All our accommodation is in small 'hostales', small, comfortable village hotels with private facilities. One night will be in a high mountain refuge. Our adventure starts and finishes in Malaga. Though we don't have animal power we do have the use of vehicles for transporting your larger bags, meaning you only need to carry sufficient in a small rucksack for the day.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL
Pick up from Malaga Airport. (Pick up time to be around mid day. This can be flexible if the majority of incoming flights are at a similar time).Travel by mini-bus to Pampaneira in the Sierra foothills, a wonderful whitewashed medieval village at the entrance to the Poqueira Gorge which will form part of our familiarisation / acclimatization walk on day 2. Accommodation Hotel in Pampaneira.
DAY 2
Our first days walk takes us through the Poqueira Gorge and the villages of Capilerilla and Boubion.
Accommodation hotel in Pampaneira.
DAY 3
This full day takes us up through woodland high above Pampaneira to Spain's highest village Trevelez. This is a longish but relatively easy day wandering through the picturesque villages of Pitres and Portugos en-route. High up on our left we can see the Sierra's and our summit for day three.
Accommodation Hotel in Trevelez.
DAY 4
This is the first of our real mountain sections with the objective being Alcazabar, Spain's third highest and arguably the most spectacular of the Sierra summits. A very early start is required as there is a stiffish ascent to Sieta Laguna a superbly sited mountain lake and the gateway to the high peaks. An easy broad ridge than takes us to the summit. Descent is by the same route back to Trevelez village and the same hotel for accommodation.
DAY 5
After the rigours of Alcazabar this is something of a recovery day as we make our way to Cadiar via the villages of Juviles and Lobras. This six hour walk takes us to the 'unexplored' parts of the Alpujurras with its traditional Berber style farming methods and irrigation channels.
Accommodation is at Cadiar Alqueria de Morayma a lovingly renovated farmhouse complete with library and art gallery and swimming pool with a fantastic view!
DAY 6
After sorting out rucksacks for our 2 day expedition to 'capture' Mulhacen transport takes us back to Pampaniera where we begin our walk in to the Poquera Refuge a hot, dusty but not too arduous climb to our overnight accommodation.
DAY 7
Leaving the Refuge Poquera we head for the south of Mulhacen taking us up a broad ridge with a well-defined route. The gradient is reasonably consistent, never too steep but always a challenge. The summit of Mulhacen is crowned with the usual cross and rough stone shelter perched above soaring cliffs with superb views of the semi-desert province of Almeira to the north and the Mediterranean Costa del Sol to the south.
Our descent route takes us down the western flanks of the mountain and onto the Veleta track. Veleta, Spain's second highest peak will I'm afraid have to wait for another visit. Our route back is via Bubion to Pampaneira for celebratory drinks!
DAY 8
After a relaxed start, you have a well-earned rest as our transport takes the scenic route to the historic town of Granada and a visit to the Alhambra. Accommodation for our final evening is a hotel on the outskirts of Granada situated 5 minutes from the Alhambra. We can experience first hand the nightlife on offer and enjoy a final meal in one of the excellent local restaurants
DAY 9 DEPART
After breakfast transfer back to Malaga Airport.
The itinerary is intended as a working guide only and can be subject to variation as a result of local weather conditions and group progress. MOUNTAINBAGGERS reserve the right to vary the route accordingly.
