This guidebook presents 33 graded walks and 5 high mountain scrambles in the striking Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in mainland Spain and in western Europe outside the Alps. Easily accessible from Granada and Malaga, it is a world of soaring, snow-clad peaks and deep valleys, far removed from the crowded beaches of the Costa del Sol just two hours away. The routes are spread across the national park, with attractive towns and villages such as Trevelez, Lanjaron, Hoya de la Mora and Cumbres Verdes serving as potential bases for a walking holiday. The walks have been carefully chosen to showcase the Sierra Nevada's dramatic scenery, taking in barren rocky peaks, lush green valleys, arid badlands and tranquil lakes. From more leisurely outings in the Cumbres Verde area to ascents of mainland Spain's highest summit, Mulhacen, there are routes to suit a range of abilities, although most require a reasonable degree of fitness, navigational skill and experience of high mountain terrain. Whilst some are day or half-day walks, others take advantage of the region's network of mountain shelters or offer an opportunity to wild camp. Also included are three longer traverses: 'Los Tres Picos' (the Spanish Three Peaks - Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba), 'Los Tres Miles' Integral (a multi-day trek covering all the major 3000m peaks in the range) and an overview of the 302km Sulayr GR240. The walks can be enjoyed most of the year, however conditions may prove too hot at the peak of summer and extra care and equipment will be required in snow or ice: the descriptions assume summer conditions, but include additional notes for winter walking. The guide also includes advice on transport, bases and safety, a tick-list of the 3000m peaks and a Spanish-English glossary. Information on plants, wildlife and local points of interest will further enhance your visit and the glorious colour photos provide a taste of what the region has to offer. For those who like their mountains rough and rugged, Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada is a perfect companion to escaping the crowds and discovering a different side to Andalucia.
Richard Hartley started walking in the UK hills in the mid-1970s. In the 1980s and 90s he spent many seasons walking and mountaineering in the Alps. Since then he has led six expeditions to the Patagonian Icecap and joined a Berghaus sponsored expedition in 2013 to ski volcanoes in Kamchatka. In 1998 he quit his job as an accountant in search of a better life and found it in the Sierra Nevada, where he has lived since 2002 just outside the spa town of Lanjaron in the Alpujarras. The unique wildness and feeling of remoteness combined with that natural combination of sun and snow made for a potent combination. After that, the warmth and friendliness of the local people, history, culture and relaxed lifestyle convinced him to leave his home in the UK. He is the owner of local tour and guiding company called Spanish Highs, Sierra Nevada (www.spanishhighs.co.uk) providing walking, trekking, mountaineering, snowshoeing and ski touring trips.
