueira refuge cabra quite often approach the building even if you are sat out on the terrace. They seem to like licking the side of the building presumably getting essential salts to supplement their diet.
Other wildlife sightings in recent trips included a couple of juvenile Golden eagles soaring above us on a trip to Pico de Jerez near Gaudix. Nearer to home we recently spotted a common genet (Genetta genetta) crossing the track below our finca as we drove up from the village one night. These animals are also known as ‘’civit cats’’ and look like a cross between a domestic cat and a large ferret.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain37.0931959 -3.395237199999996837.0805304 -3.4154071999999966 37.105861399999995 -3.375067199999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-21994284989136866362015-07-19T12:48:00.000+01:002015-07-19T12:48:01.489+01:00Cool summer walking <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAw-lac030o/VauLOFU1ODI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Cb8Do02f1kw/s1600/veleta%2Bn%2Bside%2B017.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAw-lac030o/VauLOFU1ODI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Cb8Do02f1kw/s320/veleta%2Bn%2Bside%2B017.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5JGXJLixzw/VauLdHTG9JI/AAAAAAAAAmY/eRh9sdOhpeI/s1600/veleta%2Bn%2Bside%2B026.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5JGXJLixzw/VauLdHTG9JI/AAAAAAAAAmY/eRh9sdOhpeI/s320/veleta%2Bn%2Bside%2B026.JPG" /></a>
With low level temperatures hitting the high 30's it is still possible to get some cooler walks in in the main Sierra Nevada range by taking the cable car up the southern side of Veleta.
The cable car runs out of the Pradollano ski village which sits at 2,000m above Granada Initially travelling in an enclosed gondola or cable car you arrive at the Borreguiles half way station where you change on to an open chair lift for the final stretch up to 2,9000m. The ride is spectacular in its own right as it carries you over the now dry ski runs. In the past couple of years the lifts have been adapted to accommodate mountain bikes and there are now a number of down hill runs also starting from the end of the chair lifts. The lifts end at a fairly bleak area on the mountain side however a couple of great walks start from here.
Most walkers head north east to follow a track uphill to los posiciones de Veleta at 3,000m. From this spot you get one of the best views in the whole of the Sierra Nevada range as you look east across the dramatic north faces of Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba. From here some more confident walkers may venture down into the corall de Veleta though most will continue south along the track to the refugio de carahuela before ascending to the summit.
For those who don’t want to climb as much there is also another path which starts from the end of the chair lit. Head south west after leaving the cable car and the walking is equally spectacular if perhaps a little easier. After a few minutes waymarkers bring you to the head of a path which head down through quite rugged terrain to the Embalse de las Yeguas a small man made lake used to supply water for snow machines in the ski season. From here you can head south east to explore the lagunillas de la virgin, small natural tarns where you may well find snow till quite late in the season. Returning to the embalse you can retrace your path up hill or head north west to cross a small coll below the obvious observatory building to then head down to Borreguiles.
Even in high summer it will be cooler at these altitudes so it’s worth remembering that you may well need additional clothing and a waterproof jacket. The cable cars do not run when there are high wind speeds and as ever when you are venturing out you need to check the weather forecast before you head out.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada, Spain37.054687020082831 -3.362351045312493636.953348520082834 -3.5237125453124936 37.156025520082828 -3.2009895453124937tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-23664265699425537792015-07-17T14:02:00.000+01:002015-07-17T14:02:56.330+01:00Clients, the unknown element.
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jNKsLx_1BA/Vaj8rEVsMNI/AAAAAAAAAl8/_wQMmsnIAiM/s1600/silletaveleta%2B034.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jNKsLx_1BA/Vaj8rEVsMNI/AAAAAAAAAl8/_wQMmsnIAiM/s320/silletaveleta%2B034.JPG" /></a>
One of the problems I face with some clients is that I don’t really know their experience in the mountains. If they are here for a few days I do a walk on the first day that gives me some idea of what they can do and how fit they are or not. Clients who come for just one day, usually to do Mulhacen are more of a problem. With little idea of what experience people have it is a bit of a gamble. Once you get to meet people however you do get a chance to get some idea of what to expect. Most claim to have and a long experience of walking in Britain and a few well aimed questions soon confirm this. Others talk of trips to ‘’base camp’’, having done ‘’Kili’’( Kilimanjaro) or the Inca trail.
In late June I had a group of three women who where here to do Mulhacen before they then headed off to Granada for a couple of days. We met in the hotel bar on the evening before and in order to get some idea of what to expect I asked about their mountaineering experience. ‘’We’ve done, Ben Nevis, Sca Fell Pike and Snowdon. Mulhacen’s not much higher than those is it?’’ I had a slight panic as I explained that whilst summits in the UK are measured in feet, Mulhacen’s height was shown in meters and as a result was more than three times the height. ‘’Will that make a big difference then?’’ was the response.
We did set out the next day on the understanding that we would see how far we got. The summit was in view for most of the walk but we got nowhere near we did however have a great walk in the mountains which at the end of the day is what we went out for.
I cant say to much as many years ago at a house show back in the UK I glanced at a map of Andalucia and saw a height of 3482 and presumed it was in feet and thought ‘’OK so these hills will be a bit like the Lakes’’ it was hours later dawned on me that as it was a European map it would be meters.
At the other end of the client scale I have had had those who opening lines are ‘’I’m a triathlete and want to bag a few peaks’’ I then end up chasing people up and down the mountains without taking a breather. Not my idea of fun at all.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Granada, Granada, Spain37.1773363 -3.598557099999993637.0761283 -3.7599185999999936 37.2785443 -3.4371955999999937tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-18881308654242573252015-07-11T09:29:00.000+01:002015-07-11T09:30:07.714+01:00Sierra Nevada Mountain Camomile - Artemisia granatensis<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>Sierra Nevada Mountain
Camomile</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Mountain Camomile:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Artemisia granatensis</i> is found
exclusively in the Sierra Nevada in dry grassland on loose rock over
2500m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has traditionally been
sought after and used as a medicinal plant for stomach complaints, and its
reputation was such that large amounts of money were paid to obtain its
benefits. Over exploitation has brought this plant to the edge of extinction
and there is now a programme within the National Park to increase its
population.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQjjhUjkV6CWCqOguOngQxfubIsaXdoNwN2SglYqQC9vTY5PLEvrm4AcQIywFMHqG-naUpiHaOaJPltNMVEGmO0OQtJmGIDBc-p02ArhbkohGGMLkqqDMzrCBaGiXbAdfssrGRUYmjiE/s1600/Artemisia+granatensis+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQjjhUjkV6CWCqOguOngQxfubIsaXdoNwN2SglYqQC9vTY5PLEvrm4AcQIywFMHqG-naUpiHaOaJPltNMVEGmO0OQtJmGIDBc-p02ArhbkohGGMLkqqDMzrCBaGiXbAdfssrGRUYmjiE/s640/Artemisia+granatensis+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The Mountain Camomile: </span><i style="text-align: start;">Artemisia granatensis</i><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Those once common, it
now mainly occurs in the more inaccessible areas where the camomile pickers
“manzanilleros” were not able to exploit it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjoqsFQMmvKRjkGLrq0abJ2ixVM1JILwqtkrBVFVemmoO6EqE1DJfx3cKl9TdtD1sm_VQS7qCLc3-uLjvLbRYC8KoyFtzDAGLWeWT5oX7ktq5U_y5nQDabYVPmm3uTTTeu0s6iVkOXBk/s1600/B_San_Juan_04a_012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjoqsFQMmvKRjkGLrq0abJ2ixVM1JILwqtkrBVFVemmoO6EqE1DJfx3cKl9TdtD1sm_VQS7qCLc3-uLjvLbRYC8KoyFtzDAGLWeWT5oX7ktq5U_y5nQDabYVPmm3uTTTeu0s6iVkOXBk/s320/B_San_Juan_04a_012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one we didn't find!!</td></tr>
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This week Mike and
Jane from <a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides </a>decided to “have a look” for the plant using
someone’s photo from the internet which gave a good idea of its general
location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst descending from
Veleta 3396m the 2<sup>nd</sup> highest summit in the Sierra Nevada they chose
a route via the San Juan valley which would bring them under the old
observatory. However not actually carrying a copy of the photo they failed
miserably.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Two days later making
a traverse on Cerro de los Machos 3327m they were rewarded with seeing several
plants in two separate locations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrxLmmkyKgS0wk1YzMO3ce5bi4p5b1cBz68GFVSj5yPGPNhWJsrWJ2BB-AmLbUBRkgoftGmrYrIb22bxJ4H5UViovMb1th5S3Eix6JdOrw7xtR8y0SrR1YxCarDIOEW4LbBSl2-j0ifQ/s1600/Cold+Fleabane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrxLmmkyKgS0wk1YzMO3ce5bi4p5b1cBz68GFVSj5yPGPNhWJsrWJ2BB-AmLbUBRkgoftGmrYrIb22bxJ4H5UViovMb1th5S3Eix6JdOrw7xtR8y0SrR1YxCarDIOEW4LbBSl2-j0ifQ/s320/Cold+Fleabane.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold Fleabane - <i>Erigeron frigidus</i></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Generally the alpine
flowers in the Sierra Nevada are stunning in June and July. The Sierra Nevada
boasts some 86 endemic species of plants and many more endemic species of
fauna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/summer-walks-in-the-sierra-nevada-mountains/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a>
are particularly interested in the areas wildlife and are keen to share our
knowledge during the walks we lead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a>
are the only qualified British Guides (International Mountain Leaders)
operating in the Sierra Nevada.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/information-about-the-sierra-nevada/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a></b> are always happy to help you plan your trip to the Sierra Nevada, even if you do not use a guide (though you will have an easier time if you do!).</div>
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Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-60524039193667569032015-02-17T14:09:00.000+00:002015-02-17T14:09:24.853+00:00Refugio de Poqueira
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyxhpVaO3Go/VONKCYtPgMI/AAAAAAAAAk4/5MdtkB6KH78/s1600/rio%2Blanjaron%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyxhpVaO3Go/VONKCYtPgMI/AAAAAAAAAk4/5MdtkB6KH78/s320/rio%2Blanjaron%2B008.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5nuHEqmffc/VONKVFXUHgI/AAAAAAAAAlA/yHyKZ8-iWQQ/s1600/refuge.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5nuHEqmffc/VONKVFXUHgI/AAAAAAAAAlA/yHyKZ8-iWQQ/s320/refuge.jpg" /></a>
Situated at 2,500m on the southern slopes of Mulhacen the ‘’Refugio de Poqueira’’ has in recent years become more and more popular with mountaineers and walkers.
Built in the mid nineties to replace the higher Felix Mendez hut the refuge is a well appointed base for activities in the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
With some recent improvements the refuge sleeps up to 84 people in a number of mixed dormitories on its upper floor. Below in a large airy dinning room large three course evening meals are shared out amongst that days guests by friendly and professional guardians.
The main objective for most people staying overnight is undoubtedly an ascent of Mulhacen . from the refuge either the south or west ridge routes are easily accessed but it is perhaps the Rio Mulhacen/Caldera/west ridge route which is the better of the two. A technical route under winter conditions when there is steep ice and snow on the upper slopes this route comes into its own once snow clears the main faces of the mountain and it becomes a beautiful walk up an alpine river valley to a steep final ascent.
As well as Mulhacen the Sierra Nevada’s two other big summits are available from the refuge. Veleta lies to the west and can be easily reached by following the old mountain road as it traverse the range at around 3,000m. To the east lies Alcazaba , an ascent from the refuge takes in Siete lagunas and involves about 1,300 m of ascent. It is perhaps though the best trip in the range and well worth the effort.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Mulhacén, Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, 18417, Granada, Spain37.0535218 -3.31098840000004211.531487299999998 -44.619582400000041 62.5755563 37.997605599999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-72947535930679312052015-01-15T12:38:00.001+00:002015-01-15T12:38:30.432+00:00Snowshoeing in The Sierra Nevada<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snowshoeing
in The Sierra Nevada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Spain’s Sierra Nevada
can be an amazing place for snowshoeing during the winter months. Despite its
southerly latitude and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, its altitude can
mean cold or very cold, and certainly cold enough for snow!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbRe22SUXoi4_qRVKjJcNuBoOcJO88NIXxfb-PVzOPzDVDwFCi3hTTNlOerqDVE-KeOmMO65ds8qNU_hvLJieRH7xLQJCcYg42Jvxuo94MgHDhxuFDE8KdMcy4ra6quU-PwOADm4gYCQ/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbRe22SUXoi4_qRVKjJcNuBoOcJO88NIXxfb-PVzOPzDVDwFCi3hTTNlOerqDVE-KeOmMO65ds8qNU_hvLJieRH7xLQJCcYg42Jvxuo94MgHDhxuFDE8KdMcy4ra6quU-PwOADm4gYCQ/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowshoeing Sierra Nevada - The Refugio Poqueira</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Most winters there is
enough snow to give enough itineraries to keep the snowshoeing enthusiast
sufficient days out to fill a weeks itinerary, though at some points each
winter it can get a little “lean” and you’ll find yourself carrying your
snowshoes over some sections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxshOfMhjvNZ2D5Wp-TwzSQAsHmdmdbxTm1KDYmJbKOjYWP6FjnT5q8_QpMcgDCuTtDmZTGhrvRpK5T-AgYrBpX33RECg-AJ-zVz2Gx5m1EVQq3HscngxRFvy3VmZ-p5rg0fz92rZ22c/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxshOfMhjvNZ2D5Wp-TwzSQAsHmdmdbxTm1KDYmJbKOjYWP6FjnT5q8_QpMcgDCuTtDmZTGhrvRpK5T-AgYrBpX33RECg-AJ-zVz2Gx5m1EVQq3HscngxRFvy3VmZ-p5rg0fz92rZ22c/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+2.JPG" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowshoeing Sierra Nevada - Perfect Snow and Sun!</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A highlight is a
snowshoe trip up to the Refugio Poqueira where you can spend a night (full
hotel service) sitting beside the log fire soaking up the ambience. The snow
often sits at around 1800m just above the village of Capileira 1300m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Parking at a high
point it is possible to snowshoe up through the forest to Hoya del Portillo 2150m
which provides a good break point for lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Continuing up through
the forest towards Mirador Trevelez we then pick up the traversing path that
leads gently through forest and then open hillsides to the Refugio Poqueira
2500m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 2. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A couple of short
steep climbs lead us to Alto del Chorrillo 2700m where we can pick up the broad
ridge that leads back to Puerto Molino 2400m and Hoya del Portillo. Here we can
take a different route back through the forest to where we started from.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JOyRN_142lBbnE4caRbc6zI4z5V-UObOVLBC618lJvmZEPA7jeO1ZBtnfVlrreroiwmLazYN7ptXaxtD2zX6ydPfgQ-PxQcWwGhxEqjncZetLzh4C7dVjFyprS_8x58U3u9KMkKoiGQ/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JOyRN_142lBbnE4caRbc6zI4z5V-UObOVLBC618lJvmZEPA7jeO1ZBtnfVlrreroiwmLazYN7ptXaxtD2zX6ydPfgQ-PxQcWwGhxEqjncZetLzh4C7dVjFyprS_8x58U3u9KMkKoiGQ/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+3.JPG" height="410" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Nevada Snowshoeing - Perfect Snow near Alto del Chorrillo 2700m</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This snowshoe trip is
undoubtedly one of the finest in the Sierra Nevada and not to be missed from
any itinerary so long as there is enough snow. The best time for this trip is
usually February.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Sierra Nevada like any mountains in winter can be cold and dangerous. Before setting out ensure that you know the weather forecast is good, be equipped for winter mountaineering and have the right skills including being able to navigate in snowy mountains. <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">If in doubt, hire a qualified guide.</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides are three Qualified British International Mountain Leaders with an intimate knowledge of the Sierra Nevada. </a></span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oZnTrDqZ7WeHFn8m8NCsscgQUeRUqMck6FErm61BCyM-Zf6DzjcnYH8KJttpijJQJgkTwfd_FxqKCh5WUJvSjuCx1lspFLuRl1YyzAdEo90mGSE3yfeQD2Hh5BfR40HeTzNLfP5f0JI/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oZnTrDqZ7WeHFn8m8NCsscgQUeRUqMck6FErm61BCyM-Zf6DzjcnYH8KJttpijJQJgkTwfd_FxqKCh5WUJvSjuCx1lspFLuRl1YyzAdEo90mGSE3yfeQD2Hh5BfR40HeTzNLfP5f0JI/s1600/Snowshoeing+Sierra+Nevada+4.JPG" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Nevada Snowshoeing - When the mist comes in, Make Sure You Can Navigate!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides can teach you the skills to walk safely or snowshoe in the mountains.</a></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-14785049329860703132015-01-05T14:34:00.000+00:002015-01-05T14:34:33.161+00:00Cabra de Montana<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JEYWF-Gy4U/VKqgX4jDrqI/AAAAAAAAAkA/mVxOArklmro/s1600/fawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JEYWF-Gy4U/VKqgX4jDrqI/AAAAAAAAAkA/mVxOArklmro/s320/fawn.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrOSHVxvlj0/VKqgLrZCWPI/AAAAAAAAAj4/rDglSEaWVlg/s1600/virgen%2Bridge%2Baugust%2B14%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrOSHVxvlj0/VKqgLrZCWPI/AAAAAAAAAj4/rDglSEaWVlg/s320/virgen%2Bridge%2Baugust%2B14%2B027.JPG" /></a>
In a recent article in Granadas Ideal newspaper I read of a project based in the Rio Dilar area of the Sierra that was investigating the life cycle of Cabra de Montana, the wild mountain goats often seen across the whole region.
Many of you who walk regularly in the area will have seen 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.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com018196 Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain37.094775899999988 -3.397104711.572741399999988 -44.7056987 62.616810399999991 37.9114893tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-7799475738715373692014-12-05T14:32:00.000+00:002014-12-05T14:32:45.872+00:00Winter walking skills <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baJaafQa0qQ/VIHBdZm5KXI/AAAAAAAAAjg/TZ1a5fXQWz4/s1600/mulhacen%2Bsummit%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baJaafQa0qQ/VIHBdZm5KXI/AAAAAAAAAjg/TZ1a5fXQWz4/s320/mulhacen%2Bsummit%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
As I write this in late November it would seem that winter has finally arrived. The fire is on and we’ve had two days of rain which I hope will be falling as snow on the high mountains. All bodes well for some good winter walking at last. So far this season I’ve already experienced a white out and hail storm on a Mulhacen ascent in early November followed by a superb ascent with crisp white snow under a blue sky later that month. The first ascent was miserable, the second one of those days when it was a dream to be in the mountains.
For me walking in the under a clear blue sky in snow covered mountains is perhaps the best way to experience the high peaks. Many summer walkers are very wary of setting out in winter and whilst clearly it is more difficult and possibly more dangerous a few basic skills and some common sense means that it can be open to all with reasonable experience and fitness.
There is a saying amongst UK walkers that there is no such thing as bad weather only bad gear. To a certain extent that’s true and certainly you need better and more gear for winter than summer walking. Good boots and waterproofs are essential as are enough layers of clothing to keep you warm. One of the main issues in the Sierra Nevada is high wind speed which due to wind chill can dramatically drop the temperatures particularly on exposed ridges and mountain sides. Whilst not as dramatic as in the UK winter days are shorter than in summer so carrying a head torch in your rucksack (along with spare batteries) is useful as are spare gloves and hats
Snow and weather conditions vary a great deal from day to day so keeping an eye on the forecast is essential. Whilst on the mountain conditions change quickly, snow moved by strong winds can create areas of ’’wind slab’’ on lee slopes which are often prone to avalanche. Good route planning and navigation skills are more important than at other times of the year. A safe winter route may not be the same as one done in clear summer conditions when following a GPS.
For those who want to gain more winter mountaineering experience and learn skills such as safe use of ice axes, creating snow shelters and avalanche awareness in early February together with colleagues at Sierra Nevada Guides I am running a Winter Mountaineering Skills Course. Contact me for more details or see the link from my website.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com018420 Lanjarón, Granada, Spain36.9187716 -3.479503499999964336.9060766 -3.4996734999999641 36.9314666 -3.4593334999999645tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-28835367829838373112014-11-28T15:13:00.000+00:002014-11-28T15:13:52.434+00:00Winter Mountain Skills Course<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Winter Mountain Skills Course<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sierra Nevada Guides
run a series of <b><u><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/winter-mountaineering-skills-course/" target="_blank">winter skills events</a></u></b> in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains each
winter. The aim is to give mountain walkers the breath of skills and experience
necessary to tackle “non technical” mountains. i.e. mountains that can be ascended
without the need for ropes and climbing ability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills, Learning the Ropes!</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBWJYtalytQmucehY_WXF34MOPMrxhQ2MkNVWqoWHjHlbvWr-0c8MtOjpO_xLAG3OvWvwBu0pE95mWVHERrO2gaj1a4mq_F7hJy1ylgeXoF6eKP-cBpGk-MCVQ-QAMuo_5X68n8r1AbQ/s1600/Winter+Skills+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBWJYtalytQmucehY_WXF34MOPMrxhQ2MkNVWqoWHjHlbvWr-0c8MtOjpO_xLAG3OvWvwBu0pE95mWVHERrO2gaj1a4mq_F7hJy1ylgeXoF6eKP-cBpGk-MCVQ-QAMuo_5X68n8r1AbQ/s1600/Winter+Skills+8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills, Building Snow Shelters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">These courses cover
the following topics:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Walking with crampons;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Walking with
snowshoes;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How to use an ice axe
to cut steps and to arrest you if you fall down a slope;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Navigation and route
planning;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Building emergency
shelters and snowholes;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The use of a rope in
emergency situations;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The use of avalanche
tranceivers;<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mountain weather;<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Snowpack analysis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSfHnH42Fvu_80xOIvSwZmUqkfdmpRlLMEtA_Fg6dptbCORN-7VzQ4aASgUWhIdUzAXrmrGfaEOthAwYkhkJZG4RNdId32ubiVwDMCfaAPbCiQgWXmWj7x7bquKGwTQzzLrEEKczwJD0/s1600/Winter+Skills+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSfHnH42Fvu_80xOIvSwZmUqkfdmpRlLMEtA_Fg6dptbCORN-7VzQ4aASgUWhIdUzAXrmrGfaEOthAwYkhkJZG4RNdId32ubiVwDMCfaAPbCiQgWXmWj7x7bquKGwTQzzLrEEKczwJD0/s1600/Winter+Skills+6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills, Ice Axe Arrest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Because for most
people, the course is a holiday we consider it important to make it fun and to
have some mountain objectives. For the week long course we aim to ascend
mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen 3482m from the Refugio Poqueira.
The week long course spends 3 nights in a hotel and 4 nights at the Refugio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The course is headed
by <a href="http://www.mountain-training.org/about/staff-team" target="_blank">Andy Say</a> (IML and MIC) the Chief Officer of Mountain Training England and
staffed and supported by IML’s from <a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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For 2015 we are
running from 31<sup>st</sup> January to 7<sup>th</sup> February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cost £825, this includes airport pick
ups from Malaga Airport, a week of full board accommodation and tuition. All
you need to provide are your flights, personal equipment and beer money!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sierra Nevada Guides
will provide any ropes, snowshoes, helmets, tranceivers and snow shovels,
though you are welcome to provide your own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ81fGsfMN1JojxUZvMVyX0G9MDaEHQ0lwYL7DgL3jfXSTmbUnCPHAFkJHXX2q9j5KbZQ8tc70dkVs0jEtau2Ys0qaonGMV_Vj3WrGCpciESX3zG6tb04l3p6cj_3aOO1PqoGMkTT3Ko/s1600/Winter+Skills+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ81fGsfMN1JojxUZvMVyX0G9MDaEHQ0lwYL7DgL3jfXSTmbUnCPHAFkJHXX2q9j5KbZQ8tc70dkVs0jEtau2Ys0qaonGMV_Vj3WrGCpciESX3zG6tb04l3p6cj_3aOO1PqoGMkTT3Ko/s1600/Winter+Skills+9.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills - Relaxation!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can read more about walking in the Sierra Nevada mountains in <a href="http://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/page.php?id=6812" target="_blank">our article winter on UK Hill Walking</a>.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-19175578039303966052014-10-15T16:03:00.001+01:002014-10-16T10:26:46.032+01:00Winter Skills Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Winter
Skills Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada with Sierra Nevada Guides<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2sIehleqk08L61D8ZKr1b6HQlRjBKkbr2qTL3GqLFs8d22Aw2w0elfYmhCMZceDauytzZteeRqjwHucwhr8xzrPIfSQBqOMFWFzwKi-WKTLse0wiqASDnSR0ALjtGDPPlfFzrC0lyp8/s1600/DSCF1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2sIehleqk08L61D8ZKr1b6HQlRjBKkbr2qTL3GqLFs8d22Aw2w0elfYmhCMZceDauytzZteeRqjwHucwhr8xzrPIfSQBqOMFWFzwKi-WKTLse0wiqASDnSR0ALjtGDPPlfFzrC0lyp8/s1600/DSCF1486.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills Course - Mulhacen Summit, 3482m</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Sierra Nevada has
the highest mountain in mainland Spain, Mulhacen 3482m. Although it is Europe’s
most southerly major mountain chain, it usually has a good covering of snow
from December through to March with winter mountaineering <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and skiing possible from late November
until early May.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This year Sierra
Nevada Guides are running a week of winter mountain skills training from 31<sup>st</sup>
January until 7<sup>th</sup> February. 3 nights spent in a hotel and 4 at the
Refugio Poqueira at 2500m. The week is being led by <a href="http://www.mountain-training.org/about/staff-team" target="_blank">Andy Say, Executive Secretary (Chief Officer) of Mountain Training England</a>, assisted by Sierra Nevada Guides.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHA9M9cktQM_NWJksSHLEseeluA8Xhv8vfePjvXV_g-uAzckdt24geeIN8SuPRaT_Pd2dzP8x4ey5xVnAVRaaLVqItIWF3BmKrC4r6b-8zFEyr-O9W2wrARA_OM060EUzUslTFjhFc3g/s1600/DSCF1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHA9M9cktQM_NWJksSHLEseeluA8Xhv8vfePjvXV_g-uAzckdt24geeIN8SuPRaT_Pd2dzP8x4ey5xVnAVRaaLVqItIWF3BmKrC4r6b-8zFEyr-O9W2wrARA_OM060EUzUslTFjhFc3g/s1600/DSCF1186.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills Course - Descending Steep Ground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Although weather
dependent, the proposed itinerary is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Saturday 31st<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Arrive at Malaga
Airport<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Depart for Lanjaron,
optional lunch at Salobrenea (beach bar 10 Euro’s).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Arrive Hotel Alcadima,
tour of Lanjaron.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Evening session:
Safety and Equipment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sunday 1st<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Depart hotel around
9am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Puento Palo for
introduction to walking with crampons, snow shoes and ice axe breaking
techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Back to hotel for
debrief and session discussion re: ascending to Refugio Poqueira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21xXx0p6XkKzBM5_xNNMy_ypdyo5rKeMDhokNLvv-a5SFc3fKez0n9e07OVc9UR2TlfUd2kp0Dn0wwqdJ2HasKytbfRT4wF2GJadNlZhqj6bIG39kkeB7LuzYwog4DmkfbY29sCwZzMs/s1600/DSCF7303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21xXx0p6XkKzBM5_xNNMy_ypdyo5rKeMDhokNLvv-a5SFc3fKez0n9e07OVc9UR2TlfUd2kp0Dn0wwqdJ2HasKytbfRT4wF2GJadNlZhqj6bIG39kkeB7LuzYwog4DmkfbY29sCwZzMs/s1600/DSCF7303.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills Course - Learning the ropes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Monday 2nd<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Depart hotel with gear
and clothes for 4 nights, 9am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Walk from Capileira to
Refugio Poqueira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Evening session:
Navigation and Route Planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tuesday 3rd<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Navigation
Practice,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use of Avalanch Tranceivers,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Building Snow Shelters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Evening session:
Mountain Weather<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wednesday 4th<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Putting it into
Practice 1 – Rio Seco / Rio Mulhacen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReUB965BUqp242_5CN3YK1tTekcXTpXL95vKknfifMos9z-E-YO6iRTilDIP7bU9rLaJFAO6vx3OQXaXV_HlBkyAIspF_xQCo7VlRPQv-iWI_lrIFzBFS54YT1IZE6WwfO2yXg-YSEtg/s1600/Mulhacen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReUB965BUqp242_5CN3YK1tTekcXTpXL95vKknfifMos9z-E-YO6iRTilDIP7bU9rLaJFAO6vx3OQXaXV_HlBkyAIspF_xQCo7VlRPQv-iWI_lrIFzBFS54YT1IZE6WwfO2yXg-YSEtg/s1600/Mulhacen.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Skills Course - Near Mulhacen's summit</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thursday 5th</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Putting it into
Practice 2 – A winter ascent of Mulhacen 3482m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Friday 6<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Walk out from Refugio
to Capileira.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hotel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Saturday 7<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Depart for Malaga
Airport and Home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Cost £825 includes
full board accommodation, airport pick up and drop off and tuition throughout
the week. You will need your own ice axe and crampons (we have some spares) and
winter clothing. We will provide helmets, ropes, snowshoes and
tranceivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes, you will also
need some beer money!<br />
<br />
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Full details of the course are on
the<span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/winter-mountaineering-skills-course/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides are a company of International Mountain Leaders based in Spain's Sierra Nevada.</a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-57959818486315828752014-09-10T12:03:00.000+01:002015-01-18T11:09:04.911+00:00Walking the acequias of the Alpujarra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBIjZ7m_qDEL4CWXoAfGTsGoLuQCkTOoYspTVABqYDV-aQ0p1gt-9b-c9Y84odNTqwkBd1gXRQrIyQ7tgkgsB1c15A4yryfrEbz435H35ry0kSmpowk4F9SZ0COSq4tJ-VnnUUpYMkCcJ/s1600/acequia+004.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBIjZ7m_qDEL4CWXoAfGTsGoLuQCkTOoYspTVABqYDV-aQ0p1gt-9b-c9Y84odNTqwkBd1gXRQrIyQ7tgkgsB1c15A4yryfrEbz435H35ry0kSmpowk4F9SZ0COSq4tJ-VnnUUpYMkCcJ/s320/acequia+004.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698580180883153810" style="height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO8rUcDymt0LeEawcmr8Cn-Sc2snQdLoZoqT8C-9rpokAJXXVxIHMNwMhLDpaQCDm2s55eRtqIBMl7ufWHxn7r1ER8YNrhx0RT1gVELdC024lEeTj3ZeknST0PIVJ9G7m8v2LDCZ3ssQo/s1600/rio+lanjaron+005.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO8rUcDymt0LeEawcmr8Cn-Sc2snQdLoZoqT8C-9rpokAJXXVxIHMNwMhLDpaQCDm2s55eRtqIBMl7ufWHxn7r1ER8YNrhx0RT1gVELdC024lEeTj3ZeknST0PIVJ9G7m8v2LDCZ3ssQo/s320/rio+lanjaron+005.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698579966301079954" style="height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a>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.<br />
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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. <br />
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.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com018420 Lanjarón, Granada, Spain36.9187716 -3.479503499999964336.9060766 -3.4996734999999641 36.9314666 -3.4593334999999645tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-563656343471792302014-09-05T15:39:00.000+01:002014-09-05T15:39:34.486+01:00The High Sierra road. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp2k9Tl7_10/VAnJFh1bCYI/AAAAAAAAAg8/oQKDDsojy6I/s1600/virgen%2Bridge%2Baugust%2B14%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp2k9Tl7_10/VAnJFh1bCYI/AAAAAAAAAg8/oQKDDsojy6I/s320/virgen%2Bridge%2Baugust%2B14%2B003.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8r8ESSQ4X4g/VAnJM41Q3MI/AAAAAAAAAhE/Oa8si7OYzxE/s1600/virgen%2Bridge%2Baugust%2B14%2B014.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8r8ESSQ4X4g/VAnJM41Q3MI/AAAAAAAAAhE/Oa8si7OYzxE/s320/virgen%2Bridge%2Baugust%2B14%2B014.JPG" /></a>
One of the more remarkable features of the Sierra Nevada range is the road that traverses the main ridge at around 3,000m. The road, an un surfaced dirt track, is now closed to all traffic, in summer however it is a clear route across the range and is popular with walkers, mountain bikers and occasionally horse riders.
The history of the road dates back to 1916 when it was thought that it would be possible to create a link from Granada to the Alpujarra across the mountains. Construction began from the west side of the range and in 1932 a section of the road reached 3,100m on the side of Veleta, the peak high above Granada. This section of road, now surfaced in parts, is still on the ground and is used to service the ski tows and chair lifts on the mountainside. This particular section is also mentioned by Wikipedia as the highest surfaced road in Europe.
During the civil war construction stopped and it wasn’t until the mid sixties when the link between Veleta and the south ridge of Mulhacen was opened. Once finished the route was open to all who wanted to venture across what would have been a very dramatic route which could be followed all the way from Granada to Capileira. This high sierra route was popular with drivers and remained open until the late nineties when the Parque Nacional was created and public access stopped.
Remarkable as it was in its own right, as well as the road, it was also envisaged that a tunnel would be constructed below Veleta which would be used as a part of the route. Work on the tunnel was started from both sides of the St Juan ridge on the north side of the mountain. The work however was stopped by the onset of the civil war and never restarted after. The eastern entrance to the tunnel is still open and lies in the Coral de Veleta below the path known as the Verdon Superior. The ‘’tunnel’’ is about 50m deep and is often used as a bivouac site by mountaineers.
When I first started walking in the Sierra Nevada I bought a copy of what was then the only English guide book to the area. That first edition of ‘’Walking in the Sierra Nevada’’ has a number of routes from the road and describes one route up Mulhacen which involved parking your car at 3,000m and walking the last 400m up the west ridge. It even describes a branch of the road that ran to a parking area on the south ridge itself which would require any intrepid “mountaineer” to walk a kilometre and ascend 75m before reaching the top!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-36222278481942859582014-08-25T11:38:00.000+01:002014-08-25T11:38:49.818+01:00Day walks from Granada <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfE5DvW8P6A/U_sRnNrcb1I/AAAAAAAAAgk/Uroesu9G7Fo/s1600/estrella%2Bjuly%2B14%2B011.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfE5DvW8P6A/U_sRnNrcb1I/AAAAAAAAAgk/Uroesu9G7Fo/s320/estrella%2Bjuly%2B14%2B011.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5e2VFixPDlo/U_sR1eULggI/AAAAAAAAAgs/tzIcbNw7A_g/s1600/monachil%2B14%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5e2VFixPDlo/U_sR1eULggI/AAAAAAAAAgs/tzIcbNw7A_g/s320/monachil%2B14%2B009.JPG" /></a>
As well as offering a great city break Granada is also ideally based for walking in the Sierra Nevada range. The mountains lie just east of the city and are designated as a Parque Nacional because of their important habitat and landscapes.
Walking in the Granada area great at any time of the year and couldn’t be easier to access from the city.
Day walks can be arranged to suit a wide range of abilities and interests from rugged 3,000m peaks to low level cool gorge walks.
Examples of the walks include
Monachil Gorge , a stunning medium grade walk in the magnificent rock gorge of the Rio Monachil. The path clings to the rock face of the gorge, passes through natural rock tunnels and crosses the river on a number of suspension bridges . This is a great adventure for families groups or individuals and can be undertaken at any time of the year.
Verada de Estrella. Following the route of an old mine access track we walk into the north side of the Sierra Nevada range. The high mountain scenery of this route is breathtaking with views of the north faces of the three main peaks of the range , Alcazaba , Veleta and Mulhacen.
Veleta. High above Granada at 3396m this is the second highest peak in the range
yet can be scaled via a non technical walking route from Hoya de Mora just 45 minutes drive from Granada centre. This is a challenging days walking achievable by those with a reasonable level of fitnes.
For more information see <a href="http://www.sierranevadaguides.co.uk"></a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Granada, Granada, Spain37.1773363 -3.598557099999993637.0761283 -3.7599185999999936 37.2785443 -3.4371955999999937tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-71879707187073010052014-08-22T11:42:00.000+01:002014-08-22T11:42:03.988+01:00The Three Peaks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Three Peaks</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A lot is made in the
U.K. of the “3 Peaks” though this means different things to different
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the Yorkshire 3
Peaks challenge whereby you have to complete a round of Ingleborough, Great
Whernside and Pen-y-Gent in under 12 hours and the National 3 Peaks Challenge
which is an ascent of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, usually in under 24
hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UqAXpqFI5D0ECR9A6obXz66DzBfLh0hrn4_jqEn0k5B0vz2WSwbHJIbgK9-ZRIg8OrtADkLAjqA5ElZeDayp2_HaOKacMf-tAB6Q3P7WY9BXiFwZdjIf8sDlmHi63PNZxopWnz2aIaM/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UqAXpqFI5D0ECR9A6obXz66DzBfLh0hrn4_jqEn0k5B0vz2WSwbHJIbgK9-ZRIg8OrtADkLAjqA5ElZeDayp2_HaOKacMf-tAB6Q3P7WY9BXiFwZdjIf8sDlmHi63PNZxopWnz2aIaM/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulhacen's West Ridge seen from The Caldera Refuge</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">However here in the
Sierra Nevada we have our own 3 Peaks Challenge</span></b>, an ascent of Mulhacen 3482m,
Veleta 3394 and Alcazaba 3371m. Some seriously high mountains compared to their
U.K. counterparts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl8Xfy9XlmFV_bG5btcvSVxhvYkryQJEuNw43QCnXEG-zKFZzejh6oJxdTSpaxTFZG56zLLNbogEdBDUPOLsdzlSyV3qdgBNAZlKWKC7n-zUjViEI48FY1wY_wvrARX23sCmbNCl9z0Q/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl8Xfy9XlmFV_bG5btcvSVxhvYkryQJEuNw43QCnXEG-zKFZzejh6oJxdTSpaxTFZG56zLLNbogEdBDUPOLsdzlSyV3qdgBNAZlKWKC7n-zUjViEI48FY1wY_wvrARX23sCmbNCl9z0Q/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of Mulhacen 3482m</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mulhacen3482m the
highest mountain in mainland Spain is named after Mully Hassan the penultimate
Arab ruler of this part of Spain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Veleta 3394m is the 2<sup>nd</sup>
highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada and 3<sup>rd</sup> highest in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mainland Spain (after Aneto 3404m in the
Pyrenees). Veleta translates from the old Arabic as The Weather Vane and is
clearly seen from The Alhambra Palace in Granada where the Arab Kings resided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Alcazaba 3371m is the
3<sup>rd</sup> highest in the Sierra and joint 4<sup>th</sup> / 5<sup>th</sup>
in height in mainland Spain (Equal with Pico Posets also 3371m). Alcazaba
translates as The fortress, aptly named as its most commonly viewed from the
North revealing its awesome North Face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Although it is
possible to complete all 3 peaks in a day as a challenge, this would really
spoil the enjoyment of a truly great mountain walking experience. We would
highly recommend allowing for 3 days in the mountains spending 2 nights at the
Refugio Poqueira as the best option for </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">completing the Sierra Nevada 3 Peaks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpInIXf84YbwaHaIAZxowkrblKNKpCtTZXXW-LkbRlKuC8MPoHPo2DAWffO_rSgHDyUBQUlIqiB9VYEv8mVpAIgO_X5WvdUrZcwaKN_vosCshAqqBRLXYUGP7hubRNK9yej6PPoi8QEzY/s1600/CIMG4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpInIXf84YbwaHaIAZxowkrblKNKpCtTZXXW-LkbRlKuC8MPoHPo2DAWffO_rSgHDyUBQUlIqiB9VYEv8mVpAIgO_X5WvdUrZcwaKN_vosCshAqqBRLXYUGP7hubRNK9yej6PPoi8QEzY/s1600/CIMG4209.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the Summit of Veleta 3394m</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 1, Alcazaba and to
the Refugio Poqueira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 2 Veleta from the
Refugio Poqueira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 3 A circuit on
Mulhacen returning to the valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sierra Nevada Guides
would be happy to facilitate your 3 peaks expedition</span></b> or include it as part of a
weeks walking taking in some of the other great mountains the Sierra Nevada has
to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sierra Nevada Guides
are the only qualified British Guides (International Mountain Leaders) living
and working in the Sierra Nevada. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Details about the guides and their qualifications are listed on the Sierra Nevada Guides website.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9qQ1oKF6-6W-uBbvZ5_gZG4I0_J9ah_wGwCPw6ZrNRNbg8zTuR2dgrRzNTF2nbt1RNJV0B8DZyTQ5_XSs-u3wLQk5o3PPkH2gFV6IEk7X8stNMCJz3zwZwi2FvBqrfFwdkvYkZk9PGE/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9qQ1oKF6-6W-uBbvZ5_gZG4I0_J9ah_wGwCPw6ZrNRNbg8zTuR2dgrRzNTF2nbt1RNJV0B8DZyTQ5_XSs-u3wLQk5o3PPkH2gFV6IEk7X8stNMCJz3zwZwi2FvBqrfFwdkvYkZk9PGE/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alcazaba 3371m - A very impressive mountain!</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you are planning a
visit to the Sierra Nevada, there is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">much useful information on the Sierra
Nevada Guides website</span></b> and we are always happy to advise on routes and
conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-62347752961860031782014-08-20T10:27:00.000+01:002014-08-20T10:27:22.765+01:00Autumn Walking in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Autumn Walking in the Alpujarra and Sierra
Nevada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We have spent the
summer months leading walks in the high mountains where the air is cooler. With
the end of August looming the temperatures in Southern Spain start to fall and
walking in the Alpujarra will become a comfortable experience again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are looking forward to getting
re-acquainted with some “old favourites” classic walks in the Alpujarra, walks
we have done many times before so good that you never tire of them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKUHYMGZHAAUOShh_7IJyRjyrDgSGHxvBErQAZbbhVlU2VLsK1lhk5u_wxLaqMjItGfy-hHp2FePap2hGL5Q2rj2Fh3clR6k9GB8ZD3rRzrbkbk9-8B2aDhmR_MOfylYw2K_02LEuT84/s1600/P1050994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKUHYMGZHAAUOShh_7IJyRjyrDgSGHxvBErQAZbbhVlU2VLsK1lhk5u_wxLaqMjItGfy-hHp2FePap2hGL5Q2rj2Fh3clR6k9GB8ZD3rRzrbkbk9-8B2aDhmR_MOfylYw2K_02LEuT84/s1600/P1050994.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dramatic gorge in The TaHa</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One such route is a
circuit in The TaHa de Pitres following medieval packhorse trails and
improbable </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b></b></span>looking paths through cliffs and rocky buttresses, crossing a Roman
bridge and passing through impressive scenery more reminiscent of The Inca
Trail than Southern Spain.</div>
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Walking in the high
mountains is still possible too. Although any rain may fall as snow it usually
does not lie for long until November when it starts to build up. (the ski
resort usually opens the last weekend of November). Last year, the National
Park bus from Capileira up to 2700m for an ascent of Mulhacen continued until
the end of October. However caution </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9kmGaesl4VzGxAzRP4jI6B3swEz_uTDkD9a6FKK1t68_3_b-xQjBD0c5gShObzuh_yRDAKKGCyQ1npU1iZRuybAYA7UlV9M3-UDhI9uUtS4LY2W6eoVi8FsMlfOJeAxsNBYoAkk3BSA/s1600/P1060037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9kmGaesl4VzGxAzRP4jI6B3swEz_uTDkD9a6FKK1t68_3_b-xQjBD0c5gShObzuh_yRDAKKGCyQ1npU1iZRuybAYA7UlV9M3-UDhI9uUtS4LY2W6eoVi8FsMlfOJeAxsNBYoAkk3BSA/s1600/P1060037.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking The TaHa in Autumn</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b></b></span>should be exercised on the high routes and
always check the weather forecast and go equipped with the right clothing.</div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Another Old favourite,
the mountain Trevenque 2080m which is too low and therefore hot becomes an
option again in the autumn. Trevenque is a shapely mountain, sometimes
described as the Matterhorn of the Sierra Nevada and has a short scramble to
reach the summit. Well worth the effort, especially if you make a circuit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are too many
good walks to list in a blog but there are detais of 10 walks that can be
downloaded from the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/alpujarra/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides website.</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q2pgJp0Tq1koURycMpa8FUAcKJoAlxBZ6-lsOEYF55DeHg9675u4o1lx9U25wzQdp-9LWPFG8BFAzx_XmfnsEAoaJVhx4Ikxuq0Cb1l_epovGfxpAiIvD7HSP7b2Bu_ZhCuGMbMxeHA/s1600/DSCF6203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q2pgJp0Tq1koURycMpa8FUAcKJoAlxBZ6-lsOEYF55DeHg9675u4o1lx9U25wzQdp-9LWPFG8BFAzx_XmfnsEAoaJVhx4Ikxuq0Cb1l_epovGfxpAiIvD7HSP7b2Bu_ZhCuGMbMxeHA/s1600/DSCF6203.JPG" height="356" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevenque</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">At <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides</a></b></span> we are keen to ensure that your visit to the area is as safe and
enjoyable as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
happy to answer your questions whether you hire a guide from us or not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mike, Jane and Martin
from Sierra Nevada Guides are all qualified International Mountain Leaders. Detais about us and of our qualifications are listed on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/the-guides/" target="_blank">Sierra Nevada Guides website.</a></b></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Michael Hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12237037657761662151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-89462680583902187002014-07-30T14:56:00.000+01:002014-07-30T14:56:39.282+01:00Galayos de Dilar <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sBclJxl7ZY/U9j4yitgOQI/AAAAAAAAAgM/spJZeIEgHpg/s1600/culin+ridge+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sBclJxl7ZY/U9j4yitgOQI/AAAAAAAAAgM/spJZeIEgHpg/s320/culin+ridge+012.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIdvEraiRyE/U9j44V2MtRI/AAAAAAAAAgU/AOyEM-YKJhI/s1600/culin+ridge+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIdvEraiRyE/U9j44V2MtRI/AAAAAAAAAgU/AOyEM-YKJhI/s320/culin+ridge+023.JPG" /></a>
The ridge line that runs along the south side of the Rio Dilar has been on my tick list for many years. I’ve often viewed it during ascents of Travenque when the ridge line takes on a rugged and mountainous appearance, hence the nick name of the ‘’Cullin of the Sierra Nevada’’.
We used 4X4 to access tracks on the south side of the ridge and then ascended an open gully before heading up a narrow sandy ridge onto the main ridge itself . We reached the ridge just east of the rocky summit of Carazon de Sandia where there is a fantastic view north through a cleft in the ridge line toward Travenque.
The path along the ridge itself runs some way below the crest and whilst it was sometimes a bit vague on the ground provided an easy enough line traversing the eastwards below El Castillejo to reach easier ground at Collado del Pino. To the south the short rocky ridge line of Los Gallos looked inviting and was added to the long list of routes to be done at some point in the future.
From the collado it was an easy enough though hot return along sandy tracks to the car.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com018152 Dílar, Granada, Spain37.0727438 -3.600254700000050437.060074799999995 -3.6204247000000502 37.0854128 -3.5800847000000506tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273619587713334095.post-50513768542723709542014-07-27T11:39:00.000+01:002014-07-27T11:39:23.128+01:00Laguna de Carnero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8l8RDWfRSA/U9TV0pbm2FI/AAAAAAAAAf0/tSya7iWYMw8/s1600/laguna+Carnero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8l8RDWfRSA/U9TV0pbm2FI/AAAAAAAAAf0/tSya7iWYMw8/s320/laguna+Carnero.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2c8V-FiU9AQ/U9TV1qc5jpI/AAAAAAAAAf8/c6wN5AbUyY4/s1600/laguna+carnero+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2c8V-FiU9AQ/U9TV1qc5jpI/AAAAAAAAAf8/c6wN5AbUyY4/s320/laguna+carnero+view.jpg" /></a></div>
The Sierra Nevada in summer is arid and dry it’s a special event then when a new there is chance to walk to a laguna or tarn.
Laguna de Carnero lies just below the 2,700m contour north of Pico de Cartujo and is not easy to find even when following a GPS route and studying what maps are available.
The path we followed breaks off the west ridge of Cero de Caballo about 45 minutes and 450m of ascent after leaving the Mirador at Rincon de Niguelas. A cairn marks a feint path traversing the hillside for some way before finally petering out on the slopes of Cuerda de la Dehesa. From here we followed our noses contouring into an open bowl on the mountainside. The laguna was not obvious, though what was was a couple of large dogs which seemed to have been left to look after the cattle grazing on the lush grass of the area. After a few false starts climbing up to what appeared to be obvious sites for the laguna we finally decided to do the obvious and follow the stream which lead us directly to a small area of water perched below an open boulder field.
The return route followed an acequia running from the stream across toward Fuenta Fria. The walk by the acequias is an easy enough route luckily cooled somewhat by the water running along side. A final descent by a waterfall leads to broad track leading back toward the car. A final 250m ascent in the afternoon heat got us back to the car at the mirador. A great walk across much underused mountain side and well worth the trip.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10335318882708358572noreply@blogger.com0Nigüelas, Granada, Spain36.979501328765259 -3.537263516918983436.966817828765258 -3.5574335169189832 36.992184828765261 -3.5170935169189836