Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada. Richard Hartley
clockwise around to the north east at Jérez del Marquesado. One route begins in the far east at the Puerto de la Ragua (Route 30). A variety of the best walks or multi-day treks from each access point is offered.
Some walks necessarily overlap, and this affords the opportunity to extend or ‘bolt on’ an additional section to suit. There are countless possible variations throughout the Sierra Nevada; it is the sincere hope that this guide explains the best of the possibilities and provides an inspiration for the reader to go out and explore others.
Times
Timings include normal short refreshment breaks and camera halts etc along the route, but they exclude extended stops. They allow for a slower rate of travel at altitude. They are calculated for summer ascents only; ascents in winter may take longer due to additional rucksack weight and variations in conditions underfoot.
The times are based on those of a reasonably fit person in their early 60s (the author) and happen to equate closely to Naismith’s rule. Adjust timings accordingly if you are younger and fitter – or maybe even older than the author! (Naismith’s rule was devised by William W Naismith, a Scottish mountaineer, in 1892. The basic rule has been adjusted over time, and it states that you should allow 1hr for every 4km forward, plus 1hr for every 600m of ascent and 45min for every 500m of descent.)
For the scambles, the time given in the information box reflects scrambling time only; approach time is provided separately.
Seasonal notes
Due to the large variation in climate and mountain conditions during the year, the routes are accompanied by seasonal notes where relevant. These include potentially difficult or dangerous sections for the winter hill walker, as well as the location of suitable water sources during the long, hot summer months.
Route descriptions
Unless otherwise stated, the route descriptions assume summer conditions. That is, that there is no snow affecting the route, and that there are high temperatures with light winds and clear visibility. Allowance should be made accordingly for any bad weather or winter conditions.
It is assumed that the reader has a good level of navigational and map reading competence – thus not every twist and turn of the path is described; just the major points of navigational and directional importance. However, in the route description, places or features along the way that are highlighted in bold correlate with those shown on the route map, to aid navigation.
Intermediate timings and distances are provided throughout the route descriptions; unless otherwise stated, these measure from the start of the main route.
Walking and scrambling grades
The grading of walks is subjective but the following grades have been applied in an attempt to convey the character and overall difficulty of a walk to the reader. It should be noted that use of summer ski lifts or the park bus services to gain altitude will reduce the difficulty and given grade.
Leisurely
No experience necessary. Anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk should be able to manage these. Short walks (usually of 3–5 hours’ duration) on good, well-maintained paths or tracks at low altitude. No navigational difficulties.
Moderate
Those with hill-walking experience should be able to manage these routes. Good health and reasonable fitness required as there are some longer/harder days (with an average of 5–7 hours’ duration). Usually no extremes of altitude or ascent/descent and walking generally on good paths, but with some rocky terrain. Navigation fairly straightforward.
Challenging
Fitness is important on these routes and you may have to improve it before departure. Most treks involve extended walking in mountainous terrain, usually at significantly higher altitudes. Climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is therefore desirable. Six to eight hours per day with occasional longer days on peaks or passes. Treks may include difficult terrain (including loose scree), high altitudes, occasional significant daily ascents and overnights in remote areas. Potential navigation difficulties in poor weather.
Looking back along the Vasar de Mulhacén to Veleta (Route 8)
Tough
Tough treks in remote mountain landscapes, so stamina essential as walking days are long and hard. It is recommended that you have previous trekking experience – preferably at altitude – as well as complete confidence in your physical condition and self-reliance. Treks may involve difficult terrain (possibly with some scrambling sections), extremes of altitude and significant ascent/decent (a number of days feature over 1000m of ascent). Navigation difficult in poor conditions. Remote, wild environments with few facilities, perhaps for extended periods – be prepared to rough it!
Very tough
Treks include all the elements of the previous grade, but with extra difficulties such as tricky river crossings, very high or difficult passes, navigational problems or peaks that require basic climbing skills.
Scrambling grades
A final section in this guide highlights five fine high-mountain scrambles from Grade 2 to Grade 3S for those who are looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush. The selection given here merely scratches the surface of the possibilities in the region, however; there’s plenty of scope for future development!
Grade 1 – no specialist mountaineering skills required. Technically easy although a head for heights may be required at times
Grade 2 – more serious, possibly needing some simple technical skills. Rope and safety gear should be used
Grade 3 – similar to Grade 2 but with simple pitches of easy rock climbing. More technical rope work and protection required
Grade 3(S) – serious. Some short sections of moderate/difficult rock climbing may be encountered.
WALKS
Descending the south ridge of Cerro del Caballo with superb views towards the Sierra de Almijara and the Mediterranean Sea (Route 11)
TREVÉLEZ
Crossing the streams that mark the entrance to the Cañada de Siete Lagunas (Route 1)
The popular village of Trevélez (1476m) is reputed to be the highest in Spain, although it is more famous for its fine and tasty selection of hams – and is perhaps best known for its mouth-watering cured ham, jamón serrano. This is naturally cured using traditional methods and the curing process takes a minimum of 14 months, after which the hams have acquired all their succulent aromas and flavours.
There are plenty of hotels and guest houses to choose from, although many establishments close down over some of the winter months. It’s essential to check and reserve pre-arrival.
Trevélez is a place full of interest and contrasts: the lower part is quite touristy, as demonstrated by the number of coaches arriving during the spring to autumn period; the upper part is very traditional and it seems little has changed in the past decades.
Getting to Trevélez
Trevélez is reached by car from the main Granada to Motril motorway (A-44) in 1hr 15min (49km) using the A-348 and A-4132, passing through Lanjarón and turning left just on entering Órgiva. It is a beautiful and interesting journey.
For Routes 1 and 2, if arriving by car, on entering Trevélez take the sign towards Barrio Alto and Barrio Medio. You’ll