Walking in The Alpujarra
The Alpujarra is the area that is the
southern slopes of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Having walked all over
Europe and in North Africa, I can honestly say that the walking here is
unsurpassed. This is hill walking terrain rather than mountain walking of the
high Sierra Nevada. It is characterized by steep sided valleys, terraces and
pretty white washed villages.
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| Walking in The TaHa |
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| Busquistar, a village in The TaHa |
Sierra Nevada Guides have some walks already written up on their website and run a programme of guided walks in the spring
(April, May and early June). If you are thinking of a walking holiday for your
walking club, then Mountain House Holidays are able to organize a package for you. A full board, fully guided week from £695.
It’s hard to pick out a favorite walk as
there are so many to choose from, and according to season when flowers are out.
Undoubtedly walking in the Rio Poqueira from Capileira or in the Taha de Pitres
provide the best walking. It is also possible to venture up into the Sierra
Nevada without having to tackle the mountains. Hoya del Portillo above
Capileira provides a good starting point. Only half an hour above Hoya brings
us to the viewpoint of Puerto Molino where the higher summits can clearly be
seen, especially Mulhacen (the highest mountain in mainland Spain) and Veleta
the 2nd highest in the Sierra Nevada.
Walking in the Alpujarra can get too hot in
July and August. Good times are
March to June and September to November.
That said, if the sun is out, it is possible to walk in T shirts
throughout the winter!
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| T Shirts in winter! |
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| Capileira |
If you are restricted to the height of
summer, there are several walks to be had in the high mountains where it is
cool at altitude. It is possible to catch the National Park bus from Capileira
to Mirador Trevelez 2700m asl. You can expect the tempreture at 3000m to be
around 15 to 20 degrees during the afternoon in July if it is not windy. With
wind chill you might be looking to wear a fleece or jacket.
From Mirador Trevelez, the old road leads
to The Caldera at just over 3000m. From here a path leads down the Rio Mulhacen
and you can make a circuit via the Refugio Poqueira (food, drinks and toilets)
before returning to the bus at Mirador Trevelez.
Maps and English guidebooks are available
locally, but to help with your planning, they can be obtained in advance from Stanfords.
The Editorial Alpina map / guide to the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra is a good
start. Spanish maps are usually flimsy so consider getting your map laminated
before you go.
Accommodation is plentiful. Pensions,
Hotels and self catering are all available. If you are planning to visit in the
hotter months (mid June through until the end of September, look for somewhere
with a pool or plunge pool. It’s
great to cool off after a good walk!
Mountain House Holidays and Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British guides (International Mountain Leaders) based in the Alpujarra / Sierra Nevada.
