I go into the mountains for many reasons but certainly one of them is to ensure I get a break from the norms which humanity seems to be building for itself. I want peace, solitude, quiet and beauty and I want to see nature at home in its own environment.
Scrambling the Arista de las Campanitas, Sierra Nevada
A scrambling superb round of the Corral del Veleta which includes the summits of Cerro de los Machos (3329m), Zacatín (3307m), Campanario (3318m) - Salón (3325m) and Veleta (3394m)
A two day trip into the unknown to visit the "Lake with No Name", a magical and serene place. Returning having discovered both Lake Wallaby and Laguna de los Dos Dickys
Describes a very tough and tiring but ultimately exciting and enjoyable romp around Las Buitreras del Durcal. Amazing, spectacular scenery and just 20 minutes drive from home.
We decided to revisit the quiet and relatively unknown lake of Lagunillo Misterioso, an enchanting place. We would then drop down the streams to see possibly the highest waterfall in the Sierra Nevada, the Chorreras de Molinillo.
What is it like scrambling "Las Campanitas" Ridge in Spain's Sierra Nevada?
Las Campanitas is the ridge between Cerro los Machos and Veleta in the Sierra Nevada. It is a Grade 3 scramble that crosses the peaks of Zacatín, Campanario and Salón eventually reaching Veleta via a route known as "Fidel Fierro".
Kiersten and I fancied escaping the heat and spending a few hours in the cool air at 3000m. Our target was the upper Guarnón valley below Veleta's northern face, an area of streams and green, lush grasses amid a sea of stones. The area was teeming with nature's sounds, sights and smells.
It had been quite a number of years since I had last walked the ridge between Veleta and the Refugio Elorrietta. It's known as the Tajos de la Virgen ridge and is a rough but easy walk with some sections of very mild scrambling involved.
The ridge didn't let our expectations down. It is a magnificent scramble, probably Grade 3 in places. The highlight for me is the spiky pinnacle of Campario which soars like a needle up intto the sky. It is an impressive and intimidating sight.
Yesterday in the heat of the afternoon we made our way uphill to a remote lake, rarely visited, that we had never been to before. Laguna de Peñón Negro.
We had an eventful, interesting and ultimately fulfilling day on the western slopes of the Cerro de Caballo a couple of days ago. The route is along the Acequia los Hechos and up to the remote and lonely, hidden lake of Laguna Puesta Cura.
First time at mid altitude for a while and my first venture this winter into the winter snows. We've had a poor winter so far so the recent heavy snowfalls have been most welcomed. Poor visibility meant we opted for the Barranco de San Juan valley as our snowshoeing route for the day.
Our route to the Refugio Poqueira started at the Hoya del Portillo and ascended through the pine forests to the viewpoint of Puerto Molina. Snow capped peaks surrounded us.
Enjoying the First Snows of Winter - Cortijo Hornillo and Vereda de la Estrella
As we ascended towards our goal at Cortijo Hornillo other mountains came into view, Mulhacen, Puntal de la Caldera and Veta Grande. The white mountains towered over us, ice glinting from their vertical slopes, as we reached the buildings at Cortijo Hornillo
The Veredon Inferior deserves to be known as the most spectacular path in the Sierra Nevada that nobody knows about! We now head down onto a vasar, a descending rake which rather cleverly circumvents the vertical cliffs above and below.
There's something special about striking campsite pre dawn and hiking in the first daylight hours, whilst the rest of the world is seemingly still in bed.
To the people of Lanjaron, their Shangri-La is the upper Lanjaron valley, it's lakes and it's rivers. It's the source of it's life giving waters. A special place that we were privileged to walk and spend the night in.
The North Face of Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada. Its long been an ambition of mine to view the sunrise from Mulhacen's north face. This morning I got my wish and it didn't disappoint!
Yesterday's trip into the dramatic Corral del Veleta. Still plenty of snow remaining. A steep climb up to the wonderful viewpoint of Cerro de los Machos.
An amazing 2 day trek covering the northern 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Circular walk to camp at Lavaderos de la Reina and next day over the northern mountains
Yesterdays walk up Europe's most south westerly 3000m peak, the Cerro de Caballo. The old legs feel a bit tired today, my first time at altitude since the heart problems and definitely struggled getting enough oxygen circulating through the body. Must go even slower next time!
Un mulo, dos arrieros, dos perros y tres montañeros
With the humble effort of a mule, 2 drovers and 4 mountaineers. If all who use the refuge care and respect it. Keep it, the lake and the environment clean. Take our garbage and leave the window and door locked when we leave. We will continue to have shelter for many years to come
Sometimes it takes a great effort to leave the comfort of one's home and head for the cold, icy peaks. Some hardship though, is always rewarded by the mountains.
