Sandra’s Last Munro

Sandra’s Last Munro

Sandra is a regular visitor to The Sierra Nevada and last year managed The Integral, (a traverse of all the 3000m peaks in the Sierra Nevada), accompanied by Sierra Nevada Guides.

Sierra Nevada Guides were invited to accompany Sandra on her final Munro, Driesh 947m near Glen Doll in Scotland.

Around 30 of us accompanied Sandra to the summit in deteriorating weather where celebration drinks, cava and a range of single malt whiskies, were consumed before descending and retreating to the pub for “stovies” and more drink.

Congratulations Sandra on completing your Munro’s!

A Munro is a Scottish mountain with a height of 914m or higher. There are 283 Munro’s listed in the SMC guide though there is the odd dispute over a couple of peaks.

After experiencing the Scottish summer weather and the infamous midge, we now remain convinced that Spain's Sierra Nevada is the place to be!

It should be noted that Mike and Jane of Sierra Nevada Guides have a house at 1300m above sea level, higher than most Munro's.

Rock Climbing in and around The Sierra Nevada (Granada)

Rock Climbing in and around The Sierra Nevada (Granada)

Although some of the “bigger” climbing venues are documented in David Munilla’s rock climbing guide to Andalucia some are only partly described whilst some of the smaller venues not described at all. The Sierra Nevada contains mainland Spain’s highest mountain (Mulhacen 3482m) and the area around it some fine rock climbing too.  

Venues include:

Alfacar, Capileira, Lagos, Diezma, Lanjaron, Monachil, Motril, Motril (los Vados), Niguelas, Orgiva and Pinos del Valle.

Further information including some free downloads are available from the Sierra Nevada Guides website

Climbing at Niguelas

Sierra Nevada Guides are qualified to introduce you to rock climbing providing “taster” sessions and tuition on the various cliffs in the Sierra Nevada and surrounding area. The area has something for everyone from gentle easy angled climbs for the novice to steep and overhanging climbs for the expert.

If you are planning a climbing trip to the area we will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help or advise on hiring accommodation.

Sierra Nevada Guides are a company of International Mountain Leaders and climbing instructors based in Spain's Sierra Nevada.

Autumn in the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra

Autumn in the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra
The autumn is a great time to visit as the heat from summer starts to fade and walking and climbing at lower altitudes becomes possible again. Although there will be occasional rainy days, any moisture brings life back to the plants and a second growing season begins.

Walking in The Taha - December

Any rain in the valleys is likely to bring a dusting of snow on the high peaks, though this will melt quickly as snow tends not to lie before November.  Water will be flowing again in the acequias  (water channels) which are often lined with chestnut trees who’s leaves turn to gold then brown as autumn progresses.

This is a great time to visit for a walking holiday.  Low season hotel prices coupled with mainly settled weather that will seem like summer to anyone from Britain.  Walking in the Alpujarra (hill walking) and Sierra Nevada (mountain walking) is as good as it gets with some truly memorable days to be had.

Some of our favourite walks  include:

A circuit in the Taha from Busquistar:

A circuit to the Poqueira Refuge for lunch;  and

An ascent of the Cerro del Caballo which at 3011m is Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak.

Trevenque in October

An ascent of Mulhacen (mainland Spain's highest mountain 3482m) is a must for serious walkers and mountaineers and we have a range of itineraries listed on our website, whether you need a guide or not.

To make the most of your visit, check out our website where you’ll find all sorts of useful information and suggested itineraries.  If you have a question about the area that isn’t answered on our website do get in touch, we are always happy to advise.

Like all mountains, these can be serious too.  Only venture into the hills if you have the right skills.  You can always hire a guide from Sierra Nevada Guides.

Sierra Nevada Guides are a company of qualified International Mountain Leaders.