Finca Montaña – The Walkers Choice

Finca Montaña – The Walkers Choice!

Finca Montaña B & B and Self Catering for walkers and hiker’s in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.

Finca Montana a working small holding

Situated at 1300m in Spain’s Sierra Nevada with good walks straight from the door Finca Montaña provides a great base to explore the hill and mountain walking opportunities of the area.

A fire with endless logs!

Not a swish up market property, Finca Montaña is a remote mountain farmhouse set in 5 acres of fruit and chestnut trees reached by 12km of dirt track road (for those driving). The rewards for being so high and remote are the stunning views, quiet solitude and the typical Spanish way of hill farming with the local goat herd wandering by on a daily basis.

We have 2 bedrooms available in the “new house” a double and a small double (we live in an older house attached at the rear). The property can accommodate up to 4 adults and 1 child (top bunk above the double).

There is a shared washroom with shower, w.c. and hand basin and a shared living room / kitchen.

A single or small double room

Outside is a patio with views down to the coast and occasionally the mountains of North Africa.

This is a 12 volt house. We generate our own power from a solar panel and wind turbine. The power is stored in batteries so if guests leave the lights on the batteries will run flat! All rooms have lighting and bedside lights, there is an ipod dock and a means of charging mobile telephones (car socket, bring car charger for your phone and ipod).

The fridge and freezer like the cooking and water heater all work off gas.

We have springs on the land to collect our own water and we have a septic tank for the drainage.

The 1st beer after a hard days walking!

Because the house is so remote, it is unlikely that you’ll want to drive down the mountain into town for a beer in the evening.  However the house has sitting areas outside where you can soak up the views as the sun sets with a drink in hand to unwind after a days walking. We keep the fridge well stocked with beer and wine, which guests can help themselves to and settle up at the end of the stay.

Once night arrives the clear skies are superb and it is a joy to sit out enjoying the stars, especially in the height of summer when this time of day is cool and a relief from the heat.

In the cooler months the evening and night temperatures can be quite cool at this altitude. Fortunately we have a large open fire and an endless supply of logs!

Finca Montana a place to relax

Prices for 2013 

Bed and Breakfast at Finca Montaña  

20 Euro’s per night.

Evening Meal (including beer or wine)      

10 Euro’s

Packed Lunch                                          

5 Euro’s

(note, guests have access to the kitchen so can prepare their own meals).
If you would like to enquire about staying at Finca Montaña, we can be contacted via the Mountain House website.

The Walking

Walking beside an acequia in the Alpujarra

Both Jane and Mike the owners of Finca Montaña are qualified International Mountain Leaders and have been exploring and leading walks in the area for over 10 years. There are route cards available at Finca Montaña for people to go and enjoy some of our favourite walks, including several straight from the front door.  Further afield, the whole of the Alpujarra has stunning hill walking. Not to miss are walks in the Poqueira Gorge visiting the pretty old arab villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira;  and a walk in the  impressive Taha Valley.

Mike and Jane are usually available to provide guided walks and ascents of mountains.

In the height of summer (mid July and August) it is too hot to walk in the Alpujarra, but the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada come into their own with superb walking, including Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain.

Finca Montaña is situated on the southern slopes of Pico del Caballo 3011m which is Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak and is possible as a day trip from Finca Montanna.

For those with transport many of the Sierra Nevada’s mountains are possible as day trips from Finca Montaña including:

Mulhacen seen from the summit of Veleta

Mulhacen            3482m            
Mainland Spain’s Highest

Veleta                  3394m            
2nd highest in The Sierra Nevada, 
fairly easy day

Alcazaba             3371m            
Most remote of the Big 3 
and visits Siete Lagunas

Caballo                3011m              
Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak

Trevenque           2079m            
The “Matterhorn” of the Sierra Nevada

Scrambling and Rock Climbing

For those wanting to increase the adrenalin flow, Jane and Mike have enough scrambling and rock climbing itineraries or information available to keep you occupied for a week long holiday though you will need a car.

If you would like to enquire about staying at Finca Montaña, we can be contacted via the Mountain House website

B & B and Self Catering accommodation in Spain’s Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada

B & B and Self-Catering accommodation in Spain’s Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada

Finca Montaña the home of Mountain House Holidays and Sierra Nevada Guides a great place for a quiet holiday, even better if you enjoy walking or bird watching.

Our remote mountain “cortijo” set in 5 acres of grounds lends itself to the perfect “hide away.”  Fantastic views and good walking straight from the front door.

This is not a location for those wanting to spend their evenings in a bar.

Finca Montaña

Stay with us at Finca Montaña

Finca Montaña is our remote mountain farmhouse 1300m above sea level. It is set in 5 acres of fruit trees. It is a very quirky property though we love it!

It is 12km drive up a dirt track road and normally takes around 35 minutes to reach by car. By path from Lanjaron it is around 1.5 hours in ascent and an hour for descent. After a days walking or climbing it is unlikely that you’ll want to make the effort to go back down the mountain into town for a beer or meal. So if you are keen to partake in the nightlife of Lanjaron, don’t consider staying at Finca Montaña.

Drinks and Nibbles on the Patio

We keep the fridge well stocked with beer and wine which guests can help themselves to and settle up at the end of the stay.

We have 2 bedrooms available in the “new house” a double and a small double. The property can accommodate up to 4 adults and 1 child (top bunk above the double).

There is a shared washroom with shower, w.c. and hand basin and a shared living room / kitchen.

Outside is a patio with views down to the coast and occasionally the mountains of North Africa.

This is a 12 volt house. We generate our own power from a solar panel and wind turbine. The power is stored in batteries but if guests leave the lights on the batteries will run flat! All rooms have lighting and bedside lights, there is an ipod dock and a means of charging mobile telephones (car socket, bring car charger for your phone).

The fridge and freezer like the cooking and water heater all work off gas.

We have springs on the land to collect our own water and we have a septic tank for the drainage.

Costs:

Bed Only             (self catering can use the kitchen)            15 Euroʼs per person per night

Bed and Breakfast            " "            "            "                   20 Euro’s per person per night

Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal "            "            "          30 Euro’s per person per night

(Includes beer or wine with

the evening meal)

Packed Lunch"            "            "            "            "                5 Euro’s per person per day

Walking

Early Spring in the Taha Valley

We know the area really well and can advise on walking itineraries, providing you with printed route descriptions or take you out on a professionally guided walk.

The Alpujarra has some of the best hill walking to be had anywhere. Old mule tracks and water courses (acequias) link pretty white mountain villages.  At the height of summer when it's too hot in the valleys, our walks migrate upwards into the cool air of the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to Mulhacen the highest mountain in mainland Spain.



Bird Watching and Wildlife

Black Eared Wheatear in the front garden

The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada are home to a wide variety of plants, birds and animals. It is possible to observe much just from the area around Finca Montaña especially birds.

Last year we had a resident Hoopoo.  In the summer months we daily see Eagles, Vultures and Bee Eaters.

Most days the local goat herd passes our land in the timeless fashion of farmer leading the flock.




If you would like to enquire about staying at Finca Montaña, we can be contacted through the Mountain House website.

The local goats walking past

Walking in the Warm! - Spain

Walking in the Warm!

Walking in the warm has become a dream as the British winter is now taking hold. A wet summer followed by a wet autumn, now a wet cold winter has left me dreaming of some warmth and the chance to walk in some sunshine.

Walking holidays don’t need to be expensive, especially if southern Spain is your destination.  There are cheap flights from all U.K. airports to Malaga which can be the gateway to a wonderful walking holiday in Andalucía’s Alpujarra region. The Alpujarra is the area nestling into the southern slopes of Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area has been mainly influenced by the Berber Arabs who colonised this area from the 8^th Century and is characterised by pretty white villages linked by a network of paths, mule tracks and watercourses known as Acequia’s.

February warmth in The Alpujarra

Mountain House Holidays (operating from their mountain house high in the Alpujarra) have a vast local knowledge of the walking in the area and their walks are led by qualified International Mountain Leaders. There are walking holidays scheduled for February, April and May.

Walking in T shirts is not uncommon in winer!

The walking in the Alpujarra is classic hill walking so don’t expect flat easy paths, but is well within the capabilities of those used to walking at a basic level in British hills (South Downs, Peak District, etc.). 

A flavour of the area can be gleaned from Chris Stewarts superb book, “Driving over Lemons.”

Favourite walks included in the Itineraries usually include:

Walking beside an Acequia near Lanjaron

A circuit in the Poqueira Gorge, which takes in the delights of the prettiest three villages, Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira. The walking here is a mixture of walking through ancient terraces as we ascend the valley before taking in the delights of the “whitewashed” villages with their narrow streets, public Lavado’s where old ladies can still be seen doing their washing and of course the odd bar!

A circuit in the Taha, a name given to the valley beneath Trevelez which is Spain’s highest village, famous for its dry cured ham. The walking here takes a line on an old mule track through improbable cliffs, past goat farms, ancient bridges, terraces and white washed villages.

A circuit above the spa town of Lanjaron. This walk follows ancient mule tracks through terraces, follows acequia’s and gives superb views down to the coast and on clear days across to the mountains of North Africa. 

Lanjaron is famous for it’s spa water and as a “resort” has many craft shops, and a range of bars and restaurants.

Alpujarran Street scene

Mountain House Holidays offer you a complete package, starting from when we meet you at Malaga Airport through until when we drop you back at the airport at the end of your holiday. You just arrange your flight and insurance, we organise your travel in Spain, your full board accommodation and a week of fully guided walking led by qualified walk leaders with a full local knowledge of the area.

For those who prefer “self guided” holidays, we are able to organise accommodation and provide written details of the walks we lead.

Walking in Spain's Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada

Walking in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra

For the past ten years since we bought our mountain ”cortio” in Spain’s Sierra NevadaMountains and Alpujarra, we have enjoyed exploring the hills and mountains just south of Granada.  Since 2004 we have been organising walking holidays here as Mountain House Holidays though we also operate a guiding service as Sierra Nevada Guides and are the only qualified British International Mountain Leaders operating in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Mulhacen

The Sierra Nevada boasts mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen at 3482m.  The southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are known as the Alpujarra an area great for hill walking, especially in the winter months when the high mountains are covered in snow.

Walking is possible in the Alpujarra all year round though from mid June until the end of August it is too hot for most people. However when the sun is out even in mid winter we have been stripped down to T shirts. 

Alpujarra Street

This part of Spain was ruled for centuries by Muslim kings and was colonised by Berbers from the Atlas mountains of Morocco.  The architecture of the villages is identical to those of the Atlas mountains.  However the tradition here is to paint the houses white and the villages look stunning adorning the hillsides, prettiest of all being Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira.

The Sierra Nevada has been described as like Cairngorm with altitude! Unless you enjoy winter mountaineering or snowshoeing, the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada are best avoided in the winter months and spring. The high mountains start to become accessible again from mid June and remain so most years into November.

Gentians and "The Star of The Snows"

The area is a national park and is famous for it’s wildlife. There are many endemic species in addition to those shared with other areas. This is because of the huge variation in altitude with climatic zones from Mediterranean to Alpine. Here it is almost certain that if you know where to go you will see eagles and vultures circling above you.

The walking can be varied too, encountering terraces of almond blossom, chestnut woodland and oak forests. There is even an extensive forest of Scots Pine!  In the high mountains as the snow retreats in summer the ground becomes carpeted with Gentians and a local version of the Edelweiss known as the Star of the Snows.

The pretty white villages all have water fountains to replenish drinking bottles and there are many wayside “fuente” too, some famous for their mineral waters and even fizzy.

Enjoying the December Sunshine

February, March, April and May are nice times to visit the Alpujarra as the land is green with new plant growth.  Easter in this area brings traditional processions of statues from the local churches through the narrow streets thronged with crowds.

Summer though hot in the valley, is a great time to walk the higher peaks of The Sierra Nevada. Sun is almost guaranteed in the summer and we have never had to wear a waterproof jacket though occasionally a windproof.  Up high the temperature will be between 15 and 20 degrees during the summer though can drop considerably in high winds.

"Cabra de Monte" Iberian Ibex

Autumn is a good time for both the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada.  The tourists disappear, everywhere becomes quieter though the warm weather stays. The weather does become changeable but not to the extent that it rules out walking.

Footpaths are not well marked though the maps available are adequate and there are several guidebooks detailing the walking that can be bought in the U.K.

Our walking holidays take advantage of our local knowledge of the best walks ensuring that no day is wasted. For those organising their own holidays, there are a selection of our favourite walks available to download from our Sierra Nevada Guides website.

There is detailed information about the area on our website and we are always happy to advise and share our knowledge. 

Charity Challenge for All!

“Everyone can rise to the Challenge!”

A few years ago Mountain House Holidays were contacted by national charity who provide services for people with learning disabilities.  They had been turned down by several companies who organise charity challenge events because they wanted to include people they support in a fund raising event. As we organise and run adventure holidays for people with learning disabilities we readily agreed to work with them and help organise their challenge!

The successful team on the summit of Mulhacen

The challenge consisted of four events in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains:

i. A Rock Climbing and abseiling day

ii. A day to acclimatise to altitude ascending Cerro del Caballo 3011m

iii. A Canyon descent

iv. An Ascent of mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen 3482m over two days.

The group was split into two groups for the first two days (rock climbing and the

acclimatising day).

In total with travelling, the group were away for six days spending 5 nights in

Spain, two of the nights were in a mountain hut, The Poqueira Refuge.

Each person with a learning disability had a nominated “supporter” who was

either a friend or carer. The group all travelled and undertook the activities

together.

There were ten people who took part in the challenge, three who had a learning

disability.  Nine of the ten made it to the summit of Mulhacen. The charity

arranged flights and insurance for the participants, Mountain House met the

group and provided all accommodation (full board), transport in Spain and the

activities.

Would we do it again?  Definitely!

Since then, we have hosted a number of holidays for people with a learning disability, but thought it would be good for 2013 to return to the concept of an inclusive challenge.  Why not join us with a group of friends (including people with a learning disability) and raise some money for charity.
See our website for more details.

There is a short film clip on our website showing the sorts of activities we provide for people with learning disabilities and the inclusive approach we take.

Peak District Walking Festival 2013

Peak District Walking Festival 2013

Mountain House Holidays are pleased, once again, to support the Peak District Walking Festival 2013. We have a full programme of moorland walks and navigation courses, all led by fully qualified leaders.

Get ahead of the game and book your dates for the Peak District Walking Festival 2013. Prices for the guided walks are normally (unless otherwise stated), £10 adults, £5 children and £30 for families.

A Kinder Experience

Kinder Low Trigpoint

8.5 miles of tough walking. 10am till 4pm.
Crossing the centre of Kinder and visiting 5 aircraft wreck sites, Kinder Gates and Kinder Downfall.  The best that Kinder Scout has to offer!

Friday 26th April 2013

Saturday 4th May

Friday 10th May

Aircraft Wrecks – The Big Ones! (Kinder and Bleaklow);

Crash site of the Sabres, Ashop Clough

12 miles, 10 till 4.30.
Visiting the extensive remains of Superfortress 44-61999 and B24 Liberator. Also 2 F-86 Sabres returning along Ashop Clough.

Monday 29th April

Monday 6th May

Sunday 12th May

Rockhall at The Roaches

Rockall Cottage and Bacon Butties!
 
£18 adults, £13 children

A circuit from Gradbach taking in Lud’s Church and Roaches End, with lunch at Rockall Cottage. The price includes the Bacon Butties, hot drinks and cake.

Tuesday 30th April

Wednesday 8th May

Horse Stone, Upper Derwent Valley

Delights and Gems of The Upper Derwent Valley

10am till 4pm.
8 miles of fairly rough walking visiting rock formations, wells, aircraft wrecks and shooting cabins. Stunning views!

Friday 3rd May

Scrambling on Kinder Scout

Scrambling on Kinder Scout
 £20

This will include ascents of both Crowden Brook and Red Brook which are classic scrambles and a chance to visit the sites of 3 aircraft wrecks. There is a short film show of these scrambles on our website.

Sunday 5th May

Saturday 11th May

1st Steps to Map Reading and Navigation Course
 £39

A 1 day course, which will set you up with the basics of using a map and compass over easy open moorland.

Saturday 27th April

Thursday 9th May

Map and Compass, tools for navigation!

Introduction to Moorland Navigation Course
 £39

A 1 day course, designed for people who have done some walking, which will enable you to use a map and compass to navigate over open moorland

Thursday 2nd May

Walking in Slovenia's Julian Alps

Walking in Slovenia’s Julian Alps

Mountain House Holidays will be running guided hut to hut walking holidays in Slovenia’s Julian Alps in 2013. Here is an account of our two visits to research the trip.

Monument to the Partizans of WW2 under Triglav's North Face

 Driving from Ljubljana Airport towards Bohinj, which was to be our base, I remember commenting on how green the countryside was and how clean this country appeared. That was on our first trip in May.  We were fortunate to return for a longer stay in August and I got the same impression. Slovenia is a beautiful mountainous country.  Slovene’s are very proud of their mountains, Triglav the country’s highest mountain (2864m) even appears on the national flag and every Slovene is expected to climb Triglav at least once during their life!

Lake Bohinj and the Monument to Zloterog

The base for our first trip was Stara Fuzina near the shore of Lake Bohinj.  It was from here in 1778 that three local men set out and made the first ascent of Triglav.  In May when we made our first visit there was still too much snow to walk the high peaks safely but the high pastures were clear and full of the most spectacular spring flowers.  Indeed there was a flower festival happening attracting many visitors on guided walks into the alpine meadows.  This would be a great time to visit, before it got too hot for some late spring warmth. The only down side of visiting in May was that many of the huts were not yet open, during the season they provide a good service in food and drinks.

The paths are very well marked with red and white markers and all major junctions are marked with signposts giving place names and the time it will take to get there.

Triglav from the south East

When we visited again in August, it was very much hotter with valley temperatures up to 30 degrees during the day.  On this trip though we planned to spend most of the time up in the high mountains which was much cooler like a British summer!  At night and early in the morning it did get cold requiring jackets, hats and gloves.

Edelweiss

We toured around the Triglav area staying in some of the numerous huts that provide clean though basic hostel accommodation. The paths we walked were limestone with amazing Karst features.  Often with steep rocky steps, sometimes with wires and metal steps to help.  Ibex were common and although this was late summer there were still many stunning plants including Edelweiss and the rare Zois Bellflower (a plant where bees have to drill into the flower to get at the nectar).

Pri Jezeru Hut and Alpine Pasture

Historically the area is fascinating too. A country that has been ruled by other nations from Roman times until recent independence with the dismantling of Yugoslavia. There are three aspects of their history that I found particularly interesting: the sites of fortifications and other remnants of the 1^st world war high in the mountains; examples of forms of cooperative farming dating to the early 1800’s which when the communists took power in the 1940’s were held up as models of good practice allowing these alpine cooperatives to continue; and the history of Slovene mountaineering which is remarkable. There are museums to visit that highlight all three of these subjects.

Zois Bellflower

The walking in this area is as good as any in the central alps and Slovene culture is geared up to support walkers with a great network of signed paths and alpine huts.  The most difficult aspect is how to get there as flights are limited and the only low cost airline flying there from the U.K. is Easyjet flying from Stanstead. Once in Slovenia, public transport is good though if you are planning a hut to hut tour consider getting a taxi to and from your start and finish points.

Mountain House Holidays will be running Hut to Hut walking tours of the Triglav area in September 2013.  These 7 night full board, fully guided holidays will cost £850.  The price includes all transport, accommodation and food and the services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader.

Mike and Jane from Mountain House Holidays are fully qualified International Mountain Leaders.  If you or you group would like a Walking Holiday in Slovenia organised at other dates, please contact us to discuss your ideas.