Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

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^st aid).

Looking at the North Faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta

Sierra Nevada Guides are pleased to announce that we have been accredited  to run a CPD event in the Sierra Nevada during 2016 which will provide 2 CPD events for those attending.

The Parnassius apolo butterfly feeding on Thyme 3000m asl.

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:

Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3^rd to 8^th July, 2016

Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Erigeron frigidus an extremely rare endemic species

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. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species with over 100 endemic species.

An Iberian Ibex near the summit of Mulhacen

An easy (grade 1) scramble on slabs to ascend Veleta

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 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.  

Full details of the event are here.

The Sierra Nevada Camomile, Artemisia granatensis another very rare plant.

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.

Crossing a section of chain at 3200m near Veleta

Learning Outcomes

To see how plants adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.

To observe the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.

To observe the impact man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.

To learn how the National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the environment.

Understand the range of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of less reliability than O.S. maps.

Crossing exposed fixed equipment.

Crossing snow patches.

The ''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad.

Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera bivouac Refuge.

This course is being led by qualified International Mountain Leaders from Sierra Nevada Guides: 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.

Jane, Michael and Martin
Sierra Nevada Guides

Training Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Training Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Sierra Nevada Guides will be providing (CPD) training for U.K. International Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada in July 2016.

Jane scrambling on Veleta 3396m 2nd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada

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.

Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3^rd to 8^th July, 2016

Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera Bivi Refuge 3080m

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. 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.

Alpine Accentor

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.  This will be a good opportunity for aspirants to experience a “fitness test.”

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.

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.

Papaver lapeyrousianum an endemic species

Jane negotiating a section of "fixed gear"

Learning Outcomes

To see how plants adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.

To observe the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.

To observe the impact man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.

To learn how the National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the environment.

Understand the range of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of less reliability than O.S. maps.

Crossing exposed fixed equipment.

Crossing snow patches (probably).

The ''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad. Martin Riley of Sierra Nevada Guides is the first British member of the Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM).

Estrella de las Nieves (Star of the Snows) an endemic species with Trumpet Gentians.

Programme

The Caldera from Mulhacen

Day 1

Make own way either to Capileira or to Lanjaron (see note on travel or accommodation options).

Day 2

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.  Spend night at the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 3

An ascent of Alcazaba 3371m the most remote of the “big 4” is via Siete Lagunas, returning to the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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).

Day 6

Depart

The Iberian Ibex, common throughout the Sierra Nevada

Cost

Sierra Nevada Guides are not charging for their time running this event.  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.

£200 per person towards Sierra Nevada Guides.

You pay your own accommodation fees locally.

You will need your own travel, medical and rescue insurance.

"Blue Deeams" Chaenorrhinum glareosum an endemic species

Accommodation Options

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

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.

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).

Looking at the north faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta

Travel

The easiest option is flying into Malaga as there are cheap flights there from most U.K. regional airports. 

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. https://www.alsa.es/en/home

If you choose to stay / camp with us we will meet you / pick you up from Lanjaron.

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.

Insurance

You will need adequate medical and rescue insurance.

Contact details:

Michael Hunt and Jane Livingstone

email:  info@sierranevadaguides.co.uk

tel:  01433  639  368

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.

Book a place on this event.

Clients, the unknown element.

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.

Refugio de Poqueira

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.

Day walks from Granada

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

The Three Peaks

The Three Peaks

A lot is made in the U.K. of the “3 Peaks” though this means different things to different people.  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.

Mulhacen's West Ridge seen from The Caldera Refuge

However here in the Sierra Nevada we have our own 3 Peaks Challenge, an ascent of Mulhacen 3482m, Veleta 3394 and Alcazaba 3371m. Some seriously high mountains compared to their U.K. counterparts.

Summit of Mulhacen 3482m

Mulhacen3482m the highest mountain in mainland Spain is named after Mully Hassan the penultimate Arab ruler of this part of Spain.

Veleta 3394m is the 2^nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada and 3^rd highest in  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.

Alcazaba 3371m is the 3^rd highest in the Sierra and joint 4^th / 5^th 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.

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 

completing the Sierra Nevada 3 Peaks.

Near the Summit of Veleta 3394m

Day 1, Alcazaba and to the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 2 Veleta from the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 3 A circuit on Mulhacen returning to the valley.

Sierra Nevada Guides would be happy to facilitate your 3 peaks expedition or include it as part of a weeks walking taking in some of the other great mountains the Sierra Nevada has to offer.

Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British Guides (International Mountain Leaders) living and working in the Sierra Nevada. Details about the guides and their qualifications are listed on the Sierra Nevada Guides website.

Alcazaba 3371m - A very impressive mountain!

If you are planning a visit to the Sierra Nevada, there is much useful information on the Sierra Nevada Guides website and we are always happy to advise on routes and conditions.

Guided Walks in The Sierra Nevada 2014

Summer Programme of Guided Walks  -  Mountains of the Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada Guides are pleased to announce their summer programme of guided walks starting from Monday 9th June. 

Caballo from the Rio Lanjaron

Mondays and Fridays     

Mulhacen 3482m, Highest mountain in mainland Spain!

Catching the 8.30am National Park bus in Capileira to 2700m we ascend Mulhacen’s South Ridge and return via the Caldera, Rio Mulhacen and the Refugio Poqueira.  8 hours walking, 1100m of ascent, fairly strenuous.

Tuesdays                  

Veleta 3396m, 2^nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada

From Hoya de la Mora (2500m). 7 hours, mainly on good paths and not too strenuous.  

The "Star of the Snows" and Gentians at Siete Laguna's

Wednesdays                  

Alcazaba 3364m, 3rd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada via Siete Lagunas

8 hours walking, 900m of ascent, strenuous with some steep ascents. Catching the 8.30am National Park bus from Capileira.

Iberian Ibex on Mulhacen

Thursdays

Caballo 3011m, Europe’s most westerly 3000m Peak!

8 hours walking 1100m ascent, a strenuous day out.  Departing from Lanjaron 8am, walking 9am till 5pm.

All walks cost €40 per person.  You will need to wear boots and bring a picnic + drink.  We will be leaving from Lanjaron each day. Some “pick up’s” en route are possible.  Walks at weekends and different itineraries are possible by appointment.

2 day ascent of Mulhacen with a night spent at the Refugio Poqueira is a great mountain itinerary prices from €130 depending on group size.

To make a booking or reserve your place, call 

Jane or Mike tel: 600  692  166     (or if unavailable Martin tel:  696  354  824)              

Email: info@sierranevadaguides.co.uk

Sierra Nevada Guides are a company of Qualified British Guides (International Mountain Leaders) based in the Alpujarra.

Mulhacen from the Caldera Refuge

Jane, Mike and Martin are all qualified as International Mountain Leaders. Jane and Mike are members of The British Association of International Mountain Leaders. Martin is a member of the Spanish Guides Association (AEGM)

Guided Walks in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada Guides are pleased to announce their programmes of guided walks for the coming spring and summer seasons. Details are on the Sierra Nevada Guides website.

Spring walks in the Alpujarra    and   Summer walks in the Sierra Nevada.

Walking in The Taha Gorge

The Spring programme of walks in the Alpujarra also includes an ascent of Trevenque 2079m which though not being in the Alpujarra is a fine "low altitude" peak sometimes described as the "Matterhorn" of the Sierra Nevada. The walk through the Taha being one of the best hill walking days you'll find anywhere...........

Walkers in the Alpujarra

Mondays - Hills and Terraces and Acequia's above Lanjaron, walking with a local landowner / guide who will explain the local landscape, farming and wildlife. 5 to 6 hours, a little strenuous.

Tuesdays - A circuit in the Taha walking a medieval path through old "arab" villages through terraces and a spectacular gorge crossing a Roman bridge. Not to mention the water fountain with naturally carbonated water! 5 to 6 hours walking, strenuous.

Wednesdays - An ascent of Trevenque 2079m, the Matterhorn of the Sierra Nevada. 5 hours walking, with one steep strenuous ascent / descent.

Thursdays - A circuit in the Rio Poqueira and the pretty white villages of Capileira, Pampaneira and Bubion.
5 to 6 hours of walking a little strenuous.


Fridays - Glimpses of Mulhacen!
A walk in the forrests above Capileira to Hoya del Portillo and Puerto Molina 2380m. 5 to 6 hours walking a little strenuous.

All of the guided walks are priced at 40 Euro's per person and are led by qualified British, International Mountain Leaders.

The Summer programme - of walks in the Sierra Nevada is aimed at tackling the higher peaks which will be a cool relief to the heat of summer.  These include ascents of Mulhacen 3482m the highest mountain in mainland Spain, Veleta 3396m,  Alcazaba 3364m and Caballo 3011, Europes most westerly 3000m peak.

Walkers at The Caldera Refuge, Sierra Nevada

The upper Rio Lanjaron near Caballo

Mondays - Mulhacen 3482m, the highest mountain in mainland Spain. Starting in Capileira and catching the National Park bus to 2700m, we ascend Mulhacen's south ridge to the summit. Our descent is down the west flank with glimpses of the impressive north faces of both Mulhacen and Alcazaba before reaching the Caldera Refuge, Rio Mulhacen and Poqueira Refuge. 8 hours of walking, 1100m of ascent, fairly strenuous.

Tuesdays - Veleta 3396m, the 2nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada. Starting from Hoya de la Mora at 2500m.  After the summit we visit the Carihuela Refuge and the Lagunas de la Virgin. 7 hours. A day mainly on good paths that is not too strenuous.

Wednesday - Alcazaba 3364m, the 3rd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada and most remote of the big three. Starting in Capileira and catching the National Park bus to 2700m, we ascend Mulhacen's south ridge before traversing around to Siete Lagunas. We then make a circuit on Alcazaba descending through Siete Lagunas with its wonderful flowers before traversing back around Mulhacen to the start.  7 to 8 hours of walking with 900m of ascent, some steep and off path.  This is a strenuous day.

Thursdays - Caballo 3011m, Europe's most westerly 3000m peak. Not to be missed or underestimated. A route taking in not only the summit of this fine peak but our descent takes us to the Caballo Refuge and into the upper Rio Lanjaron. 8 hours of walking, 1100m of ascent, a strenuous day out.

Fridays - Mulhacen 3482m, a repeat on Monday's itinerary.

Like the Spring itinerary, all of the guided walks are priced at 40 Euro's per person and are led by qualified British, International Mountain Leaders.

Further details and how to book these walks are on the Sierra Nevada Guides website:
Spring Programme of walks in the Alpujarra

Summer programme of walks in the Sierra Nevada

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

Guided Walks in the Sierra Nevada

Guided Walks in the Sierra Nevada led by qualified British International Mountain Leaders.

Sierra Nevada Guides are pleased to announce their programme of guided walks for 2013 in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Starting from Monday 17^th June through until Friday 2^nd August our programme will be:

Mulhacen's West Ridge from the Caldera Refuge

Mondays:

Veleta 3394m. The 2^nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada. A fairly straightforward day in the mountains starting from a height of 2500m. Walking time approx 6 hours.

Meeting in Lanjaron at 9am or Hoya de la Mora 10am.

Cost per person: 40 Euro’s

Trumpet Gentians and The Star of The Snows, Siete Lagunas, Alcazaba

Wednesdays:

Alcazaba 3371m.  Alcazaba is the 3^rd highest and most remote of the big 3. Taking the National Park bus to 2800m, this is a long excursion.  Meeting in Capileira at 8am. Probably back around 7.30pm! 

Walking time approx 8 hours.

Cost per person: 45 Euro’s + bus fare (currently 10 Euro’s)

Fridays:

Iberian Ibex near Mulhacen Summit

Mulhacen 3482m, The highest mountain in mainland Spain. Taking the National Park bus to 2800m we ascend Mulhacen’s south ridge, descend the west Ridge to the Caldera refuge and head down to the Poqueira Refuge for a drink before a walk back to Hoya del Portillo where a car brings us back to Capaleira (approx 6pm).  
Walking time approx  7.5 hours.

Cost per person: 45 Euro’s + bus fare (currently 10 Euro’s)

Cerro del Caballo

Sundays:

Cerro del Caballo 3011m. Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak. And a real gem!

Departing from Lanjaron at 8am and returning approx 7pm. Walking time around 8 hours.

Cost per person: 40 Euro’s

To enquire further about these walks or make a booking, please contact Jane or Mike at:

Info@sierranevadaguides.co.uk

U.K. telephone (forwarded) 

01433  639  368

Spanish Mobile

600  692  166

Details of our qualifications are listed on the Sierra Nevada Guides Website.

Mountain Skills Course 2013

Mountain Skills Course

Sierra Nevada Guides are running their 2013 Mountain Skills Course from 28^th September based near Lanjaron in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Although a fairly active and intense week cramming a lot in,  we try to ensure that your course is a holiday too ensuring you have time to relax, enjoy good food, company and the occasional beer or wine!

Group briefing at 3200m

The course will be based at a remote mountain farm near Lanjaron though will spend 2 nights at the Poqueira Refuge.

Dates:

Saturday 28^th September to Saturday 5^th October, 2013.

Cost:

£645 or 740 Euro’s

This is a full board course with bunk room accommodation based at a mountain farmhouse and mountain refuge. The price includes a pick up either from Malaga Airport or from Lanjaron.

Our normal 7 night training programme usually runs as follows though we will have to make adjustments according to the group and weather conditions:

Day 1           

Arrive in Lanjaron, settle in, etc.

Evening discussion covering mountain safety and equipment.

Day 2           

Learning map reading and navigation skills for the high mountains

including using a compass, transferring U.K. skills to the bigger mountains.

Involves time in the high mountains looking at route choice off path.

A possible ascent of Caballo 3011m.

Evening session covering mountain weather.

Day 3

Learn to use a GPS.

Ascend to the Poqueira Refuge (2500m) using the GPS.

Spend night in Refuge.

Day 4

Rock Scrambling at altitude, Navigation, Route Choice and 

Mountain Leader Ropework.

2^nd night at the Poqueira Refuge.

Day 5

An ascent of Mulhacen 3482m, highest mountain in mainland Spain.

Scrambling at altitude on the Tajos de la Virgin

Day 6

Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Learning the Ropes!

Day 7

Putting it into practice! 

An acsent of Alcazaba 3371m the 3rd highest

and most remote of the big 3 in the Sierra

Nevada.

Day 8

Depart for home.

Sierra Nevada Guides are the only British qualified  International Mountain Leaders and climbing instructors based in the Sierra Nevada. Details of our qualifications are listed on the website.