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.

A Dodgy Compass!

A Dodgy Compass!

Sierra Nevada Guides run skills courses in Spain's Sierra Nevada teaching how to operate safely in the mountains.  This includes navigation where we believe the ability to use a map and compass vital as a foundation. Recently we had a student turn up with an imitation of a Silva compass that instead of pointing north actually pointed south!

The red needle always points north!

If you want to learn the skills essential for safe mountaineering book onto one of our scheduled courses or contact us as we often provide 1:1 tuition. 

Sierra Nevada Guides are a company of qualified International Mountain Leaders operating in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and Alpujarra.

Scrambling, Kinder Scout

Back in The U.K. for a few weeks and thought we'd take the opportunity to do some new scrambles in The Peak District.

Ascended Kinder via the scramble up Crowden Brook then crossed to the "western edge" and descended to Red Brook which we then scrambled.

Sierra Nevada Guides provide scrambling and walking holidays in Spain's Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Scrambling in The Sierra Nevada

Scrambles in The Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada contains Mulhacen 3482m which is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. For many years now, British climbers have been visiting Spain for it’s great rock climbing and to get away from the damp U.K. in search of warm dry rock. What is generally not considered is the possibilities for scrambling and mountaineering in the (mainly) dry sunny Sierra Nevada. For the past 10 years, Sierra Nevada Guides have been developing a range of scrambles and challenging walks to satisfy anyone interested in getting away from Britain’s cold damp mountains.

The video clip here shows some of the endless possibilities:

Sierra Nevada Guides are always happy to advise about the area or to provide you with a guide. We also run scrambling holidays and Mountain Skills Courses to help you learn the ropes!

Summer in The Sierra Nevada

Summer in the Sierra Nevada with Sierra Nevada Guides

July is a good time to visit the high peaks and “borreguiles” (wet areas, tarns and springs) of the high Sierra Nevada. As the snow retreats the wildlife blossoms, insects, birds and especially the flowers are all in abundance. The temperature high up rarely exceeds 20 degrees making this a comfortable place for walking and scrambling though not so cold as to need layers of clothing.

Though the Eagles and Vultures are at first glance the most observable birds to watch, Wheatears, Redstarts, Alpine Accentors and Swifts are no less impressive.

The borreguiles are carpeted with Gentians, “Estrella de las Nieves” (a unique woolly plantain), Butterwort’s and many other endemic species. These areas are truly impressive though start to dry out by the end of August.

One of the most noticeable features walking in the high Sierra Nevada are the numbers of beetles. Everywhere underfoot  are a large variety of black beetles (tread carefully).  The fact they are nearly all black is no coincidence having evolved to absorb the summer sun.

Common on the summit of Mulhacen 3482m is the Tortoiseshell butterfly. Though not an uncommon butterfly it’s proliferation at altitude is amazing and may account for the abundance of Swifts and their amazing aerobatics!

Whatever time you visit the Sierra Nevada, there is always wildlife around to observe. Our team of International Mountain Leaders are trained in environmental interpretation and can advise you on the best things to see at any time. We are always happy to advise you or to provide you with a guide.