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.

Alpujarra B&B and Guesthouse

Alpujarra B&B and Guesthouse

Finca Montaña “The Good Life” is our remote mountain farmhouse situated at 1300m on the mountain above Lanjaron. An ideal base for walkers with good walks straight from the front door. Finca Montaña is also situated close to both the GR7 and GR240.

Finca Montaña

The local goats walk past every day

Being so remote, about 12Km up dirt track roads the house does not have the “normal” mains facilities. There are two springs on the property (22 000 m²), a sola panel and wind turbine generate electricity and the shower and fridge / freezer is heated by gas. The new house where guests stay has 2 bedrooms, a double and a small double and can accommodate up to 5 people (single bunk above a double bed). There is a shared shower room / w.c.

Once returning from your days activities it is unlikely that you’ll want to be bothered with the drive down into Lanjaron so the fridge is kept well stocked with beer and wine. Evening meals and packed lunches can be provided. In Summer there is a small plunge pool where you can float, sometimes watching the Golden Eagles soaring above. The local goat farmer walks his herd past most days which is a real spectacle.

Prices for 2014:

Bed and Breakfast                                        =            20 Euro’s per night

Evening Meal (including beer or wine)           =            10 Euro’s

Full Board with packed lunch                        =            35 Euro’s per day

Mike and Jane, your hosts are mountain guides working in the Sierra Nevada and offer walking packages to guests, either in the Alpujarra or Sierra Nevada though they have compiled walk descriptions for guests to take and follow themselves.

Guided walks from 40 Euro’s per person per day.

Early morning cloud inversion looking towards the Sierra de Lujar

Being situated at 1300m above sea level you can normally expect stunning views. The Sierra de Lujar, Malaga Mountains, across the Mediterranean and even the mountains of North Africa on a clear day.

Check out Finca Montaña on the Mountain House Holidays website.

Useful area information on the Sierra Nevada Guides website

Alpujarra Guesthouse and B & B

Alpujarra Guesthouse and B & B

Finca Montaña “The Good Life” is a remote mountain small holding in the Sierra Nevada / Alpujarra. Situated at 1300m above sea level it has the most fantastic views of the Sierra de Lujar, the Mediterranean and on a clear day even the mountains of North Africa.

Finca Montaña in winter

Arriving back from a walk, well earned beer!

By remote I mean 10Km up a dirt track road either from Lanjaron or from Lecrin. Set in about 5 acres of fruit trees Finca Montaña catches water from its own springs and generates electricity by sola and wind.  The fridge freezer runs off bottled gas ensuring a good supply of cold wine, beer and ice cubes!  Cooking and hot water are by gas also.

Mike and Jane, your hosts are mountain guides working in the Sierra Nevada and offer walking packages to guests, either in the Alpujarra or Sierra Nevada though they have compiled walk descriptions for guests to take and follow themselves.

Prices for 2014:

Bed and Breakfast                                        =            20 Euro’s per night

Evening Meal (including beer or wine)          =            10 Euro’s

Full Board with packed lunch                       =            35 Euro’s per day

Guided walks from 40 Euro’s per person per day.

Cloud inversion beneath Finca Montaña at sunset

Check out Finca Montaña on the Mountain House Holidays website.

Useful area information on the Sierra Nevada Guides website

Drinks and nibbles on the patio