The start of the track is on the northern flanks of Veleta above the Sierra Nevada ski station, at "Los Posiciones del Veleta". This can be reached by short walk from the Veleta Chairlift (July and August only) or by autobus from Hoya de la Mora (Albergue de Granada). Of course you could always walk, in which case the ascent from Hoya de la Mora to Posiciones will take 1.5 hours and rise you up 600m to 3100m.
Entering the Corral de Veleta
The track drops south east into the upper Corral de Veleta. A spectacular place in which snow normally lasts well into the summer. From the upper Coral we must now drop down some 200m into the Guarnón valley on either very faint or non existent tracks. The objective is the Col to the left of the peak of Veta Grande (2983m). A track through the screes accessing this col can be seen zig zagging up the slope to the col.
This is a hard 30 minute, loose, steep climb up to the col but once there the stupendous view eastwards across the northern flanks of the Sierra Nevada appears. We are in fact on the northern spur of Cerro de los Machos but the path we now require drops south east into the Corral de Valdeinfierno. This is a great section. A narrow path and some steep drop off to the left give great interest and require some concentration.
Camp at the idyllic Laguna Gabata
From the head of the Corral another faint, loose and spectacular path winds its way around the Mirador de Ferrer and into the next valley to the east. This is one of the prize assets of the Sierra Nevada. A small glacier bowl surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. At the base contain two gems! The Laguna La Larga and the Laguna de la Gabata.
We arranged it so we would have to spend the night here. It's quite and remote so not another soul was seen. The Cabra Monteses Ibex/Mountain Goats) here are very friendly as are the frequent visits from one of our favourite birds, the Alpine Accentor.
Sunset at Laguna Larga
This is an incredible place to capture the sunset and sunrise, as the colours on the nearby mountain cliffs change with the light.
Next morning we continued our way eastwards towards the peak with the strangest sounding name of "Juegos de Bolos" (Ball Games!). Of course, there isn't anything resembling a ball in sight, just the huge north and north west faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacén which rise in front of you at this point.
On the summit of Juego de Bolos
From there we ascended via an easy scramble towards Puntal de la Caldera and hence to Collado de Ciervo. From here it is easy to return along the broad track back to the ski centre but the amount of other people around are in stark contrast to the isolated and quiet places of the trek round the northern side.
Maybe next time we shall head back the same way?
Scrambling up to the Col de Ciervo
Spanish Highs run regular treks along this track as part of their summer trekking season between June to November.
More information about their trekking tours
N.B 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.