Snowshoeing in the forests of the Alpujarras
Last week we were privileged to enjoy the company of a family from the USA, as we guided them on a days snowshoeing.
A cold night out in the ruined Refugio Cebollar
We spent a cold night in the ruins of the relatively unknown Cebollar Refugio 2500m in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. High in the Rio Chico valley above Orgiva in the Alpujarras lies the ruins of the Refugio Cebollar. Access is normally via either the forest area at Puente Palo (1700m) or via the high track to La Pluca above the western side of Capileira.
Travel Advice & Recommendations to El Chalten, Patagonia
The town of El Chalten comes as a pleasant surprise. It is tucked away between some rock walls north west of the magnificent Lago Viedma in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina. It has a clean and frontier feel to it and the people are genuinely warm, friendly and helpful.
Rescue efforts fail to aid climbers on Patagonian Glacier
Unfortunately the Mexican did not survive and died from hypothermia. Yesterday, the helicopter could not reach the ice cave where the two guides await. If the weather does not improve, they will have to be evacuated on foot.
The Climax is the Coming Back from a Dangerous Place
We must have upset the weather gods. Unlike previous trips, this time Patagonia threw everything it had as us weather wise. Like other Argentine groups we sat for 3 or more days at La Playita campsite waiting for our chance to climb onto the icecap. During that time we were nearly blown away in gale force winds, got snowed in and once when flooded, had to build drainage diches in the middle of the night to allow excess water to escape.
Walking in the desert badlands near Tabernas, Almeria
Remarkable, barren badlands of Tabernas, Almeria provide rich walking and hiking opportunities in unique European environment. Our latest foray into the wild and dramatic desert land near Tabernas came a few weeks ago. We have developed a great full day's desert walking tour taking in some of the very best bits.
The highest mountains are not necessarily always the best
The highest mountains sometimes fail to live up to their status, whilst some relatively unknown peaks turn out to be lesser in height only. Here in southern Spain's Alpujarras, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, we have for some years now been enjoying the delights of an fascinating little peak called Giralda.
Mountain hut construction in the Rio Lanjaron, Sierra Nevada
Construction of mountain shelters on the slopes of Sierra Nevada was begun in the sixteenth century after a slow but progressive deforestation, which lasted until the early twentieth century. This situation was regrettable.
Scrambling the magnificent Cavall Bernat ridge, Mallorca
Report of scrambling and climbing along the wonderful Cavall Bernat ridge in Mallorca, probably the best high class ridge scramble in the med! The heat of the day necessitated a pre dawn start from Cala San Vicente. We made our way up to the first peak heading north west from the Siller Pass. The cloud cover and light showers began to disperse and the rising sun gave the sky marvellous warm tinges.
Walking and scrambling routes across the NW face of Alcazaba
Rough and narrow tracks cross steep ground but provide rapid ways between the north side of Alcazaba and Laguna de la Mosca at the foot of Mulhacens north face. This saves the long detour east round the eastern buttresses of Alcazaba and Mulhacen via Siete Lagunas.
Cerro Grande, Cerro Adela and Walter Bonatti
The beautiful Patagonian peaks of Cerro Adela and Cerro Grande lie south of the majestic and dramatic peaks of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitzroy. Yet in February 1958 both peaks, all those in between them, were traversed in one amazing day by the incomparable Walter Bonatti and his climbing partner, Carlo Mauri.
Night shift on a pistebasher at the Sierra Nevada
During the long hot summer one yearns for the cooler temperatures of winter. I came across some photos today reminding me of the night I spent on a pistebasher at the Sierra Nevada ski station.