Mt Olympus, Highest Mountain in Greece

Climbing Mt Olympus

Mt. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece.  It has three summits: Mitikas 2918m;  Skala 2866m;  and Skolio 2905m.  Mitikas involves some easy but exposed rock scrambling, so most walkers ascend Skala 2866m which is nearest to “Hut A” the nearest mountain refuge.  Although Skolio 2905m is only a short walk further than Skala, it is not so often ascended.

At the start!

The ancient Greeks believed that Zeus had his throne on the highest peak, Mytikas which was also home to the other 12 Olympians (Greek Gods).

Climbing Mount Olympus is a non-technical hike, except for the final section to the summit of Mytikas peak, which is a grade 1 or 2 scramble depending on the route taken.

Gaining the "Muses Plateau"

Mountain House Holidays have recently (September 2015) returned from running their first trip to Mt Olympus where everyone ascended Skala. Unfortunately it was a day spent in the mist and drizzle and the Guardian of “Hut C” where we spent the night before our summit attempt advised us that Mitikas should not be attempted in wet conditions as limestone is notoriously slippery in the wet. None the less a very successful trip made all the better by the helpful Greek people who were all keen to ensure that we had the best possible time.

Mules are used to supply the huts on Mt. Olympus

Next year (2016) we are including Mt. Olympus back on our itinerary though we will be going a month earlier when we are assured that the weather is better!

Mountain House Holidays will be organising 5 day midweek trips in August 2016. These trips will be led and supervised by qualified International Mountain Leaders. The programme will be as follows:

Monday

We meet you at Thessaloniki Airport and transport you Litochoro, where we will stay in guesthouse accommodation. If there is time in the early evening we can have a short walk in the Enipeas Gorge.

The mist rolls in!!

Tuesday

An early start taking a taxi to a high road head where we walk high into the mountains, initially through ancient forest. We continue steeply up the mountainside to reach a mountain hut at around 2600m on the spectacular “Plateau of The Muses” where we will spend the night. The refuge has dormitory accommodation, blankets and pillows, but you will need to carry a sheet sleeping bag and sandles or trainers.

The Summit of Skala

Wednesday

An early start will enable us to make a traverse of the mountain. For those who want to make the short scramble, Mytikas 2918m is a possibility. We will then continue for the non scramblers to Skala 2866m and possibly Skolio 2905m before descending to Hut A for a second night on the mountain.

Thursday

We continue our descent off the mountain and reach a high road head in around 3 hours. We then descend through the spectacular Enipeas Gorge to  return to Litochoro and a well earned celebratory meal.

Dinner in Hut A.

Friday

We depart Litochoro and return you to Thessaloniki Airport

Mountain House Holidays is jointly owned and managed by Jane Livingstone and Michael Hunt.  Both Jane and Michael are qualified International Mountain Leaders.

Climbing Mt Olympus

Climbing Mt Olympus

Mt Olympus 2918m is the highest mountain in Greece.  Although Olympus is a name familiar to everyone in the western world, very few know much about this mountain and even fewer have climbed this rocky peak.

Mt Olympus, Home of The Gods!

British based walking holiday company, Mountain Walking Holidays are now pleased to announce that they are including a walking trip to climb Mt Olympus in their programme for 2015.

Snow covers Olympus from November until late May making the exposed upper section tricky to cross. The rocky summit continues to delight everyone who makes the ascent as it did the ancient gods.

We meet at Thessaloniki airport, drive to Litochoro, where we will stay in guesthouse accommodation. The following day we walk high into the mountains, initially through ancient forest. We continue steeply up the mountainside to reach the spectacular Muses plateau, where we will spend the night. The refuge has dormitory accommodation, blankets and pillows, but you will need to carry a sheet sleeping bag and slippers or flip-flops.

Mytikas Summit from Skala

An early start will enable us to make a traverse of the mountain to reach Mytikas, the summit of Olympus at 2901m. This part of the climb can be difficult, involving some scrambling, so you will need a head for heights. If time and conditions allow, we will continue on to scale Skala at 2866m before making our descent down to one of the lower refuges.

The final day we walk through the spectacular Enipeas Gorge to return to Litochoro and a well earned celebratory meal.

The Olympus National park has been recognised as an “area of international importance for the environment of mankind”. It is dedicated to the protection of the natural habitat of plant and animal wildlife. You may spot wild animals such as goats, deer or the wild boar and eagles, or vultures. The slopes are particularly well known for their plants, which attract lots of butterflies.

Ariel view of Mt Olympus in winter

Temperatures in the mountains can be very variable, ranging from hot sun to wind and rain. The proximity to the sea give Mount Olympus a it is a Mediterranean climate, i.e. hot and dry in summer, but the mountain gets lots of rain and wind, so you will need to be prepared. Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the low 20’s centigrade. Sun screen and hats are essential as is windproof and waterproof clothing.

Mountain Walking Holidays are run by Jane Livingstone and Michael Hunt, both qualified as International Mountain Leaders.

Details of this Holiday and how to book are on the Mountain Walking Holidays website.

Why Use a Qualified Guide in The Mountains?

Why Use a Qualified Guide in The Mountains outside the U.K.?

That’s it, I’ve submitted my logbook of CPD training to the “training officer” and been passed as current satisfying the training requirements to continue as an InternationalMountain Leader!  It takes effort to stay qualified…………

IML's Practicing Navigation at Night

The only British qualifications valid for taking people into the mountains outside the U.K. are either the International Mountain Leader (IML) or the Mountain Guide (IFMGA). Those holding these qualifications are members of professional associations who issue their guides carnets to operate on an annual basis.

Assessing People in The Mountains Course, PyB

Overseeing these qualifications in the U.K. are:

i.   BMG         British Mountain Guides;     and

ii.  BAIML    British Association of International Mountain Leaders.

IFMGA Guides can operate on terrain where the use of ropes and technical mountaineering will be necessary.

IML’s operate on terrain where ropes and technical equipment are not routinely required, though are trained in their use (just in case).

IML’s have to be able to demonstrate that their skills are current through CPD training and hold a current wilderness 1^st aid certificate along with appropriate liability insurance.

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My Carnet (front and back)

At the point of renewing my carnet on January 1^st this year, I was asked to demonstrate that I had enough current and relevant training. This I duly did and “passed muster.” My carnet has been reissued allowing me to continuepractising as an IML.

Since qualifying as an IML in March 2010 I have undertaken 10 days of (CPD) training including the following:

Teaching Navigation (2 courses);

Altitude Sickness;

The Mountain Environment;

Glaciation;

Assessing People in The Mountains;  and

Teaching Hill and Mountain Skills.

All of this CPD is in addition to the rigorous training and assessment both summer and winter to obtain the qualification in the first place.

Nasty Leg Wound! Wilderness 1st Aid Course

The one thing that I am confident in saying is that you not only get a qualified guide when you hire an IML, but you get someone who is “current” and the added value bought with the volume of CPD opportunities. By hiring an International Mountain Leader to guide you in the mountains not only should you be safe, but the level of environmental interpretation should be 1^st Class.

Working overseas for much of the year, mainly in Spain, I am amazed at the increasing number of Brits who set up walking businesses, call themselves guides and proceed to operate illegally (as unlike the U.K., you need to hold a qualification to lead people for money in Spain). Unfortunately it will take a fatality before these people are investigated.

So there you have it!  When booking your walking holidays in the hills or mountains ask if your guide will be qualified (and insured).  A qualified guidecarries a “carnet” and their website and advertising should display the correct logo.

IML Ropework Refresher Course

Walking in Slovenia’s Julian Alps

Walking in Slovenia’s Julian Alps

We first discovered Slovenia’s Julian Alps on a weeks Spring break in May / June 2011.  Since then we have spent a further 5 weeks getting to know the area in some depth.

Lake Bohinj

The Julian Alps are believed to be named after Julius Caesar and are the highest mountains in Slovenia with at Triglav 2864m the highest summit. The Slovene people are rightly proud of their mountaineering heritage and the national flag has Triglav represented on it. There is a “saying” in Slovenia that you are only a true Slovene if you have climbed Triglav.

As an alpine nation, its mountains are not as high as those in neighbouring countries but they are equally spectacular. There is an extensive network of mountain huts throughout its mountains making it quite possible to stay for longer periods high up without having to keep descending to a valley base each evening.

Martagon Lilly

Our first trip was in the spring of 2011.  Too early to access the high paths and summits because the high mountains were full of snow. We were able to walk to the summer pastures on the low alps where the cows were being taken up to from the villages and the wild spring flowers were very impressive. We were surprised at the warm weather, though the proximity to the Mediterranean generally gives a warmer and more stable climate than the western alps.

The second trip we made was for two weeks in August 2011.  The paths and mountains were now mostly clear of snow and we were able to explore the extensive network of paths and huts in the high mountains. Especially memorable was seeing both Edelweiss and the rare, endemic, Zoiss Bellflower.

We returned again for two weeks in 2013, this time leading walking holidays for Mountain House Holidays. We led two, week long holidays and were able to take our clients to the summit of Triglav. We became true Slovenes!

In September, 2014 we had the privilege to return once more leading a hut to hut walking holiday for Mountain House Holidays. Memorable on this trip was the accordion playing that we experienced at all of the huts we stayed at.

Pogacnikov Dom

Zoiss Bellflower

Situated less than an hours drive from Ljubiana Airport, the Julian Alps are very accessible. There are flights from both London Stanstead and Luton airports. We have found car hire quite cheap though there are taxi’s and mini-bus taxi’s available. By booking them in advance these also work out quite cheaply.

If you are planning to visit in springtime, there are lots of flowers out in late May and early June. An ideal base would be around Lake Bohinj. There are plenty of hotels, guest houses and hostels here to suit all. Hostel 13 in Studor offers good clean basic self catering accommodation. Hotel Starre offers good hotel accommodation.

Edleweiss

For summer hut to hut trips you need a start and end point. The Aljazev Dom at the head of the valley above the village of Mojstrana has a massive “wow” factor that it overlooks the mighty north face of Triglav. This is one of the few huts that has showers and you can get a taxi or drive to within about 400m of the hut. We have also left bags here with our clean travelling clothes to return to on several occasions.

If you want a guided itinerary, Mountain House Holidays will help you sort out a suitable itinerary and provide you with a qualified International Mountain Leader who has knowledge of these beautiful mountains.

Mike and Jane from Mountain House Holidays are always willing to advise you to plan your walking holiday in Slovenia.

Chamois

Munro Walking Holiday 2015, Torridon

Munro Walking Holiday with Mountain House Holidays

Following on from successful holidays over the past two years based in Kinlochleven and Roy Bridge, Mountain House Holidays will be running their annual Munro climbing holiday in Torridon (Kinlochewe) during August 2015. The week is intended for keen mountain walkers who have some experience of rock scrambling but who would like to undertake these mountains supervised by qualified International Mountain Leaders.

The Magic of Climbing Munro's

Some of the days will be long and strenuous and (weather permitting) are likely to include:

A Dry Day

Maol Chean-derg 933m           

Beinn Alligin(2 Munros)            

Tom na Gruagaich 922m

Sgurr Mhor 986m

Liathach (2 Munros)                        

Spidean a Choire Leith 1055m

Mullach an Rathain 1023m

Beinn Eighe (2 Munros)                      

Spidean Coire nan Clach 993m

Ruadh–stac Mor 1010m

A Wet Day, but this is Scotland!

Slioch            981m                                            

Bienn Liath Mor 926m           

Sgorr Ruadh 962m                       

Shorter alternatives 
(for possible wet weather / rest days):

Fionn Bheinn 933m 

Moruisg 928m      

Mike and Jane from Mountain House Holidays, both International Mountain Leaders and climbing instructors (SPA’s) will be supervising this holiday themselves.

How this holiday works.

Enjoying the views

You sort out your own accommodation and transport to Torridon / Kinlochewe.

You sort out your own meals.

On the first evening we shall meet at the Kinlochewe Hotel at 8pm for introductions and to plan the itinerary and meeting time / place for the first walk.

Each evening we shall meet up in Kinlochewe to plan the following days itinerary.

Dates:

15^th to 22^nd August 2015,  
(Six daily walks 16^th to 21^st August).

Cost:

£250 for the week, includes all guiding. Some places may be available on a daily basis at £50 per day.           

Booking:

This can be done direct on the Mountain House Holidays Website

More Scottish Magic!

Mulhacen, Magnificent!

Mulhacen, Magnificent!

It’s normal for us at Mountain House Holidays to be guiding people up Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in The Sierra Nevada and the whole of mainland Spain. However yesterday, having a day off we decided to climb Mulhacen ourselves for the sheer enjoyment of it. Legend has it that Mully Hasan the deposed and penultimate Arab King of Al Andalus is buried on the mountain.

Mulhacen Summit

Most people tackling Mulhacen take the National Park bus from Capileira up to Alto del Chorrillo at 2700m and ascend and descend Mulhacen’s South Ridge. It’s fine to use the bus and the South Ridge as part of the excursion but to only do a “there and back from the bus” is a short day and will leave you thinking it’s not been a proper day out!

Setting out early in summer is the best tactic. This allows you to get the climbing done before the heat of the day starts to sap your energy. We started from Hoya del Portillo 2160m at 7.30am. It was cold, 10 degrees C and for the first 20 minutes we were in the forest so no sun. Still the motto is: start cold and warm up walking up hill! By the time we had reached the view point of Puerto Molino 2380m (30 minutes) we were warm! Our route continued along the ridge of Prado Llano 2577m to 2622m before joining the old road along to Alto del Chorrillo arriving there for a breakfast break at 9.15am.

Dense Flowering Sandwort

The actual ascent of Mulhacen along the south ridge is pleasant, and in summer a well defined path with cairns marking the way through the screes just below the subsidiary summit of Mulhacen II at 3361m. Even though we stopped to take photo’s of plants and beetles, we reached the summit at 11.20am a total time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. A distance of 11.4Km with a total height gained of 1412m. An hour and 20 minutes ahead of Naismith (The rule for calculating the time to walk up mountains – allow 4Km per hour and add a minute for every 10m of ascent).

We were ahead of the crowd from the bus so the summit was fairly quiet. There was a small group of “Cabra” the Iberian Ibex mooching around not particularly afraid of us, the usual Alpine Accentor and a large squadron of Swifts giving a good display of aerobatics.

Iberian Ibex

After a short break on the summit, it was time to head downwards before the crowds from the bus arrived. There is a zig zag path down the screes of Mulhacen’s West flank which we took heading to the Collado de la Mosca which gives great views of both Mulhacen’s and Alcazaba’s 3371m North Faces. A further 10 minutes and you are down to the Caldera Hut, an unmanned “bivouac” hut with bunks, tables and chairs. From here there is an impressive view back up to Mulhacen’s summit. A spot of lunch was called for at The Caldera!

With clients if we had caught the bus we would continue down to the Poqueira Refuge 2500m to make a circuit back to Hoya del Portillo. However as we had not walked the old road back to Alto del Chorrillo for a few years we though we’d re-acquaint ourselves with this option. It proved as boring as we remembered it though a useful way out if the weather turns nasty. From Alto del Chorrillo we then returned the way we had ascended finally arriving back to Hoya del Portillo at 3.30pm.

Mulhacen's West Flank from the Caldera Refuge

All that remained was to drive back to a bar in Capileira for the customary drink and plan for the next outing!

Mountain House Holidays and our company “Sierra Nevada Guides” are the only British Qualified Guides (International Mountain Leaders) working in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.

The Sierra Nevada Guides website has a lot of useful information for people wanting to visit the area, especially for walkers and climbers.

We are always happy to respond to emails answering questions about the area.

Snowshoeing from Finca Montaña

Snowshoeing from Finca Montaña

February and March in our part of Spain is unpredictable and often full of surprises.  If people come wanting some winter mountaineering, then most years it is possible to fill a week in the snow.  On the other hand being southern Spain, we often get clients wanting a week of walking in the sun; this we can usually accommodate but not always, as the weather in the mountains can be fickle. 

Snowshoeing in The Sierra Nevada from Finca Montana

Last week we had such a time and although we had some nice sunny days, we also found ourselves snowed in!  Fortunately, at Mountain House Holidays we had the snowshoes ready and were able to walk out from the front door enjoying superb views of the various mountains around us (Contravesia, Sierra de Lujar, Malaga Mountains, etc.), as well as views down to the Mediterranean Sea some twenty miles away with occasional glimpses of the mountains of north Africa.

It was Thursday and we had initially wanted to go to Orgiva market. Waking to 200mm of snow convinced us that even with serious 4 wheel drive this was not going to happen, so it was a case of plan B! Living at 1300m above sea level does sometimes mean that you have to go with whatever the mountain throws at you. In our case, the hill that we live on goes on up to 3011m and is called Cerro del Caballo.  It is Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak and the last mountain at the western end of the Sierra Nevada.

The view south west from Finca Montana

Neither of our clients had used snow shoes recently but were both more than willing to give it a go! So off we headed, initially following the line of the dirt track road that leads to our house. Once we had got to the main mountain track, we took a series of lines following “fire breaks” up through the forest reaching a height of 1680m.  During the course of our 3 hour ascent we saw no one else but crossed the tracks of wild boar and mountain goats. Our descent only took an hour and exhausted we sat by the log fire enjoying a late lunch washed down with well earned cool beers.

Finca Montana in the snow

Finca Montaña is a remote mountain cortio on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada above the spa town of Lanjaron. Reached by a 12Km drive up a windy dirt track road, it is the perfect place for those who like to be away from the trappings of modern life.

Mike and Jane who own Mountain House Holidays are qualified International Mountain Leaders which is the requisite qualification for leading snow shoe treks and walking in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. 

When based in Spain, Mike and Jane also operate as Sierra Nevada Guides and take on individual guiding commissions.  There is a host of information about the Sierra Nevada on the Sierra Nevada Guides website.