Spring is coming to Southern Spain

Yesterday evening we had a real sense that spring had arrived. After a couple of days of cold wet weather, the sun was out, birds were singing and we could sit on out terrace to watch the sun go down. We shared the experience with a couple of bats, out to catch their evening meal, and then watched as a fox zig zagged across our land looking for frogs.

Earlier in the afternoon I had taken a short walk around the mountainside and seen the first pink fringed orchids, heard bee eaters fly past - almost too high in the sky to see and watched larks in their courtship.  The final 'icing on the cake' was watching a Golden Eagle circle overhead.

Spring and early summer are great times to visit the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra, and we are very fortunate to be able to be here.

Daily Walking Excursions from Lanjaron and Capileira with a qualified International Mountain Leader

Mike is leading a programme of guided walks in Spain's Sierra Nevada Mountains during the coming week.  If you know anyone who is on holiday in Spain, do pass on the details:

Sunday 11th September
An ascent of Trevenque  2079m “The Matterhorn of The Sierra Nevada”
Departing Lanjaron 9am returning around 6pm.

Monday 12th September
An ascent of  Alcazaba  3369m 3rd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. A long hard day, departing Lanjaron 7am returning late.  Pick up in Capileira at 7.45 am.

Tuesday 13th September  and  Sunday 18th September
An Ascent of Veleta 3396m, 2nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada
Departing Lanjaron 9am returning around 6pm.

Wednesday 14th September  and  Monday 19th September
An Ascent of Mulhacen 3479m, the highest mountain in mainland Spain.
A long hard day, departing Lanjaron 7am returning late.  Pick up in Capileira at 7.45 am.

Thursday 15th September  and  Tuesday 20th September
“Excitement in the Rio Monachil”. A good days walk involving several rope bridges and narrow canyons. Departing Lanjaron 9.30am returning around 5pm.

Friday 16th September
An ascent of Pico del Caballo 3011m.  Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak.
Departing Lanjaron 8am returning around 6pm.

Cost for all excursions is €40. Price includes the qualified guide and transport.  You will need to wear good walking boots and clothing suitable for the high mountains.  Bring a picnic lunch, plenty to drink and warm clothing to withstand high winds and possible rain or snow.

All excursions depart from outside Lanjaron’s Tourist Information Office. Excursions to Mulhacen and Alcazaba can include a pick up in Capileira by appointment.

Please note, safety is paramount. If weather conditions deteriorate whilst on the mountain then we will have to shorten or even abandon the itinerary. No money will be refunded once the excursion has started.

Booking essential.
To book your place, please telephone Michael on: 688  312  497

Classic Mountain Walking in Spain’s Sierra Nevada

There are places still available on this classic mountain walking week which takes in the best of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. 10^th to 17^th September.

This is a full board fully guided walking week with 6 days of guided walking.  We meet you at Malaga Airport provide the holiday which includes 5 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a mountain hut and aims to ascend Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. At the end of the holiday we return you to Malaga Airport for your flight home.

Details of this holiday can be found at:

http://mountain-house.co.uk/high-mountain-walking-holiday/

Limerick Mountaineers Walk High

22 members of the Limerick Mountaineering Club joined the Mountain House team for a week of walking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We enjoyed some lovely settled summer weather which enabled us to experience the mountains at their best.

High Walking in Spain's Sierra Nevada Mountains

A week spent exploring some lesser known valley's, together with Mulhacen, Caballo and Trevenque. There was still lots of snow in the mountains this year, but this also meant lots of water and some beautiful early summer flowers. Working with Martin Riley, who shared the delights of an alternative route to the Poqueira refuge, followed by an ascent of Pulpito.