Charity Challenges and Fundraising in Spain's Sierra Nevada

Sample Itinerary for the Big 3 peaks (Los Tres Picos)

Day 1

Arrive Malaga. Transfer to hotel(2 hrs approx).

Evening meet to discuss the trip

Day 2 Veleta - 3,398m

Travel to Hoya de la Mora (2500m). Ascend the north ridge of Veleta (3,398m), the third highest peak in mainland Spain. The going is rough and rocky but the summit is reached after approx a 3 hour trek. There are outstanding views in all directions - especially southwards over the Mediterranean Sea towards Morocco. Heading south from the summit we reach the Col de Cariguela and follow good tracks past the Paso de los Machos until we reach the head of the Rio Seco Valley. We drop down and descend trackless slopes before contouring round a headland and reaching our overnight stay at the Refugio Poqueira with dinner.

Trekking information - 900m ascent, 16km trek taking approx. 8 hours

Day 3 Mulhacen (3,482m)

Traverse into the Rio Mulhacen Valley and up to the Laguna de Caldera, set amid a cirque of peaks. We ascend the steep, relentless west flank of Mulhacen (3,482m, the highest peak in mainland Spain). Although steep no hands are necessary but we take it slow and steady as the altitude may have a small effect here. The summit is reached in about 4hrs. It is a great viewpoint and the whole 50km chain of peaks can be seen. We return down the long and gentle south ridge before dropping steeply south west directly down to the Poqueira Refugio.

Trekking information - 1,000m ascent, 11km trek taking approx. 7 hours

Day 4 Alcazaba (3,364m)

Early start from the hut. Toughest day today! - Alcazaba is located far to the north of Mulhacen. Easily to the Alta del Chorrillo then up the south ridge of Mulhacen. At 3100m we traverse eastern slopes to Siete Lagunas, a beautiful, tranquil spot consisting of 7 lakes in a dramatic mountain setting. Water available here. We climb to the valley head and take a steep scree gully between impossible looking cliffs. In reality it is just a steep walk and there is very little simple scrambling involved. We arrive at the summit plateau and hence to the summit of Alcazaba (The Fortress). We return down the SE flank and through a small pass to Siete Lagunas for onward decent to Trevelez. Our waiting transport takes us back through the Alpujarras to the hotel in Lanjaron.

Trekking information - 1,100m ascent, 21km trek taking approx. 10 hours

Day 5

Transfer back to Malaga Airport

The Shooting Star Children's Hospice

Mulhacen Challenge supporting Motor Neurone Disease

The Gerald Brenan Walk for Cancer Research

In 1922 the legendary traveller Gerald Brenan did an amazing 60 mile walk from Granada, across the Sierra Nevada to the village of Yegen in under 24 hours, climbing over 3000m in the process. An amazing feat. But how would the walkers of today cope? We are going to find out and along the way raise some much needed cash for Cancer Research.

We have been fascinated with Gerald Brenan’s adventure and indeed his life story for some time. Immortalized in the famous book “South from Granada” which describes his arrival and adventures in the Alpujarra, Andalucia in the 1920′s. It is a great travel book that perfectly captures the essence, feel and attractiveness of the early Alpujarras.

In the book he describes the route he took from Granada to Yegen. From the description in the book we can determine the following:

(1) He walked it in September (possibly 1921?)
(2) He set off from Granada at 3am (doesn’t say exactly where)
(3) Reached Guejar Sierra at dawn
(4) Ascent to the col at Laguna de Vacares
(5) Descent to El Horcajo at the head of the Trevelez valley
(6) Reached Bercules at 6pm (presumably via the Trevelez valley rather than the high ridge of Loma del Piedra Ventana?)
(7) Reached main road by nightfall
(8) Arrived Yegen at 10pm
(9) He estimated the distance of at least 60 miles and 8000 feet of ascent
(10) It took him 19 hours

South From Granada (Penguin Modern Classics)

The distance of 60 miles (I have actually measured it at somewhat less than that) and 3000m ascent mean this is a considerable challenge for all, whether weekend rambler, committed trekker or hardened mountaineer.

When we apply “Naismiths Rule” to the distance and height estimations we get a time of 25 hours (the basic rule is as follows: allow 1 hour for every 3 miles (5 km) forward, plus half hour for every 1000 feet (300 metres) of ascent) for the trip. There are variations to this rule to allow for fitness levels but what is clear is that Mr Brenan was a very fit lad indeed!

On Saturday 17th September 2011 we are going to replicate this walk as much as we can in aid of Cancer Research. Our trainee guide James Jackson will lead the walk with the rest of Spanish Highs Mountain Guides supporting with help, advice, transport, accommodation and safety. We shall meet and start the walk at the Alhambra Palace car parks on the outskirts of Granada city. Transport shall be provided from the finishing point in Yegen back to Lanjaron.

All are welcome to join in and come along and celebrate this walk in a good cause. Who knows it may become a regular fixture?

Contact Spanish Highs Mountain Guides for more information or if you wish to join in. Any further information would be gratefully received.

Fundraising Efforts we have supported

June 2007 One 4 Kids 3 Peak Challenge
09/10/2007 Cancer Research UK
04/11/2008 Islamic Relief
29/12/2008 Yorkshire Cancer Research
21/02/2009 British Heart Foundation Charity Run
07/04/2009 Moving Mountains
21/06/2009 North Bristol Nhs Trust Charitable Funds
10/07/2009 Breast Cancer Campaign
25/08/2009 Brain Tumour Research Campaign - Way Ahead
26/08/2009 Motor Neurone Disease Association
16/09/2009 Rowcroft Hospice
19/09/2009 EDM Sierra Nevada Charity Challenge - The Shooting Star Children's Hospice
28/09/2009 Mulhacen Challenge for Motor Neurone Disease

Latest Fundraising Effort by our team of Guides

Our good friend, mountaineer and skier, Bob Redwood, is severely affected by brain tumours of a type known as "Glioblastoma Multiforme" the most common and aggresive type. This has led us to this fundraising effort. The aim is to raise awareness and funds for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign. Brain tumours affect people of all ages. There is a great need for a better understanding of what causes them, how the brain reacts to them and how they behave - and an even greater need for better and more effective treatments.

A small group of friends from Spanish Highs Mountain Guides are planning a trip to Bolivia in June 2010. In a 3 week stay they aim to climb peaks of 5000m, 5500m and 6000m. The exact choice of target peaks will not be ascertained until the end of 2009 but the trip will be a massive challenge for all of us.

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So please dig deep and donate now.

More information about Glioblastoma Multiforme