News from Mountain House Holidays

Wildlife of Spain’s Sierra Nevada

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:34:00 +0000

Wildlife of Spain’s Sierra Nevada

Spain’s Sierra Nevada region is unique in that its altitude spans a massive height difference from about 700m above sea level to the Lofty Mulhacen at 3482m. This give it several distinct climatic zones with a huge degree of biodiversity coupled with over 100 endemic species including 63 endemic species of plant. It is situated about 50 miles east of Malaga on the south coast of Spain and just to the south east of the city of Granada and a day out in the Sierra Nevada mountains makes a great option if you are visiting Granada.

Satellite image of The Sierra Nevada showing proximity to the sea. The area in white is snow covered mountains.

The Sierra Nevada was first recognised in 1986 when it was awarded the status of being a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 it was awarded “Natural Park” status and in 1998 the central area was awarded National Park status becoming Spain’s 11^th National Park.

In terms of size, The Sierra Nevada National Park is Spain’s largest with some 330 square miles. It is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Natural Park of some 340 square miles, so together they are a massive 670 square miles.

The Sierra Nevada, National Park in green, Natural Park in Blue

The land inside the National Park enjoys a higher level of protection. Additionally, people live within the Natural Park (similar to U.K. National Parks), whereas there are no permanent human settlements in the National Park, only summer farms. The Padul Ponds at the western end of the range are significant wetlands and being in the Natural Park also enjoy a higher level of protection.

To describe the Sierra Nevada we generally divide it into “climatic zones” which have their own characteristics in terms of wildlife though some species (Iberian Ibex, eagles, vultures, etc.) transcend all zones. The only zone that we describe that is not climatic in the same sense is the limestone area of the western edge of the Sierra Nevada which due to its geology has it’s own unique flora.

Mediterranean

Altitude typically below 800m

Terraces of citrus, olives and small holdings.

Wild flowers on the hillside in spring

Purple salsify, Tragopogon porrifolius

Birds: Crag Martins, Bee Eaters

Animals: Iberien Ibex, common Genet.

Plants: Herbs!

Spring arrives early here, when we can enjoy the terraces of almond, which flowers from February, and citrus where the air can be scented with orange blossom in March and April. Migratory birds are passing through or arriving to nest from March. Wildlife walks at this height are at their best from March through to May.

Fields of wild flowers

High Villages and Farms (e.g. Alpujarra)

Altitude typically 700m to 1600m.

Terraces of Olives, Almonds, Wallnuts, Chestnuts, cherries. Small holdings with Sheep and goats.

Typical Alpujarran landscape, early spring.

Swallowtail, Papilio machaon

Birds: Hoopoes, Bee Eaters, Booted and Golden Eagles.

Animals: Wild Boar, Iberian Ibex.

Plants: Various Orchids, Iris, Rosey Garlic.

Herbs, Jerusalem sage

Spring starts with the almond blossom, often in February. However it is still a little early to enjoy much else and the weather is still cool. By the end of March the orchids are starting to flower and all through April and May the flowers are stunning and the migratory birds are arriving back. By June it is getting hot at this level so we now turn our attentions to higher altitudes.

Shepherds walking with their flocks of sheep and goats are a common sight

Pastures of pink fringed orchids, April

White asphodels, March to May

Low Alpine and Summer Farms (Transhumance)

Altitude typically 1600m to 2300m.

Chestnuts and Wallnuts, summer farms.

Resting beside an acequia

The Sierra Nevada Blue - Polymaths golgus

Birds: Choughs, Ring Ouzel, Eagles and Vultures.

Animals: Wild Boar, Iberian Ibex. Polyommatus golgus butterfly

Plants: St Bruno’s Lilley, Verbascum nevadense, Pyrenean Oak, Holm Oak.

Although it is possible to explore this area in April or May, it is really in June and July that the area is at its best with lovely meadows and flowers, bubbling streams and examples of summer farming (transhumance) still being practised.

Verbascum nevadense an endemic mullien

St Bruno's Lilly - Paradisea liliastrum

Cows returning after a summer in the high pastures

Mid Alpine and Summer Grazing

Altitude typically 2300 to 3000m

Cows grazing “wild” during the summer. Sheep and goats led here daily in summer.

Spring flowers (mid June) in the mid alpine zone, here an abundance of Broom!

Broom - Cytisus galianoi

Birds: Wheatear, Eagles, Vultures

Animals: Iberian Ibex, Beetles, Parnassius apolo butterfly

Plants: Junipers, Brooms, Gentians, Snow Star, Senecio boissieri

To experience the mountainside coloured yellow as the brooms are in flower is a remarkable sight! Herbs in flower with the Broom provides a great setting for butterflys, especially the white Parnassius and the Sierra Nevada Blue. In the wetter areas we are treated to a festival of flowers, gentians and the emblematic Star of the Snows. Mid June and through July are the best months.

The White Apollo butterfly, Parnassius apolo feeding on Thyme

Goats grazing amongst the rocks

Senecio Boissieri, endemic to the Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Gador

High Alpine

Altitude typically above 2900m – “Siliceous High Alpine Grassland”
Fortunately the National Park "Interpretation" Service provides busses to 2700m on the south side of the range and to 3000m on the north side making this area relatively accessible.

Viewpoint near the bus drop off at 3000m on the north side of the Sierra Nevada

Iberian Ibex, Capra pyrenaica, a common sight.

Birds: Alpine Accentor, Alpine Swift, Golden Eagle, Vultures

Animals: Iberian Ibex, Butterflys

Plants:
Vegetation is scarce, often rare and unique,

Tyme,
Artemisia_granatensis,
Viola crassiuscula,
Chaenorrhinum glareosum,
Erigeron frigidus,
Leontodon boryi,
Papaver lapeyrousianum, etc.

The Sierra Nevada Camomile, Artemisia granatensis

This is a magical zone of many endemic and rare plant species, where swifts and swallows soar and dance in the air, where eagles and vultures ride thermals and “Cabra” – Iberial Ibex frequent close to humans hoping to pick up left over sandwiches! When to come very much depends on how much snow there has been. It’s sually o.k. from mid June and most flowers can be seen through until the end of July.

The endemic Sierra Nevada Violet,
Viola crassiuscula

Alpine Accentor - Prunella collaris

Erigeron frigidus - Cold Fleabane, a rare endemic plant growing at over 3000m, it is thought only 130 specimens remain.

Borreguiles - High Altitude wetland areas

Altitudes typically between 2600m and 3100m

Famous especially for plants: Veronica nevadensis, Gentiana sierrae, Estrella de las Nieves, Lotus glareosus, Thin Spurred Butterwort – Pinguicula nevadensis.

The "magnificent" Siete Lagunas, largest of all Borreguiles

Near Pico del Caballo

These are protected wetland areas within the National Park found at heights of between 2600m and 3100m. They may be pools, streams or ribbons of dampness, but they are a distinct habitat with numerous endemic species of plant. Because of altitude differences and aspect, these may be snow free from as early as mid April or mid July. Due to the relative low altitude (!) these areas are often in the range of grazing animals (Sheep, goats and cows), so whereas one day there may be a fine display of flowers (gentians), come back a day later and they are gone! May, June and until mid July are good times to plan a visit to these (depending on altitude and aspect).

Lotus glareosus, gravel birdsfoot with gentians and snow stars

The emblematic Star of The Snows, Plantago navalis

The endemic Gentian, Gentiana sierrae

Limestone of the Western Edge

The limestone extends from lower altitudes (Niguelas 950m, Monachil 700m) to the impressive summit of Trevenque 2080m.

The path to Trevenque showing a limestone desert!

Echium albicans (Boragináceas)

Plants: Lavenders, Rosemary, Echium albicans, Convolvulus boissieri, Paeonia coriacea, Junipers

Brooms, Holm Oak, rock rose

This area is dominated by the impressive Trevenque 2080m, sometimes described as the Matterhorn of the Sierras. A walk to or around Trevenque rarely disappoints between mid April and June. You will almost certainly see Ibex on Trevenque, but it is the plants that are different here to the rest of the Sierra Nevada.

Paeonia coriacea

Convolvulus Boissieri

Heath Fritillary - Melitaea athalia

Michael Hunt and Jane Livingstone are both International Mountain Leaders based at their Mountain House at 1300m above Lanjaron. IML’s are trained and assessed in environmental issues and environmental interpretation in addition to mountain guiding. Their walking holidays – “Mountain Walking Holidays” offer Wildlife of the Sierra Nevada Walking Holidays or alternatively if you are in the area, and want a day trip to explore some of the wildlife, this can be arranged through Sierra Nevada Guides.

Michael and Jane have been exploring the Sierra Nevada since 2003.

Walking on Gran Canaria

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 13:08:00 +0000

Walking on Gran Canaria

Introduction

Most keen walkers from the U.K. or northern Europe get a bit fed up with the cold damp winter, muddy paths, miserable picnics and daylight fading during the afternoon. Well everyone deserves some winter sunshine and a walking holiday on Gran Canaria is the perfect antedote to the northern European winter blues!

Paths through ancient terraces

Towards Roque Nublo....

Where it is and Climate

Situated approx 150 Km (90 miles) off the west coast of Africa (Morocco / Western Sahara) and 1350 Km (840 miles) south of Europe; Gran Canaria sits well out into the Atlantic and thus has a cooler more temperate climate than mainland Africa. Throughout the year, the average daytime temperature varies from 20 degrees in winter to 26 degrees in summer. So it is an ideal venue for year round walking. However November to February are the months with the highest rainfall with between 3 and 5 days of rain per month. Having previously visited both Morocco and southern Spain for walking holidays, I shall be returning back to Gran Canaria for my winter “fix” of sunshine in early March where I expect to walk during warm days with plenty of sunshine! Take a look at my holiday.

What is the walking is like?

Sometimes described as ‘a continent in miniature’, Gran Canaria has a variety of landscapes: forests, hillsides covered in pink almond blossom, rocky paths and slopes, almost lunar (volcanic) landscapes, and lush green valleys. Although there are coastal walks, the best hiking routes are to be found in the centre of the island, where the scenery is varied and often dramatic.

Well signed paths!

Most of Gran Canaria is hilly and mountainous so don’t expect a week of flat easy walking. That said, even in the mountains, there are some shorter and easier walks described by the local walking expert Rambling Roger. Expect a combination of mountain (rocky) paths, forest paths, old mule tracks and driveable dirt track roads. Rambling Roger has published a series of walks throughout the Island, which can be purchased online. He also is able to send GPX files of the routes if you want to use a GPS device to aid your navigation.

Where to stay

This is a difficult one with no easy answer. Travelling around Gran Canaria even using a car can be a bit slow. We have even found roads closed for repair with no advanced warning on more than one occasion!

Tejeda

Puerto de Mogan

The greatest concentration of walks are in the centre of the Island. However in the cooler months the centre of the Island is the coolest place so you might prefer to stay on the coast and drive for an hour (scenic drive) to get to your walk. There is also plenty of cheap (for mass tourism) accommodation down on the coast at Maspolomas. It is the road from Maspolomas that you would take to get inland towards most walks.

If you are more likely to have shorter walks combined with touring and want to stay somewhere with more character on the coast, then a harbour front cottage in Puerto de Mogan is the place to stay.

If you don’t mind it being a little cooler and want to stay in the mountains then take a look at the pretty village of Tejeda, which is where we will be based this coming winter. From Tejeda both short and long walks can be had straight from your accommodation.

Useful Resources

Rambling Roger is the definitive source of information about walking on the Island.

Maps. To accompany Rambling Roger’s walks, Discovery Walking Guides have produced a 1:50 000 scale map of Gran Canaria which is available from Stanfords.

Mountain HouseHolidays organise a week’s walking holiday at the beginning of March each yearbased in Tejeda.

Roque Nublo

Mountain House Holidays is owned by Jane Livingstone and Michael Hunt, both qualified International Mountain Leaders. All of the walks they lead during the holiday have been walked beforehand and researched.

How to Climb Mt. Olympus

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:25:00 +0000

How to Climb Mt. Olympus

This is a record of our first trip to climb Mt. Olympus, Greece’s iconic mountain. We’ll endevour to include as much detail as possible from our 9 months of research prior to the trip and details of the trip itself. If at the end of this blog you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us.

The Summit of Skala 2866m in the mist!!

We are Mike and Jane, both qualified International Mountain Leaders working for an Organisation called Mountain Walking Holidays. We were approached in November 2014 and asked if we could lead a trip to climb Mt. Olympus. We do not routinely take people on routes that we haven’t already done so we set about researching the mountain and studying the map. This blog is about our first "recee" trip

The map to get

The map we got hold of and used for this trip was Mt Olympus,
1:25 000 published by Anavasi. We bought it online from Stanfords in London. It’s a plastic rip proof map though by the end of the trip some of the printing was peeling off the base. However due to the poor visibility we encountered it got a lot of use.

Mt Olympus has three peaks: Skala 2866m, Skolio 2905m and Mitikas 2918m. Both Skala and Skolio are accessable to walkers, Mitikas involves some easy but very exposed rock scrambling.

The usual starting point for a trip to climb Mt. Olympus is the small town of Litochoro. From here depending oun your route it is normal to drive or take a taxi to one of the high starting points. We found a delightful guesthouse, The Palio Litohoro whose owner used to guide on Mt. Olympus. We stayed in Litochoro for the first and last night of the trip. The guesthouse looked after our travel bags whilst we were on the mountain. The guesthouse also arranged a taxi to take us up to our starting point; around 30 Euro's each way.

Palio Litachoro Guesthouse, highly reccomended

Eating out in Litochorro is easy, there are plenty of restaurants listed on Trip Advisor. We found Meze Meze on the first night, it was so good that we ate there again on our last night.

The Enipeas Gorge

Most people start their ascent from the road head at Prionia and ascend to “Hut A” for a night before making their ascent of Skala and possibly Mitikas before returning to Hut A for a second night. The descent to Prionia (where you can phone for a taxi) or a further 5 hour walk back to Litochoro via the spectacular Enipeas Gorge.

We had decided against an “in and out” trip favouring a journey through the mountain. Our plan was to traverse the mountain and if possible take in all 3 summits.

Starting at a high point of Gortsia 1100m we planned to walk to “Hut C” on the Plateau of The Muses at around 2600m. (There are two huts, Hut B and Hut C fairly close together on the Plateau). We chose Hut C because it is smaller and we thought it might have more character. In hindsight this was a mistake and we’d probably go for Hut B next time!

The walk up to the Plateau of the Muses had only a few short steep sections and was not difficult. The final pull onto the Plateau had a short section of chain (10m) though this is avoidable by a short detour which is taken by the mule trains that supply the huts. We started walking just after 9am and were at “Hut C” for 4.15pm. This included a half hour stop at a really nice hut owned by the local Mountain Rescue Team at Petrostrouga 2120m where we had some tea at around noon.

Mules keep the huts supplied

If you were arriving into the area for late morning or early afternoon, I would consider walking up to the hut a Petrostruga as an alternative to a hotel or guest house in Litochoro.

Arriving at Skourta 2476m

Above Petrostruga the path continues gently up through more ancient forrest. After about an hour the trees end and a short steep pull brings you to a small summit of Skourta 2476m. From here you follow an impressive ridge line to the Plateau of The Muses 2600m.

The ridge above Skourta with the Muses Plateau visible

Hut C supposedly sleeps 18 people. The night we stayed it was unpleasantly over crowded though in all fairness the Guardian provided great food. The facilities include proper squat toilets. Blankets and pillows are provided but you need to take a sheet sleeping bag. Slippers are also available so you don’t need to carry extra shoes with you.

"Hut C"

As we arrived at Hut C, the mist rolled in and the stunning views that we had enjoyed all day disappeared.

Our plan for the “summit day” was leaving at around 9am to walk the short distance to Mitikas, leave our rucksacks at the bottom of the ascent gully and scramble up to the summit and back. Then re-united with our kit, follow paths around to Skala and Skolio before descending to Hut A.

We awoke to find ourselves still shrouded in mist and with persistent rain! The Guardian of Hut C told us that it was too dangerous to climb Mitikas in the wet. (polished limestone is notoriously slippery when wet). So we revised the plan to walk around to Skala and make a decision about Skolio. Leaving the hut at 10am we reached Skala, still in the cloud at noon. We’d had none of what are described as superb views but a great feeling to reach the middle summit of this iconic mountain.

Lunch stop on the descent from Skala

On leaving Hut C, we used our map and compass navigation skills to check our progress across the Plateau and to make sure we picked up the correct path. Although most days through the summer this is an easy mountain to navigate, make sure you have the skills, just in case. Otherwise hire a guide!!

Back on Skala we were damp and had no views. Although Skolio is only an easy 1Km walk away, we took the decision to descend down to Hut A 2060m.

Hut A is big! It’s well equipped, well run and Maria the Guardian is friendly and efficient. But don’t expect a hot shower! A log fire was burning hot in the dining room and we had a glorious evening with plenty of great food and wine.

Fine Dining in Hut A

Our trip was at the beginning of September. Chatting to the local guides on the mountain, they confirmed that our choice of route was good but that we should have come in August. August is apparently the month to climb Mt. Olympus!

The bar at Prionia

It continued to rain all night and there really was a small river running past the Hut in the morning. However the rain stopped and though we were still in the mist, we set off at 9.15am towards the road head at Prionia 1100m which we reached at noon.

The road head at Prionia is really a car park with public toilets and a nice bar / restaurant. The weather was still not inviting enough for the full 5 hour hike along the Enipeas Gorge so we decided to walk down to the old monestary at Agios Dionisios. The people at the bar were really helpful, after a round of coffee they contacted our taxi and arranged for us to be picked up. Fantastic.

Agios Dionisios

The old ruined monestary at Agios Dionisios is a pleasant hours walk down the gorge and well worth a visit. It is now being actively re-built from a ruined state, blown up by the Nazi’s during world war 2.

So with the Taxi collecting us at 1.30pm, we were back at the bar at the bottom of the Enipeas Gorge for lunch.

We shall be running this trip commercially in August 2016. It is unlikely that the weather will be as bad as that described above. Come and join us!

Mt Olympus, the view we didn't see. Photo Don Corleonegeorge taken from Hut A's Facebook page

Adventures in Swaziland!

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 10:20:00 +0000

"Welcome back Jane" was the greeting when the All Out Africa drivers met our group at Johannesburg airport. This was to be my third trip to the Kingdom of Swaziland, one of Africa's smallest countries, so I knew what the drive would have in store. We drove out of the city on a modern motorway, and were soon heading east over the plains; not the most stunning drive, but our stop at a service area made up for it, as it is also a farm and gave us our first sight of African animals such as water buffalo and ostrich.

Leaving the motorway, the scenery becomes more interesting; Swaziland is surrounded by upland, or highveld as it is known in Africa. The western border with South Africa is particularly interesting, and would be the focus of our wilderness trek the following week. Border formalities done with, and our driver was noticeably happy - "welcome to Swaziland" he beamed - really proud to show off his country!

A short drive and we arrived at our first nights camp, but not before making a short stop for provisions. We were in the Malkerns valley, the heartland of Swazi tourism, so the supermarket was modern and well stocked; familiar brands with a local flavour! This was a camping trip, and our base was run by All Our Africa who have both a tour business and support a range of charitable projects. The campsite was in a lovely setting, with good facilities, and we were soon relaxing watching the sun go down on our first night in Africa.

The next morning we were to have an introductory talk from our hosts, then move on. I asked our driver if we could shop at a nearby market, rather than just buying supermarket food; this proved to be a great experience, negotiating prices for small sacks of fruit and vegetables and admiring the array of handmade tin chicken feeders!

Our drive continued towards the east, where we would be spending a few days at Shewula mountain camp. Shewula is community tourism project amongst the 500m Lubombo mountains, where you can walk, share in the life of the community and its health or childcare projects. We were to work at a primary school, but while there met a number of Dutch visitors who really enjoyed the walking tour and hospitality from the ladies of the community. The appeal to me of Shewula was being able to walk amongst a rural community, watching life go on, have conversations and generally see a bit of the real Africa - no tourist bright lights here, in fact limited electricity, a variable mobile phone signal and no internet, but in the words of a recent visitor "beautiful place with amazing surroundings. Stars clearly seen at night from a lovely little round hut that you would be sleeping in. The staff are more like family, very friendly and loving and the food that they cook is beyond heavenly! Not for 'Hilton hotel only lovers' this is the perfect getaway for someone who doesn't mind being away from all the hustle and bustle of fast paced life."

Onwards, as our time was limited we left Shewula for Hlane Game Reserve. Described as a "Royal Park" little did we know that the Swazi king was also due to visit! We arrived at Hlane just in time for lunch, and a brief look around before joining the sunset game drive - sunset is around 5:30 in winter. The drive takes place in covered jeeps, and I commented to our driver that the old vehicles from my previous visit had been replaced - yes, he replied, just this week! The game drive was great, with probably the highlight being a tall elegant giraffe and its baby, walking into the setting sun. That evening we were treated to a brilliant display of traditional dancing, with optional audience participation! Up early the next morning for a second game drive, during which we got really close to a group of lions, and some elephant, as well as wildebeest, impala and warthogs. As we returned to the camp, it became obvious that something was happening; I asked the staff, and was told that the King was arriving that afternoon. Prior to being open to the public, the 30,000 acre site was a royal hunting ground, and King Muswati still visits each year. Sure enough after a much increased military and police presence, the royal cavalcade arrived - something for us all to write a blog about!

Our final destination was back west to Malolojta Nature Reserve - over 4,000 acres of mountain wilderness, and a conservation area. Here we were to enjoy the African bush in it's raw state, but first a bit of adventure in the form of a jeep drive and 'canopy tour' zigzagging across a ravine on zip wires! I was nominated to go first and take the photos, as we zipped through the stunning scenery! Then rucksacks donned we headed along waymarked trails to the river and our first night of wild camping. After 3 visits to Malolotja, my favourite place is still the potholes - giant pools scoured out of the Rock and fed by a lovely waterfall. Here we relaxed, the intrepid members of the group had a cold swim, and that evening watched baboons climbing the rocks above, then reminisced about the trip which was drawing to a close.

Swaziland is a small country, but a great and varied destination for the visitor. We are hosting our own Swaziland Adventure in 2016, a walking holiday with a range of walks, including the 2 day wild camping and canopy tour in Malolotja; see our Mountain Walking Holidays website for the details.

Mt Olympus, Highest Mountain in Greece

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:07:00 +0000

Climbing Mt Olympus

Mt. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. It has three summits: Mitikas 2918m; Skala 2866m; and Skolio 2905m. Mitikas involves some easy but exposed rock scrambling, so most walkers ascend Skala 2866m which is nearest to “Hut A” the nearest mountain refuge. Although Skolio 2905m is only a short walk further than Skala, it is not so often ascended.

At the start!

The ancient Greeks believed that Zeus had his throne on the highest peak, Mytikas which was also home to the other 12 Olympians (Greek Gods).

Climbing Mount Olympus is a non-technical hike, except for the final section to the summit of Mytikas peak, which is a grade 1 or 2 scramble depending on the route taken.

Gaining the "Muses Plateau"

Mountain House Holidays have recently (September 2015) returned from running their first trip to Mt Olympus where everyone ascended Skala. Unfortunately it was a day spent in the mist and drizzle and the Guardian of “Hut C” where we spent the night before our summit attempt advised us that Mitikas should not be attempted in wet conditions as limestone is notoriously slippery in the wet. None the less a very successful trip made all the better by the helpful Greek people who were all keen to ensure that we had the best possible time.

Mules are used to supply the huts on Mt. Olympus

Next year (2016) we are including Mt. Olympus back on our itinerary though we will be going a month earlier when we are assured that the weather is better!

Mountain House Holidays will be organising 5 day midweek trips in August 2016. These trips will be led and supervised by qualified International Mountain Leaders. The programme will be as follows:

Monday

We meet you at Thessaloniki Airport and transport you Litochoro, where we will stay in guesthouse accommodation. If there is time in the early evening we can have a short walk in the Enipeas Gorge.

The mist rolls in!!

Tuesday

An early start taking a taxi to a high road head where we walk high into the mountains, initially through ancient forest. We continue steeply up the mountainside to reach a mountain hut at around 2600m on the spectacular “Plateau of The Muses” where we will spend the night. The refuge has dormitory accommodation, blankets and pillows, but you will need to carry a sheet sleeping bag and sandles or trainers.

The Summit of Skala

Wednesday

An early start will enable us to make a traverse of the mountain. For those who want to make the short scramble, Mytikas 2918m is a possibility. We will then continue for the non scramblers to Skala 2866m and possibly Skolio 2905m before descending to Hut A for a second night on the mountain.

Thursday

We continue our descent off the mountain and reach a high road head in around 3 hours. We then descend through the spectacular Enipeas Gorge to return to Litochoro and a well earned celebratory meal.

Dinner in Hut A.

Friday

We depart Litochoro and return you to Thessaloniki Airport

Mountain House Holidays is jointly owned and managed by Jane Livingstone and Michael Hunt. Both Jane and Michael are qualified International Mountain Leaders.

Winter Sun Hiking in Gran Canaria

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 20:38:00 +0000

Dramatic mountain scenery, warm settled climate, a myriad of ancient trails, Spain, with just a touch of Africa! These are just a few of the highlights of our trip to Gran Canaria in February 2015.

We were aiming for a week relaxing in the sun, but not really being beach people, the hills and mountains beconned from the very start, and we were soon driving towards the mountainous centre of the island, with increasingly dramatic scenery.

Gran Canaria is part of Spain, so our moderate Spanish was useful, though not quite the same as southern Spain, as we discovered when trying to order our usual 'tostada con tomate' only to find that toast was not usually eaten for breakfast, nor tomato and olive oil readily available! However we saw lots of tomatoes growing near the coast, together with banana, mango and avocado plantations, some rather weird cacti, stunning bougainvillea and almond blossom.

Back to the walking; many of the trails we walked were old Camino Reales - ancient trails, with a similar status to the English rights of way, which are gradually being restored and waymarked for walkers. Although there are coastal walks, the best routes we found were in the centre of the island, where the scenery is varied and often dramatic. We found ourselves walking through forest, hillsides covered in pink almond blossom, rocky, almost lunar Landscape, and lush green valleys; indeed a 'continent in miniature' as the island is sometimes described.

Probably our best walk took us to the summit of Pico de Las Nieves - no snow to be seen, indeed sadly not a lot to be seen the day we were there, as the final 100m was shrouded in mist! However it was a great walk, with a wonderful descent through spectacular terrain.

We did have a couple of days exploring and particularly enjoyed wandering We around the fishing boats of Puerto Morgan, and dramatic drive northwest from the pretty village of All in all a good trip, with lots more walking to be done. We are already planning a return trip to lead a guided walking holiday on Gran Canaria in 2016 - everyone deserves a break from the British winter! So why not join us.

Climbing Mt Olympus

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:49:00 +0000

Climbing Mt Olympus

Mt Olympus 2918m is the highest mountain in Greece. Although Olympus is a name familiar to everyone in the western world, very few know much about this mountain and even fewer have climbed this rocky peak.

Mt Olympus, Home of The Gods!

British based walking holiday company, Mountain Walking Holidays are now pleased to announce that they are including a walking trip to climb Mt Olympus in their programme for 2015.

Snow covers Olympus from November until late May making the exposed upper section tricky to cross. The rocky summit continues to delight everyone who makes the ascent as it did the ancient gods.

We meet at Thessaloniki airport, drive to Litochoro, where we will stay in guesthouse accommodation. The following day we walk high into the mountains, initially through ancient forest. We continue steeply up the mountainside to reach the spectacular Muses plateau, where we will spend the night. The refuge has dormitory accommodation, blankets and pillows, but you will need to carry a sheet sleeping bag and slippers or flip-flops.

Mytikas Summit from Skala

An early start will enable us to make a traverse of the mountain to reach Mytikas, the summit of Olympus at 2901m. This part of the climb can be difficult, involving some scrambling, so you will need a head for heights. If time and conditions allow, we will continue on to scale Skala at 2866m before making our descent down to one of the lower refuges.

The final day we walk through the spectacular Enipeas Gorge to return to Litochoro and a well earned celebratory meal.

The Olympus National park has been recognised as an “area of international importance for the environment of mankind”. It is dedicated to the protection of the natural habitat of plant and animal wildlife. You may spot wild animals such as goats, deer or the wild boar and eagles, or vultures. The slopes are particularly well known for their plants, which attract lots of butterflies.

Ariel view of Mt Olympus in winter

Temperatures in the mountains can be very variable, ranging from hot sun to wind and rain. The proximity to the sea give Mount Olympus a it is a Mediterranean climate, i.e. hot and dry in summer, but the mountain gets lots of rain and wind, so you will need to be prepared. Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the low 20’s centigrade. Sun screen and hats are essential as is windproof and waterproof clothing.

Mountain Walking Holidays are run by Jane Livingstone and Michael Hunt, both qualified as International Mountain Leaders.

Details of this Holiday and how to book are on the Mountain Walking Holidays website.

Why Use a Qualified Guide in The Mountains?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:46:00 +0000

Why Use a Qualified Guide in The Mountains outside the U.K.?

That’s it, I’ve submitted my logbook of CPD training to the “training officer” and been passed as current satisfying the training requirements to continue as an InternationalMountain Leader! It takes effort to stay qualified…………

IML's Practicing Navigation at Night

The only British qualifications valid for taking people into the mountains outside the U.K. are either the International Mountain Leader (IML) or the Mountain Guide (IFMGA). Those holding these qualifications are members of professional associations who issue their guides carnets to operate on an annual basis.

Assessing People in The Mountains Course, PyB

Overseeing these qualifications in the U.K. are:

i. BMG British Mountain Guides; and

ii. BAIML British Association of International Mountain Leaders.

IFMGA Guides can operate on terrain where the use of ropes and technical mountaineering will be necessary.

IML’s operate on terrain where ropes and technical equipment are not routinely required, though are trained in their use (just in case).

IML’s have to be able to demonstrate that their skills are current through CPD training and hold a current wilderness 1^st aid certificate along with appropriate liability insurance.

-----------------

My Carnet (front and back)

At the point of renewing my carnet on January 1^st this year, I was asked to demonstrate that I had enough current and relevant training. This I duly did and “passed muster.” My carnet has been reissued allowing me to continuepractising as an IML.

Since qualifying as an IML in March 2010 I have undertaken 10 days of (CPD) training including the following:

Teaching Navigation (2 courses);

Altitude Sickness;

The Mountain Environment;

Glaciation;

Assessing People in The Mountains; and

Teaching Hill and Mountain Skills.

All of this CPD is in addition to the rigorous training and assessment both summer and winter to obtain the qualification in the first place.

Nasty Leg Wound! Wilderness 1st Aid Course

The one thing that I am confident in saying is that you not only get a qualified guide when you hire an IML, but you get someone who is “current” and the added value bought with the volume of CPD opportunities. By hiring an International Mountain Leader to guide you in the mountains not only should you be safe, but the level of environmental interpretation should be 1^st Class.

Working overseas for much of the year, mainly in Spain, I am amazed at the increasing number of Brits who set up walking businesses, call themselves guides and proceed to operate illegally (as unlike the U.K., you need to hold a qualification to lead people for money in Spain). Unfortunately it will take a fatality before these people are investigated.

So there you have it! When booking your walking holidays in the hills or mountains ask if your guide will be qualified (and insured). A qualified guidecarries a “carnet” and their website and advertising should display the correct logo.

IML Ropework Refresher Course

Walking in The Alpujarra

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:41:00 +0000

Walking in The Alpujarra

The Alpujarra is the area that is the southern slopes of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Having walked all over Europe and in North Africa, I can honestly say that the walking here is unsurpassed. This is hill walking terrain rather than mountain walking of the high Sierra Nevada. It is characterized by steep sided valleys, terraces and pretty white washed villages.

Walking in The TaHa

Although many of these pretty white washed villages provide a good base to stay, Capileira is undoubtedly the best place to base yourself. There are several good day walks to be had straight from the village and other walks could be had by either driving out or by catching the bus.

Busquistar, a village in The TaHa

Sierra Nevada Guides have some walks already written up on their website and run a programme of guided walks in the spring (April, May and early June). If you are thinking of a walking holiday for your walking club, then Mountain House Holidays are able to organize a package for you. A full board, fully guided week from £695.

It’s hard to pick out a favorite walk as there are so many to choose from, and according to season when flowers are out. Undoubtedly walking in the Rio Poqueira from Capileira or in the Taha de Pitres provide the best walking. It is also possible to venture up into the Sierra Nevada without having to tackle the mountains. Hoya del Portillo above Capileira provides a good starting point. Only half an hour above Hoya brings us to the viewpoint of Puerto Molino where the higher summits can clearly be seen, especially Mulhacen (the highest mountain in mainland Spain) and Veleta the 2^nd highest in the Sierra Nevada.

Walking in the Alpujarra can get too hot in July and August. Good times are March to June and September to November. That said, if the sun is out, it is possible to walk in T shirts throughout the winter!

T Shirts in winter!

Capileira

If you are restricted to the height of summer, there are several walks to be had in the high mountains where it is cool at altitude. It is possible to catch the National Park bus from Capileira to Mirador Trevelez 2700m asl. You can expect the tempreture at 3000m to be around 15 to 20 degrees during the afternoon in July if it is not windy. With wind chill you might be looking to wear a fleece or jacket.

From Mirador Trevelez, the old road leads to The Caldera at just over 3000m. From here a path leads down the Rio Mulhacen and you can make a circuit via the Refugio Poqueira (food, drinks and toilets) before returning to the bus at Mirador Trevelez.

Maps and English guidebooks are available locally, but to help with your planning, they can be obtained in advance from Stanfords. The Editorial Alpina map / guide to the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra is a good start. Spanish maps are usually flimsy so consider getting your map laminated before you go.

Accommodation is plentiful. Pensions, Hotels and self catering are all available. If you are planning to visit in the hotter months (mid June through until the end of September, look for somewhere with a pool or plunge pool. It’s great to cool off after a good walk!

Mountain House Holidays for a full board, fully guided weeks holiday from £695.

Sierra Nevada Guides

Walks to Download

Programme of guided walks – Spring

Programme of guided walks - Summer

Mountain House Holidays and Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British guides (International Mountain Leaders) based in the Alpujarra / Sierra Nevada.

Walking in Slovenia’s Julian Alps

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:33:00 +0000

Walking in Slovenia’s Julian Alps

We first discovered Slovenia’s Julian Alps on a weeks Spring break in May / June 2011. Since then we have spent a further 5 weeks getting to know the area in some depth.

Lake Bohinj

The Julian Alps are believed to be named after Julius Caesar and are the highest mountains in Slovenia with at Triglav 2864m the highest summit. The Slovene people are rightly proud of their mountaineering heritage and the national flag has Triglav represented on it. There is a “saying” in Slovenia that you are only a true Slovene if you have climbed Triglav.

As an alpine nation, its mountains are not as high as those in neighbouring countries but they are equally spectacular. There is an extensive network of mountain huts throughout its mountains making it quite possible to stay for longer periods high up without having to keep descending to a valley base each evening.

Martagon Lilly

Our first trip was in the spring of 2011. Too early to access the high paths and summits because the high mountains were full of snow. We were able to walk to the summer pastures on the low alps where the cows were being taken up to from the villages and the wild spring flowers were very impressive. We were surprised at the warm weather, though the proximity to the Mediterranean generally gives a warmer and more stable climate than the western alps.

The second trip we made was for two weeks in August 2011. The paths and mountains were now mostly clear of snow and we were able to explore the extensive network of paths and huts in the high mountains. Especially memorable was seeing both Edelweiss and the rare, endemic, Zoiss Bellflower.

We returned again for two weeks in 2013, this time leading walking holidays for Mountain House Holidays. We led two, week long holidays and were able to take our clients to the summit of Triglav. We became true Slovenes!

In September, 2014 we had the privilege to return once more leading a hut to hut walking holiday for Mountain House Holidays. Memorable on this trip was the accordion playing that we experienced at all of the huts we stayed at.

Pogacnikov Dom

Zoiss Bellflower

Situated less than an hours drive from Ljubiana Airport, the Julian Alps are very accessible. There are flights from both London Stanstead and Luton airports. We have found car hire quite cheap though there are taxi’s and mini-bus taxi’s available. By booking them in advance these also work out quite cheaply.

If you are planning to visit in springtime, there are lots of flowers out in late May and early June. An ideal base would be around Lake Bohinj. There are plenty of hotels, guest houses and hostels here to suit all. Hostel 13 in Studor offers good clean basic self catering accommodation. Hotel Starre offers good hotel accommodation.

Edleweiss

For summer hut to hut trips you need a start and end point. The Aljazev Dom at the head of the valley above the village of Mojstrana has a massive “wow” factor that it overlooks the mighty north face of Triglav. This is one of the few huts that has showers and you can get a taxi or drive to within about 400m of the hut. We have also left bags here with our clean travelling clothes to return to on several occasions.

If you want a guided itinerary, Mountain House Holidays will help you sort out a suitable itinerary and provide you with a qualified International Mountain Leader who has knowledge of these beautiful mountains.

Mike and Jane from Mountain House Holidays are always willing to advise you to plan your walking holiday in Slovenia.

Chamois

Mountain House News

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:33:00 +0000

Greetings from Mountain House Holidays

Peak Navigation Courses & Sierra Nevada Guides

It has been great to meet lots of you over the summer, which saw us spending time in Spain, Scotland, Swaziland and Slovenia. Now we are back in Derbyshire and the nights are drawing in, we are working on our programme for 2015, and wanted to share a few of our ideas with our friends and customers.

Mt. Olympus, "home of the Gods"

New for Next Year:

A 5 Day mini break

"Mt. Olympus, home of the Gods"

the highest mountain in Greece. This is a walking itinerary but with some “exposed” paths. If you are interested in joining us, we’d really like to hear from you.

Munro bagging in Torridon, some of the more difficult mountains in Scotland. Six days of guided walking.

Navigation Course, October

We are trying out a new navigation course, designed for more 'mature' walkers, who are available during the week, and would appreciate learning in a smaller group or at a slower pace. If you know anyone who might be interested in Map Reading for Mature Walkers, do pass on the information.

Don’t forget: All our navigation courses can be bought as gifts, so why not choose one (or 2) for friends and family this Christmas.

Sierra Nevada Guides are once again hosting a week of winter skills training in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains. This year we plan to spend most of the week at the Poqueira Refuge, high in the mountains where we can put the new skills to good use.

Winter Skills Training Course in The Sierra Nevada in February

Next spring and summer we will be spending more time in Spain, so if you are interested in joining us during April, May, June, July & early August we can offer daily guided walks from the wonderful base of the hotel Alcadima starting and finishing at a date of your choice. (We were fortunate to spend a few days in September as guests at the Alcadima and really enjoyed the experience.) Our programme of daily walks cost 40 Euro's per day.

We always appreciate hearing from you with feedback, suggestions and requests for trips. If you are part of a group we can offer special rates on our holidays, or design a map reading, navigation or GPS course specially for you, so let us know what you would like.

Best wishes

Mike & Jane

Munro Walking Holiday 2015, Torridon

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 11:40:00 +0000

Munro Walking Holiday with Mountain House Holidays

Following on from successful holidays over the past two years based in Kinlochleven and Roy Bridge, Mountain House Holidays will be running their annual Munro climbing holiday in Torridon (Kinlochewe) during August 2015. The week is intended for keen mountain walkers who have some experience of rock scrambling but who would like to undertake these mountains supervised by qualified International Mountain Leaders.

The Magic of Climbing Munro's

Some of the days will be long and strenuous and (weather permitting) are likely to include:

A Dry Day

Maol Chean-derg 933m

Beinn Alligin(2 Munros)

Tom na Gruagaich 922m

Sgurr Mhor 986m

Liathach (2 Munros)

Spidean a Choire Leith 1055m

Mullach an Rathain 1023m

Beinn Eighe (2 Munros)

Spidean Coire nan Clach 993m

Ruadh–stac Mor 1010m

A Wet Day, but this is Scotland!

Slioch 981m

Bienn Liath Mor 926m

Sgorr Ruadh 962m

Shorter alternatives
(for possible wet weather / rest days):

Fionn Bheinn 933m

Moruisg 928m

Mike and Jane from Mountain House Holidays, both International Mountain Leaders and climbing instructors (SPA’s) will be supervising this holiday themselves.

How this holiday works.

Enjoying the views

You sort out your own accommodation and transport to Torridon / Kinlochewe.

You sort out your own meals.

On the first evening we shall meet at the Kinlochewe Hotel at 8pm for introductions and to plan the itinerary and meeting time / place for the first walk.

Each evening we shall meet up in Kinlochewe to plan the following days itinerary.

Dates:

15^th to 22^nd August 2015,
(Six daily walks 16^th to 21^st August).

Cost:

£250 for the week, includes all guiding. Some places may be available on a daily basis at £50 per day.

Booking:

This can be done direct on the Mountain House Holidays Website

More Scottish Magic!

Spring is coming to Southern Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 12:31:00 +0000

Yesterday evening we had a real sense that spring had arrived. After a couple of days of cold wet weather, the sun was out, birds were singing and we could sit on out terrace to watch the sun go down. We shared the experience with a couple of bats, out to catch their evening meal, and then watched as a fox zig zagged across our land looking for frogs.

Earlier in the afternoon I had taken a short walk around the mountainside and seen the first pink fringed orchids, heard bee eaters fly past - almost too high in the sky to see and watched larks in their courtship. The final 'icing on the cake' was watching a Golden Eagle circle overhead.

Spring and early summer are great times to visit the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra, and we are very fortunate to be able to be here.

Snowshoeing Holidays and Day Hikes in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 12:45:00 +0000

Snowshoeing Holidays and Day Hikes in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Although this is Southern Spain and close to the Mediterranean and Africa, The Sierra Nevada boasts Europe’s most southerly ski resort and mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen 3482m above sea level. As an indication, the ski season usually starts here at the end of November and finishes in May with a celebration of skiing in the morning and swimming in the sea in the afternoon! However there are sometimes during the season when the snow starts to get a bit thin though we can usually find somewhere to snowshoe.

In the forest above Capileira

The joy of exploring the Sierra Nevada on snowshoes is that the area is mainly undeveloped, so unlike alpine ski resorts you can get a real feel of wilderness away from crowds, ski lifts and prepared snow slopes. Our snowshoeing days start from one of the pretty high villages (usually with coffee) before heading up dirt track roads as high as possible into the snow. Occasionally we have to walk a bit before putting on snowshoes but often we can snowshoe from the car.

Our routes usually start up through the forests before gaining the open slopes above the tree line. On the majority of days we enjoy blue skies and sunshine which is a distinct advantage over the traditional alpine resorts, though if the weather is poor we can always walk the spectacular paths in the Alpujarra (the lower southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada).

On our snowshoeing holidays we like to spend a night up at the Poqueira Refuge (2500m) which although bunk accommodation has a good dining room, bar and made all the better by the log fire.

Views of Mulhacen on the way to The Poqueira Refuge

Perfect snow and blue sky!

Snowshoeing is a little more strenuous than normal walking, but we are often walking over terrain where it would be impossible to walk without either snow shoes or touring skis. That said the normal snowshoeing day is around 10am until 4pm though shorter if conditions dictate.

In short, snowshoeing is good fun; sociable and takes you to places not normally visited in the winter months. The owners of Mountain House Holidays, Mike and Jane are all International Mountain Leaders, the qualification recognized in Spain (and internationally) for being a snowshoeing Guide.

In addition to their guided snowshoeing holiday, Mountain House Holidays are offering guided snowshoe hikes in the Sierra Nevada from

50 Euro’s per person including the hire of snowshoes.

Bird Watching in The Alpujarra

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 12:46:00 +0000

Bird Watching in The Alpujarra

This years grape harvest was poor in The Alpujarra with many bunches of grapes shriveling up or bunches with only 5 or 6 grapes. As a consequence, many of the “frugal” bunches were left unpicked awaiting our annual pruning session in mid December. This coupled with a long, hotter than normal Autumn meant that not only did we have the normal birds hanging around, but that we even had a surprise visitor that we have not seen in the 11 years we have been here. A Sardinian Warbler which spent a lot of time feeding on the unpicked grapes. Even when we did finally prune the vines, we left the grapes dangling and were rewarded visitations from Robins and Blue Tits in addition to the Sardinian Warbler.

Sardinian Warbler feeding on grapes at Finca Montaña

Our House, Finca Montaña is 1300m above sea level and it can get quite cool up here in the late autumn and winter. Snow doesn’t usually last more than 3 days as it’s always warm when the sun is out. However the night time temperature does often get down to around -8 degrees centigrade. That said our winter resident birds include: Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Kestrels, Larks (crested and Sky), Black Eared Wheatears, Black Caps, Stone Chats, Robins, Blue Tits, Jays, Magpies and Ravens. A little above us (in the Juniper) we have Ring Ouzels (from around 2100m). But never before a Sardinian Warbler.

We are now planning to leave bunches of grapes every year in the hope of attracting more birds.

Black-eared Wheatear at Finca Montaña

In Summer the list of birds to be seen expands dramatically to include Egyptian Vulture's, Hoopoe's, Bee Eaters and various swifts and Swallows to name a few.

Higher up on the mountain tops we are rewarded with Alpine Accentors which are remarkably tame on the summit of Mulhacen 3482 (mainland Spain’s highest mountain) where they have got used to being amongst people and feeding off the crumbs and remnants of sandwiches.

Alpine Accentor on Mulhacen

Spring is a good time to visit with both the migratory birds passing through and the summer visitors arriving. Finca Montaña is ideally placed for bird watching, situated very remote, in its own 5 acres of grounds but surrounded by mostly undeveloped natural mountain side and a few small holdings still mainly farmed in a traditional way.

Mike and Jane who own Finca Montaña provide a full board package from £30 per night. As qualified International Mountain Leaders they also offer guided walks and treks in The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada.

Walking in The Alpujarra

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 09:44:00 +0000

Good Walking Straight From The Door!

Being enthusiastic hill walkers ourselves we have always been keen to walk straight out from Finca Montaña rather than getting in the car and driving to get to the start of a walk. Sure, there are great walks elsewhere in the Alpujarra but here at Finca Montaña there are our own great circuits.

The latest walk!

The problem with planning a route and exploring around here is the fact that although a path or track might be shown on the map, it either may not exist or be over private land and you have no way of knowing until you arrive at a chain across the track half way around your walk.

Earlier this week we pieced together another amazing circuit from the house. Even after living here for 10 years, it’s such a joy for us to discover something new. Passing mountain farmsteads like our own and seeing what’s growing, old mines, acequia’s, abandoned farms and terraces and never seeing another sole except for a farmer pruning some almond trees. The spectacular views, geology, and wildlife are a wonder too. On this latest circuit we saw a juvenile Golden Eagle, Iberian Ibex and Kestrels.

In addition to a host of shorter walks, we now have 4 superb day walks straight from the front door. All of them circuits of around 10 miles and with 600m to 1000m of ascent. Quite strenuous days but the good thing is there is always a mug of tea or beer / wine to reward yourself with at the end of the walk. There’s nothing like your favourite tipple when you’ve earned it and the views from here are truly stunning.

Evening Views from Finca Montaña

Finca Montaña is a great, reasonably priced, base for walkers to enjoy the spectacular hill and mountain walking that the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada have to offer. Walking is possible throughout the year in The Alpujarra though it’s a good idea to miss the heat of August. Even in January and February it is often possible to walk wearing a T shirt. Walking in the High Sierra Nevada is cooler! The best months are June, July, September and October though if you fancy some snowshoeing (possibly combined with some warmer walking in the Alpujarra), February is a good time to visit.

At Finca Montaña you can have a flexible accommodation option, B & B, Half Board or Full Board at reasonable prices. We also offer airport pick ups from either Malaga (2 hours) or Granada (75 minutes).

Mike and Jane the owners of Finca Montaña are both qualified International Mountain Leaders with an extensive knowledge of walking in The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada. They work together at Sierra Nevada Guides.

Acequias mean so much to the mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 17:04:00 +0000

I came across a wonderful publication today called Manual del Acequiero; it is a guide to building and maintaining the water channels which criss-cross the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra of Southern Spain.

If any of our readers have walked with us, they will be aware that we often walk along acequias; they have paths running alongside to offer access for owners of the farmland beneath, and are a great and often adventurous way to explore mountain terrain.

Acequias are of course much more; they provide essential water to the local communities, and in the Alpujarra keep the mountainside wonderfully green, even in the height of summer.

Walking along the Acequia above Finca Montana

At Finca Montana, our cortijo on the mountainside above Lanjaron, we are very fortunate to have lots of springs which provide our water supply and keep our land irrigated. These springs are fed by the acequia and without these ancient irrigation channels, the springs would dry up. We had a reall scare earlier this year when our acequia collapsed down the mountainside. However it was soon restored - demonstrating how important the water is to the local community.

Acequias are not unique to our part of Spain; originally built by the Moors of north Africa, they can be found in many other countries, including the high Atlas of Morocco, Madeira (where they are called Levadas) and even Switzerland (where they are called Bisse). The Manual del Acequiero provides guidance for rennovating the acequia with lots of pictures demonstrating how they are built. Often the acequia would have been lined with massive stone blocks, which can still be seen in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada. The stone and materials would have been brought in by the acequiero and his mule.

Why not come and stay with us at Finca Montana and take a walk along our acequia, or meet Pepe, our very own Acequiero who walks past Finca Montana most days with his goats.

Alpujarra B&B and Guesthouse

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:33:00 +0000

Alpujarra B&B and Guesthouse

Finca Montaña “The Good Life” is our remote mountain farmhouse situated at 1300m on the mountain above Lanjaron. An ideal base for walkers with good walks straight from the front door. Finca Montaña is also situated close to both the GR7 and GR240.

Finca Montaña

The local goats walk past every day

Being so remote, about 12Km up dirt track roads the house does not have the “normal” mains facilities. There are two springs on the property (22 000 m²), a sola panel and wind turbine generate electricity and the shower and fridge / freezer is heated by gas. The new house where guests stay has 2 bedrooms, a double and a small double and can accommodate up to 5 people (single bunk above a double bed). There is a shared shower room / w.c.

Once returning from your days activities it is unlikely that you’ll want to be bothered with the drive down into Lanjaron so the fridge is kept well stocked with beer and wine. Evening meals and packed lunches can be provided. In Summer there is a small plunge pool where you can float, sometimes watching the Golden Eagles soaring above. The local goat farmer walks his herd past most days which is a real spectacle.

Prices for 2014:

Bed and Breakfast = 20 Euro’s per night

Evening Meal (including beer or wine) = 10 Euro’s

Full Board with packed lunch = 35 Euro’s per day

Mike and Jane, your hosts are mountain guides working in the Sierra Nevada and offer walking packages to guests, either in the Alpujarra or Sierra Nevada though they have compiled walk descriptions for guests to take and follow themselves.

Guided walks from 40 Euro’s per person per day.

Early morning cloud inversion looking towards the Sierra de Lujar

Being situated at 1300m above sea level you can normally expect stunning views. The Sierra de Lujar, Malaga Mountains, across the Mediterranean and even the mountains of North Africa on a clear day.

Check out Finca Montaña on the Mountain House Holidays website.

Useful area information on the Sierra Nevada Guides website

Alpujarra Guesthouse and B & B

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:25:00 +0000

Alpujarra Guesthouse and B & B

Finca Montaña “The Good Life” is a remote mountain small holding in the Sierra Nevada / Alpujarra. Situated at 1300m above sea level it has the most fantastic views of the Sierra de Lujar, the Mediterranean and on a clear day even the mountains of North Africa.

Finca Montaña in winter

Arriving back from a walk, well earned beer!

By remote I mean 10Km up a dirt track road either from Lanjaron or from Lecrin. Set in about 5 acres of fruit trees Finca Montaña catches water from its own springs and generates electricity by sola and wind. The fridge freezer runs off bottled gas ensuring a good supply of cold wine, beer and ice cubes! Cooking and hot water are by gas also.

Prices for 2014:

Bed and Breakfast = 20 Euro’s per night

Evening Meal (including beer or wine) = 10 Euro’s

Full Board with packed lunch = 35 Euro’s per day

Guided walks from 40 Euro’s per person per day.

Cloud inversion beneath Finca Montaña at sunset

Check out Finca Montaña on the Mountain House Holidays website.

Useful area information on the Sierra Nevada Guides website

Drinks and nibbles on the patio

Walking in The Alpujarra with Mountain House Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Walking in The Alpujarra with Mountain House Holidays

Mike and Jane bought their Mountain House - Finca Montaña in 2002 and started to explore the Alpujarra and mountains of The Sierra Nevada. As Mountain House Holidays, they started organising walking holidays based from the Alpujarran Spa Town of Lanjaron in 2003.

Enjoying the April Sunshine with a backdrop of snowy mountains!

In the ten years since they started, they believe that they have refined their holidays into a genuine quality product. Most holidays are now based at the stunning Hotel Alcadima which is a holiday experience in itself. “Somedays it’s hard to get our guests out walking as the restful gardens and pool are so appealing!”

Pink Vanilla Orchid above Lanjaron

Walking in the Alpujarra is some of the best hillwalking in the world. Medieval mule tracks; Roman Bridges; paths through terraces cut into the hillsides still being worked; pretty white villages built by the Berber Arabs who colonised the area 600 years ago; and if you time it right stunning spring flowers or almond blossom. It is possible to walk in the Alpujarra all year, though best to avoid the hottest weeks from mid-July and all of August. Winter can be surprisingly hot, walking in T shirts in January and February is not uncommon with 80% of winter days being “blue sky” days. Spring with its amazing flowers is our favourite, April, May and June.

Mike and Jane supported by their friend Martin lead all of the holidays themselves so there is a real connection with your holiday company and genuine local knowledge often lacking with the larger companies who bring staff into the area. Additionally, Mike, Jane and Martin are all qualified International Mountain Leaders which is the qualification required in Spain to take people into the mountains.

In addition to organising holidays for individuals or even large groups, Mike, Jane and Martin have established “Sierra Nevada Guides” who undertake a range of mountain guiding throughout the year. Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British guides (IML’s) operating in the Sierra Nevada.

Exploring the "White Villages"

The range of holidays and activities provided by Mountain House Holidays includes: Walking in The Alpujarra; Walking in The Sierra Nevada; Snowshoeing; Rock Scrambling; and Rock Climbing.

For those wanting to experience living in a remote mountain cortio, it is possible to stay with Mike and Jane at Finca Montaña who do B & B and full board packages.

Walking in The Sierra Nevada with Mountain House Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:47:00 +0000

Walking in The Sierra Nevada with Mountain House Holidays

Mulhacen 3482m from The Caldera Refuge 3060m

The Star of the Snows -Estrella de las Nieves and Gentians

The Sierra Nevada is Spain’s largest national park and is home to over 60 endemic species giving it perhaps the widest bio-diversity in Europe. The mountain walking here is stunning whether you want to scale mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen 3482m or enjoy the array of alpine flowers and wildlife. There is something to suit everyone’s ability and taste. Some of the holidays organised by Mountain House Holidays spend a night or two up at the Refugio Poqueira 2500m, nestling under the south west flank of Mulhacen and with great views of both the mountains and out over the Mediterranean sometimes with glimpses of the mountains of North Africa.

Iberian Ibex

Mike and Jane supported by their friend and neighbour Martin, lead all of the holidays themselves so there is a real connection with your holiday company and genuine local knowledge often lacking with the larger companies who bring staff into the area. Additionally, Mike, Jane and Martin are all qualified International Mountain Leaders which is the qualification required in Spain to take people into the mountains.

Starting the ascent of Trevenque

The range of holidays and activities provided by Mountain House Holidays includes: Walking in The Alpujarra; Walking in The Sierra Nevada; Snowshoeing; Rock Scrambling; and Rock Climbing.

For those wanting to experience living in a remote mountain cortio, it is possible to stay with Mike and Jane at Finca Montaña who do B & B and full board packages.

Finca Montaña "The Good Life"

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:16:00 +0000

Autumn’s Harvest is gathered at Finca Montaña.

Collecting the almonds

The walnuts, chestnuts and almonds are all now gathered. It has been a poor year for Almonds in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada due to a combination of frosts getting at the blossom and high winds as the nuts were setting. The grape harvest was poor too. Probably due a lot of mists at our height (1300m) throughout the summer. Most peoples grapes around here seemed to suffer the same mildew fate.

We have chestnuts in abundance and have been experimenting with chestnut recipes, though so far the best use for them has either been Chestnuts roasted on the fire or various forms of chestnut stuffing. Delicious!

This year we had to leave Spain in mid-October so didn’t manage to gather all of the grapes in. As a result we have only been able to make 25 litres of wine this year. Although with wine so cheap in Spain I sometimes wonder if it’s worth the effort of making our own wine….. Of course it is! It will be bottled in December and will take pride of place at the dinner table for special events.

The Grape Harvest!

We had bought a new grape press this year to replace our traditional method of treading the grapes (in the washing up bowl). It’s such good fun harvesting your own grapes and making your own wine. With a predicted world shortage of wine looming in the next few years I’m starting to plan creating our own vineyard and will be planting next spring. So if you fancy a working holiday contributing to save the world from a wine shortage combined with some fine walking, book your stay at Finca Montaña.

We’re currently enjoying a few weeks back in the U.K. but come the start of December we’ll be back to start the job of pruning our fruit trees, and turning the land over with our cultivator.

So the big plan for next year is to develop the wine producing alongside taking in guests and leading guided walks. If you fancy staying at Finca Montaña visit our website.

December, walking in a T shirt!

Mike and Jane the owners of Finca Montaña are both qualified International Mountain Leaders with an extensive knowledge of walking in The Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada.

A Journey through the High Julian Alps

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 12:39:00 +0000

This September we were joined by 8 intrepid explorers, to once again venture into the beautiful and dramatic mountains of the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

Our journey began in the northwest corner of the country, under the north face of Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain. We promised the group a stunning view, however we arrived in the dark, and the next morning dawned cool, with cloud swirling around the summits, so this would have to await our return.

During the following days, we climbed to high mountain huts, teetered around some improbable paths, relaxed by mountain lakes, watched Marmots, Ibex and eagles and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality offered by hut guardians.

Walking in the Julian Alps provides some amazing contrasts; one day we would be following a path constructed as military roads during the first world war, the next climbing over a high summit protected by iron pitons, then dropping down through beech forest to a beautiful high summer pasture, to drink mountain tea and sample home made cheese.

A successful ascent of Triglav was the highlight of the first week, but sadly not to be repeated, as snow and ice meant our second weeks itinerary had to be changed. However that stunning view of Triglav's north face did not disappoint, and offered inspiration for another trip next year.

Highest Mountains; an international experience!

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Livingstone) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:37:00 +0000

We have had the opportunity to climb three of Europe's highest mountains this summer; Mulhacen, highest in mainland Spain, Ben Nevis in Scotland and most recently Triglav in Slovenia. All are popular and attract visitors from all over the world - we met eg. Norwegians, Poles, Austrians and Danes on Mulhacen, Russians, Germans, and French on Ben Nevis and Israeli, Americans and Dutch on Triglav.

Climbing your countries highest mountain is always an achievement, and for some almost an obligation - in Slovenia to be a true Slovene you must climb this challenging summit at least once in your life.
It is great to have the opportunity to share these these moments with others, and with our clients.

Mulhacen, Magnificent!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Hunt) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 11:49:00 +0000

Mulhacen, Magnificent!

It’s normal for us at Mountain House Holidays to be guiding people up Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in The Sierra Nevada and the whole of mainland Spain. However yesterday, having a day off we decided to climb Mulhacen ourselves for the sheer enjoyment of it. Legend has it that Mully Hasan the deposed and penultimate Arab King of Al Andalus is buried on the mountain.

Mulhacen Summit

Most people tackling Mulhacen take the National Park bus from Capileira up to Alto del Chorrillo at 2700m and ascend and descend Mulhacen’s South Ridge. It’s fine to use the bus and the South Ridge as part of the excursion but to only do a “there and back from the bus” is a short day and will leave you thinking it’s not been a proper day out!

Setting out early in summer is the best tactic. This allows you to get the climbing done before the heat of the day starts to sap your energy. We started from Hoya del Portillo 2160m at 7.30am. It was cold, 10 degrees C and for the first 20 minutes we were in the forest so no sun. Still the motto is: start cold and warm up walking up hill! By the time we had reached the view point of Puerto Molino 2380m (30 minutes) we were warm! Our route continued along the ridge of Prado Llano 2577m to 2622m before joining the old road along to Alto del Chorrillo arriving there for a breakfast break at 9.15am.

Dense Flowering Sandwort

The actual ascent of Mulhacen along the south ridge is pleasant, and in summer a well defined path with cairns marking the way through the screes just below the subsidiary summit of Mulhacen II at 3361m. Even though we stopped to take photo’s of plants and beetles, we reached the summit at 11.20am a total time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. A distance of 11.4Km with a total height gained of 1412m. An hour and 20 minutes ahead of Naismith (The rule for calculating the time to walk up mountains – allow 4Km per hour and add a minute for every 10m of ascent).

We were ahead of the crowd from the bus so the summit was fairly quiet. There was a small group of “Cabra” the Iberian Ibex mooching around not particularly afraid of us, the usual Alpine Accentor and a large squadron of Swifts giving a good display of aerobatics.

Iberian Ibex

After a short break on the summit, it was time to head downwards before the crowds from the bus arrived. There is a zig zag path down the screes of Mulhacen’s West flank which we took heading to the Collado de la Mosca which gives great views of both Mulhacen’s and Alcazaba’s 3371m North Faces. A further 10 minutes and you are down to the Caldera Hut, an unmanned “bivouac” hut with bunks, tables and chairs. From here there is an impressive view back up to Mulhacen’s summit. A spot of lunch was called for at The Caldera!

With clients if we had caught the bus we would continue down to the Poqueira Refuge 2500m to make a circuit back to Hoya del Portillo. However as we had not walked the old road back to Alto del Chorrillo for a few years we though we’d re-acquaint ourselves with this option. It proved as boring as we remembered it though a useful way out if the weather turns nasty. From Alto del Chorrillo we then returned the way we had ascended finally arriving back to Hoya del Portillo at 3.30pm.

Mulhacen's West Flank from the Caldera Refuge

All that remained was to drive back to a bar in Capileira for the customary drink and plan for the next outing!

Mountain House Holidays and our company “Sierra Nevada Guides” are the only British Qualified Guides (International Mountain Leaders) working in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.

The Sierra Nevada Guides website has a lot of useful information for people wanting to visit the area, especially for walkers and climbers.

We are always happy to respond to emails answering questions about the area.