Hidden Secrets of the Lecrin Valley

The Lecrin valley is a particularly special place, and offers a great alternative to high mountain walking, particularly in the cooler months of the year.  Sierra Nevada Guides recently had the opportunity to to explore the village of Niguelas, together with Gonzalo and Amanda from the hotel Alcadima in Lanjaron.

The gardens of the Osorio Zayas family mansion can still be visited.  The current owner tells the tale of ownership during the civil war, when his father helped the family escape to Portugal. The highlight of the garden design are extensive box hedges, surrounding pools and fountains. It apparently takes 10 weeks to cut the hedges!

Moving on through the village you come to the main square, with the church on the site of a former mosque, albije (arab water tank and wading place), and fuente.  

Nearby is a wonderfully renovated olive mill, one of the oldest and best preserved in Andalucia.  The mill has 2 sections - the blood mill, which used mule power to turn the grinding stones, and an innovative water powered mill.  The rooms include a range of artefacts and the mill was being used as recently as the late 1930's, when at the end of the civil war, electricity was in short supply.

If you continue  walking through the village, you will find a great walkway, which follows an acequia (water channel), engineered to contour the side of the mountain.  The path takes us below some cave houses, hewn into the rock - more commonly seen in Granada and towards Almeria.  A return route can be made by turning right at the end of the walkway, to follow a path beside allotments, then crossing the river and back into the village.

A great short walk, with lots of interest, which can be combined with part of the GR7, which passes through Niguelas, to form a longer days outing.

Niguelas is the highest village in the Lecrin valley, at an altitude of 938m, it is tucked under the slopes of Caballo, one of our favourite Sierra Nevada mountains.  The village is bound one one side by the Rio Torrente, which tumbles down a dramatic limestone gorge, and offers rock climbing opportunities.  A casual visitor walking through the narrow streets is often unaware of the hidden gems of Niguelas, some of which have their iritis in its Arab past. Look out for the gardens of the Ajuntamiento or village council.  These were part of a much grander estate built in the 16th century and owned by the Osorio Zayas family, which sadly was burned down in the 1970s.  Part of the house remains and is now the offices of the council.  The inner courtyard with its wooden balconies; well worth a visit.

The gardens of the Osorio Zayas family mansion can still be visited.  The current owner tells the tale of ownership during the civil war, when his father helped the family escape to Portugal. The highlight of the garden design are extensive box hedges, surrounding pools and fountains. It apparently takes 10 weeks to cut the hedges!

Moving on through the village you come to the main square, with the church on the site of a former mosque, albije (arab water tank and wading place), and fuente.  

Nearby is a wonderfully renovated olive mill, one of the oldest and best preserved in Andalucia.  The mill has 2 sections - the blood mill, which used mule power to turn the grinding stones, and an innovative water powered mill.  The rooms include a range of artefacts and the mill was being used as recently as the late 1930's, when at the end of the civil war, electricity was in short supply.

If you continue  walking through the village, you will find a great walkway, which follows an acequia (water channel), engineered to contour the side of the mountain.  The path takes us below some cave houses, hewn into the rock - more commonly seen in Granada and towards Almeria.  A return route can be made by turning right at the end of the walkway, to follow a path beside allotments, then crossing the river and back into the village.

A great short walk, with lots of interest, which can be combined with part of the GR7, which passes through Niguelas, to form a longer days outing.

Climb Mulhacen!

Climb Mulhacen!

Looking at Mulhacen's North Face from the West Flank

Having made many ascents of Mulhacen over the past years, I can honestly say that I never grow tired of it.  Different seasons bring a range of  weather and alter conditions underfoot; different routes bring variations in gradients and technical difficulties; but most of all the enjoyment comes from the range of people that I guide and meet during the course of an ascent.

There are many different ways to climb Mulhacen and variations on each of them. These are described in our Guide to Climbing Mulhacen  which also describes the technical difficulties and the level of “mountain competence” required.

Basically (in summer) you can either climb Mulhacen as a day trip or as a 2 day trip by spending a night at The Refugio Poqueira. Our 3 favourite routes up Mulhacen are:

Day Trips

Stunning flowers on the way up!

1.     If you have a car available, book yourself onto the National Park Bus that leaves Capileira at 8.30am. On the morning of your ascent, turn up early and make sure that the National Park staff and bus driver know that you will drive up to the “barrier” at Hoya del Portillo where you leave your car and get on the bus.

The bus takes you to Alto del Chorrillo at 2700m. From here it is an easy 2 hour climb to the summit of Mulhacen by the South Ridge. From the summit make your way down the West Flank to the Caldera Refuge (taking a look over the impressive North Faces of Mulhacen and Alcazaba) then down the Rio Mulhacen to the Refugio Poqueira (drinks and toilets).

Iberian Ibex "Cabra" by the Caldera Refuge

From the Refugio Poqueira take the road, initially up hill to join the gentally descending path that leads back to Hoya del Portillo.

2.     From Hoya del Portillo 2100m, walk up through the forest to the viewpoint at Puerto Molino. Take the path that ascends up above the road and follow a broad ridge before joining a road that takes you to Alto del Chorrillo 2700m. Here the path leads up Mulhacen’s South Ridge. Allow 5 hours for the ascent.

To make a bit of a circuit, descend by the West Flank to the old road which can be followed back to Puerto Molino (or pick up the route along the ridge that you ascended above Puerto Molino). Allow 9 hours for the round trip.

2 Day trip

Flamenco on the summit!

3.     Day 1. Starting from Capileira, ascend to the Refugio Poqueira via La Cebadilla and Cortijo Las Tomas. Allow around 5 hours for the ascent. This is a beautiful way into the mountains, especially in June when the flowers are magnificent.

Day 2. Ascend the rio Mulhacen. After around half an hour cross the river to the west side and ascend past lagoons to the Caldera Refuge. From the Caldera take the path that ascends taking you to “glimpse” over the North Faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen. Rejoin the cairned path to the summit. (3 to 4 hours).

Descend down the south ridge to near Alto del Chorrillo and follow the road for a short distance, take the “short cut” via a huge obvious cairn that cuts out a loop in the road which is re-joined to the Refugio Poqueira.

Mulhacen II (the lower summit) from Puerto Molina

Re-trace your route back to Capileira.

Although we are describing these routes, the level of difficulty varies according to conditions underfoot (e.g. snow), your level of fitness and especially the weather.  It is perfectly possible for the mountains to be shrouded in mist, even during the summer which makes navigation difficult.  High winds can also be a problem in summer.

There is lots of useful information to help you plan your trip to The Sierra Nevada on the Sierra Nevada Guides Website.

Sierra Nevada Guides are always happy to advise on conditions but if you are in any doubt, please hire a guide!

Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British guides (International Mountain Leaders) operating in The Sierra Nevada.

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

Sierra Nevada Mountain Rescue

Helicopter landing at the Refugio Poqueira in winter

Spain does not have a volunteer mountain rescue service, however a dramatic rescue of 2 climbers from the north face of Mulhacen on Monday 17th March demonstrates that if you do get into difficulties in the mountains, rescue is possible.

The 2 climbers had left the Refugio Poqueira to climb the rugged north face of mainland Spain's highest mountain where winter conditions include snow, ice and often high winds.  When they had not returned by late evening, the guardian at the refuge informed the Guardia Civil, who had managed to contact the climbers on their mobile phone to ensure they were safe, but belayed on the mountain face. The following morning a rescue helicopter managed to find them and help them down.

Although a difficult situation to be in, it is very comforting to know that our friends at the Refugio Poqueira are vigilant when asking where we are going and the Guardia Civil have skilled mountaineers able to undertake a rescue should this be needed.

Sierra Nevada Mountains in Winter (taken by Refugio Poqueira)

You can read more about the rescue in El Mundo, including a great video clip of the rescue.

The Refugio Poqueira publishes regular updates on conditions in the mountains during the winter months.

Snowshoeing in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Snowshoeing in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Although this is Southern Spain, close to the Mediterranean and Africa, The Sierra Nevada boasts Europe’s most southerly ski resort and mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen 3482m above sea level. As an indication, the ski season usually starts here at the end of November and finishes in May with a celebration of skiing in the morning and swimming in the sea in the afternoon! However there are sometimes during the season when the snow starts to get a bit thin though we can usually find somewhere to snowshoe.

Sally learning to move on snowshoes

The joy of exploring the Sierra Nevada on snowshoes is that the area is mainly undeveloped, so unlike alpine ski resorts you can get a real feel of wilderness away from crowds, ski lifts and prepared snow slopes. Our snowshoeing days start from one of the pretty high villages (usually with coffee) before heading up dirt track roads as high as possible into the snow. Occasionally we have to walk a bit before putting on snowshoes but often we can snowshoe from the car.

The way to Pico de los Machos 3088m

Our routes usually start up through the forests before gaining the open slopes above the tree line. On the majority of days we enjoy blue skies and sunshine which is a distinct advantage over the traditional alpine resorts, though if the weather is poor we can always walk the spectacular paths in the Alpujarra (the lower southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada).

On our snowshoeing holidays we like to spend a night up at the Poqueira Refuge (2500m) which although bunk accommodation has a good dining room, bar and made all the better by the log fire.

The Poqueira Refuge, superb snow and blue skies!

Snowshoeing is a little more strenuous than normal walking, but we are often walking over terrain where it would be impossible to walk without either snow shoes or touring skis. That said the normal snowshoeing day is around 10am until 4pm though shorter if conditions dictate.

In short, snowshoeing is good fun; sociable and takes you to places not normally visited in the winter months. Sierra Nevada Guides are all International Mountain Leaders, the qualification recognized in Spain (and internationally) for being a snowshoeing Guide.

Sierra Nevada Guides are offering guided snowshoe hikes from 50 Euro’s per person including the hire of snowshoes.

Sierra de Lujar.

Whilst reaching a height of 1,850m the Sierra de Lujar range to the south of the Sierra Nevada is generally overlooked by walkers visiting the area. Perhaps the reason is that with its whale bacl appearance and lack of rocky peaks it just does not appeal. There are routes here however with one of the better ascents forming a hard day out with about 1,200m of ascent. The route starts in the Baranco de Castilejo a steep sided valley due south of Orgiva. The baranco , which holds some single pitch climbs on outcrops , provides an easy route in as there is a mine access track running up it from the main road. The track splits at about 700m with the main branch doubling back to climb the western side of the valley to the mine workings above. Our route climbs the eastern side on a less well used track before reaching a fire break/track which runs south along the crest of a narrow ridge that climbs steeply upward. The track provides a clear route until about 1.000m where it reverts to a path running up the middle of the fire break which still follows the crest. The route now steepens and at 1250m begins to develop a more rocky nature with a number of limestone outcrops along the crest. The first three are by passed to the right (west) though provide short scrambles. After a further 300m of ascent the ridge fades into the main bulk of the mountain. From here you will see the masts at the summit, head due south to and these. Just before the first of the masts you will reach a narrow tarmac road, follow this past the first of the masts to bear right just before the second group to follow a stone path bearing right before the third group of masts. The path now narrows and heads west to cross the head of the Baranco de Castilejo and reaches a minor peak. Now narrower the path crosses open plateau to reach the edge of a one forest. From here head right (north) through the forest. As you emerge cross a distinctive limestone ridge to enter a second narrower band of older pine trees. Leave the second band of trees and head to a clear track still heading north across the hillside. As the track turns west continue north across virgin hillside to reach the head of a broad firebreak which creates the start of the descent route. Cross a number of narrow tracks until at about 1,250m you reach a well used track. There are some large caves off to the left (west).This now heads east to pass the ruins of some mine buildings before zigzagging down the mountainside back to the start of the route.