Sierra Nevada, September 2011

Mike led some great excursions in Spain's Sierra Nevada recently:

• 2 accents of Mulhacen (mainland Spain’s highest at 3479m), 
• Trevenque  2079m “The Matterhorn of the Sierra Nevada,” 
• Alcazaba  3369m 3rd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada,
• Veleta 3396m, 2nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada,  
as well as the usual fun in the Rio Monachil and a stroll up to the Poqueira Refuge (2500m) for lunch.

The only downside was having my wallet with passport and bank cards stolen at Malaga Airport. Wasn’t watching my hand baggage whilst loading the hire car.  Apparently this type of crime is common in the underground car park at Malaga airport as there is no cctv there. BEWARE!

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

Julian Alps, Slovenia

Julian Alps, Slovenia, a set on Flickr.

Some of our photo's from recent trips to Slovenia.

Explorations in the Julian Alps

Mid August saw the intrepid Mountain House team taking off for our second trip to Slovenia. This time we headed north of Triglav, using the stunning Vrata valley as our base. Our evenings were spent gazing at the north wall of Triglav, as the setting sun turned the rock red. We also managed some great and adventurous walking ahead of Jane's IML summer assessment the following week.

Highlights of the trip included; beautiful and varied mountain scenery, exposed, but well protected mountain paths, scrambling behind the pericnik waterfall, too many gentians to really appreciate, being told by the ladies at the Aljazev Dom that we were their best guests, finding the Pension Stare at Bohinj, and of course last but by no means least, Jane passing the IML summer assessment!

Pension Stare, Bohinj

Location:Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Integral de los tres mil

This is a traverse of the main ridge of the Sierra Nevada taking in the 3000m summits.  Mike and Jane from Mountain House hosted a party of 5 from Scotland for their guided version of this trek supported by Rik and Dominic (ML trainees) who carried the tents and stoves.

The group were all keen Munroists, who had decided to turn their hands (or feet!) to the Sierra Nevada's equivalent.  The ridge was gained from Trevelez, near Puerto Trevelez.  Ascents were made of: Cerro Pelado (3182m), Puntal de Juntillas (3143m), Picon de Jerez (3088m), El Contadero (3099m), Puntal de los Cuartos o de la Atalaya (3154m), La Mojanera (3135m), Pico de la Justica O de la Atalya (3141m), Atalaya del Cuervo O Pico Cuervo (3147m), Cerro del Mojon Alto (3117m), Puntal de Vacares (3144m), Alcazaba (3369m), Mulhacen (3479m) the highest mountain in mainland Spain, Pico del Veleta (3396m) and Cerro del Caballo (3011m) Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak.

The trip spent 6 days walking with 3 nights camping and 2 nights in huts.  The nights before and after the trek were spent in a hotel in the Spa Town of Lanjaron.

It should be noted that there are different maps to the area and some mountains are named differently and the heights vary from map to map!

Although “work” for the Mountain House team, this was a most pleasurable week spent with good company.

Alcazaba at last!

The mountain house team finally made it to the summit of Alcazaba, the third highest peak in the Sierra Nevada as part of our reconnaissance for the 'Integral' Trip starting this weekend.

On the way, Rik and Dom enjoyed some high altitude bouldering!

Multi-Adventures in the Sierra Nevada

Mountain House Holidays hosted a group of people with Learning disabilities for a “multi activity” week in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rock climbing, canyoning, abseiling, swimming in rock pools, precarious rope bridges, mountaineering (in the snow)  to 3205m and even a trip to the beach were enjoyed.  Vast amounts of ice cream were consumed and a liking for the local beer was developed by everyone!

An exhausting week where people went home for a rest at the end of the holiday!