Thursday 12 December 2013

Walking in The Alpujarra


Good Walking Straight From The Door!
Being enthusiastic hill walkers ourselves we have always been keen to walk straight out from Finca Montaña rather than getting in the car and driving to get to the start of a walk.  Sure, there are great walks elsewhere in the Alpujarra but here at Finca Montaña there are our own great circuits.

The latest walk!
The problem with planning a route and exploring around here is the fact that although a path or track might be shown on the map, it either may not exist or be over private land and you have no way of knowing until you arrive at a chain across the track half way around your walk.

Earlier this week we pieced together another amazing circuit from the house.  Even after living here for 10 years, it’s such a joy for us to discover something new. Passing mountain farmsteads like our own and seeing what’s growing, old mines, acequia’s, abandoned farms and terraces and never seeing another sole except for a farmer pruning some almond trees. The spectacular views, geology, and wildlife are a wonder too. On this latest circuit we saw a juvenile Golden Eagle, Iberian Ibex and Kestrels.

In addition to a host of shorter walks, we now have 4 superb day walks straight from the front door. All of them circuits of around 10 miles and with 600m to 1000m of ascent. Quite strenuous days but the good thing is there is always a mug of tea or beer / wine to reward yourself with at the end of the walk. There’s nothing like your favourite tipple when you’ve earned it and the views from here are truly stunning.

Evening Views from Finca Montaña
 Finca Montaña is a great, reasonably priced, base for walkers to enjoy the spectacular hill and mountain walking that the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada have to offer. Walking is possible throughout the year in The Alpujarra though it’s a good idea to miss the heat of August. Even in January and February it is often possible to walk wearing a T shirt. Walking in the High Sierra Nevada is cooler! The best months are June, July, September and October though if you fancy some snowshoeing (possibly combined with some warmer walking in the Alpujarra), February is a good time to visit.

At Finca Montaña you can have a flexible accommodation option, B & B, Half Board or Full Board at reasonable prices. We also offer airport pick ups from either Malaga (2 hours) or Granada (75 minutes).

Mike and Jane the owners of Finca Montaña are both qualified International Mountain Leaders with an extensive knowledge of walking in The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada. They work together at Sierra Nevada Guides.