Munro Walking (Bagging) Holidays

Munro Walking (Bagging) Holidays

Mountain House Holidays have added an exciting Munro Bagging holiday into their itinerary this year as a response to requests from some regular clients. Based from The McDonald Hotel in Kinlochleven we shall be offering a week of guided Munroe walking, 17th to 24th August. A Munro is a Scottish mountain over the height of 3000 ft or 914.4m. There are 282 Munros.

 

Although much will depend on the weather, we hope that our itinerary will include:

Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain by the CMD Arete, 2 Munros, Carn Mor Dearg 1220m and Ben Nevis 1344m;

Gulvain 987m from Loch Eil;

The Old Man of The Mamores, includes 3 Munros, Stob Coire a Chairn 981m, An Gearanach 982m and Am Bodach 1032m ;

Ballachulish Horseshoe, includes 2 Munros, Sgorr Dhonuill 1001m and Sgorr Dhearg 1024m;            and

Sgor na h Ulaidh 994m and Stob an Fhuarain 968m (Glencoe’s Hidden Treasures).

Depending on the make up of the group we may include the Aonach Eagach ridge or another suitable alternative.

 For this holiday we are breaking away from the normal style of package we provide. Instead we are charging a fee of £200 for the weeks guiding and suggesting that participants book their own accommodation either at the McDonald Hotel or somewhere else locally.  The McDonald Hotel has a campsite, log cabins and rooms available.  There are other B&B’s available locally.

Each evening we’ll meet in the “Bothy” Bar of the McDonald Hotel and plan the next days itinerary.

People wishing to attend for just part of the week can do so at £40 per day.

Jane and Mike from Mountain House Holidays will be attending this holiday and are both qualified as International Mountain Leaders.

Spring Walks in The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada

Spring Walks in The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada

Spring Walking in The Ta Ha Gorge, Alpujarra

Mountain House Holidays, spring walking season of is in full swing at the moment with several groups on “back to back” holidays in Spain's Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada mountains.  The weather in Spain two weeks ago was unseasonably hot which brought the flowers out slightly earlier than usual and making for superb walking holidays which our guests have been enjoying.

Ferreirola with an 'aira" in the foreground

Always a favourite is a walking circuit in an area of the Alpujarra known as the Ta Ha. Starting at the pretty white village of  Fondales the route we follow takes us through Ferreirola and past a “fizzy” spring of naturally occurring carbonated water  before ascending to Busquistar.

On this section of the walk we pass through terraces as well as spectacular crag scenery. One of the features of the Alpujarra region is the "aira" a flat section of land, usually on a promontory where the wheat and cereals were "thrashed."

At Busquistar we descend into the ravine and take a spectacular medieval path which has been hewn out of the steep craggy hillside. The route now follows a road for a short distance before taking a forest track towards the medieval Arab water tank at Aguila.

The final descent down another medieval cut path is surely one of the best and most spectacular paths in the world! In places the path has been hewn out of the rock whilst in parts it is held in place by ancient stone walls that seem to hang off the steep craggy hillside.  And it gets better with a Roman bridge crossing the river at the bottom.

All that remains is the ascent back up to Fondales and a well earned beer at our favourite bar in the village of Mecina.

The Best Path in The World!

Although a strenuous walk due to the two steep ascents, it is a relatively short

(12k) walk.  We always tell clients that it their holiday and there are no prizes for being first! At a leisurely pace we complete the route in 5 to 6 hours. A Ramblers grade of A2.

Mountain House Holidays are led by qualified International Mountain Leaders who know the area and each walk very well.

Walking amongst the orchids

We had dropped our group of walkers back at the airport, and we're relaxing
at Finca Montana for a well earned rest. Needless to say, I find sitting around doing not very much quite difficult, so we decided to have an afternoon walk. There are lots of options, and that day we opted for heading down the mountain towards Pedro Calvo, our favourite spring, and source of our drinking water.

 The route took us towards the bottom of our land, where I had spotted a couple of what I thought might be Bee Orchids a few days earlier. I was really pleased to find 2 new plants pushing their way amongst the scrub and heather on the edge of our plot. Continuing downhill, we joined the mountain track and soon spotted a pink fringed Orchid. I had been in raptures over these lovely plants, which we had first discovered a year earlier, when I walked over a flower filled terrace with a group of walkers the previous week.


As we approached Pedro Calvo, I spotted a yellow flower amongst the trees; keeping our eyes open, we realised that these slender orchids were everywhere! Not nearly as majestic as their Pink fringed cousins, but pretty non the less, and very different to those I had seen previously.

 Our walk then contoured round the mountainside at around 1000m. We had great views over Beznar reservoir, but I was now hooked on Orchid spotting, and was not to be disappointed!

Leaving the track we headed over stony ground to a rocky col, amongst the trees beyond we found the ground again covered in pretty delicate pink and which orchids, our fourth species of the afternoon. Our route took us back uphill, taking a couple of shortcuts to cut off the long bends of the mountain track, where we found more pink fringed orchids, and the remnants of a giant specimen, which I later thought to be a giant helleborine, and close by small spider orchid?

The final icing on the "orchid spotting cake" was back on our own land; we had our own small clump of pink fringed orchids (definitely my favourites) and along our barranco (the stream which runs at the side of our plot), were 8 white orchids, which I thought to be sword leaved helleborine.

Orchids were not the only flowers we saw; of particular note was the Rock Rose parasite Cytinus Hypocistis and purple poppies; the warm weather of the previous week had worked its magic, and brought out some lovely flowers, which made our spring walks particularly enjoyable - it really is a lovely time of the year.

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.

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.