We had a request for a Group Walking Holiday itinerary. In Spain? In summer? This took some working out as the only place to enjoy the hiking would be in the cool and pleasant air above 2000m. This in turn meant that the Sierra Nevada in Andalucia would be the only realistic location, with over 20 peaks topping 3000m in height.
Last week we had 20 members of the Wayfarers Walking Club of Dublin, Ireland visit us. Here is a summary of the week's hiking.
Day 1 - An early start to make the ascent from Capileira to the Refugio Poqueira at 2500m. This was in many ways the hardest day as the 1000m of ascent to the refuge took it's toll. Overnight in the refuge.
Day 2 - The ascent of Mulhacén (3482m), the highest peak in western Europe outside the Alps. Ascent was made via the south ridge with a descent down the rough west flank and Rio Mulhacén back to the refuge.
Day 3 - We had intended to climb the peak of Alcazaba (3371m), but by the time we arrived at it's base by the lakes at Siete Lagunas the clouds had darkened and rain was threatening. We opted for the long drop down to Trevelez, reputedly the highest village in Spain. Back to Lanjarón for the comfortable beds of the Hotel España.
Day 4 - Rest day.
Day 5 - A host of 4WD vehicles drove the group up to the high trailhead of La Piuca. Great views on interesting forest and high moorland tracks. From here we could ascend the gentle slopes of Las Alegas before tackling the steep ridge leading up to Tajos de los Machos (3085m). Superb vistas from the summit of all the southern Sierras. We had some fun sliding down old snow slopes. Griffon vultures flew overhead as we dropped back down to visit the ruined Refugio Cebollar, sat amid pleasant alpine meadows and natural stream. We had pre placed some cold beers in the stream here which were welcoming (to say the least!).
Day 6 - More 4WD adventures. This time above the village of Niguelas. A drop off before the Rinconada allowed us to access the Barranco de Haza de Cardenas which led quickly and easily to the long south ridge of the Cerro de Caballo (3009m). An hour and a half later we were perched on the summit area admiring the view down the upper Lanjarón valley. Vast herds of mountain ibex (Cabra Monteses) gathered close by. Descent was made via the SW ridge of Los Tres Mojones to the waiting vehicles which had been moved to allow a traverse of the peak.
Day 7 - For the final day and easier hike was requested so we were dropped off at Tajos del Posito 45 minutes 4WD drive above Lanjarón. A pathless start developed into a rough trail which traversed the lower hillsides of Cerrillo Redondo into the scented cool shades of the pines forests above Puente Palo. Up into the upper valley of the Rio Chico where we had lunch by a cool sparkling stream. The dwarf broom was out in force around here and provided a very colourful backdrop to the mountain vistas. Then a quick descent to the waiting vehicles at Puente Palo.
In Summary
A good walking week with a superb group. We had some tough days, a couple of easier ones and managed to remain above the 2000m level for much of each days activities. The heat? Well, it wasn't so bad. We started early in the day and by it's end made best use of cooling breezes on ridges and forest shade to assist.
"Start high, stay high" is the maxim. 4 wheel drive vehicles are essential in this, as they can greatly extend the range and scope of any mountain route. Also allows for a high start point.
More Group Walking Itineraries in Andalucia
Walking through fields of yellow dwarf broom
Group photo sat by the banks of the Rio Chico
The Irish flag flies over the summit of Mulhacén!
Starting off from the village of Capileira in the Alpujarras
Descent from Cerro de Caballo (2009m)
Waiting 4wd transport
Sat by the Rio Chico
Spanish Highs are the most experienced, active and knowledgeable mix of foreign and spanish guides operating in the Sierra Nevada and the only ones fully insured and licensed for both guiding activities and for operating as a travel agency.