Back to basics in the Sierra de Tentudia, Seville
An hours drive north of Seville takes you into the heart of the Sierra Morena. This is a massive range containing many smaller sierras. The Sierra de Aracena is quite popular, but the lesser known range of the Sierra de Tentudia is rarely visited. The Tentudia sit on the border of Andalucia and Extremadura.
The Sierra [...]
Early morning start for the Peak of the Fishes Mouth
The spanish tend to be quite descriptive with the names for their mountain peaks. The “Boca de la Pesca” or the “Fishes Mouth” does indeed look vaguely like, when seen from Cerro Huenes in the Cumbres Verdes to the north west.
This is marvellous scenery just to the south east of Granada. Walking in the Cumbres [...]
New Live Weather data for the Alpujarras
Being mountain guides we have always had a serious interest in what is happening outside and up in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. We have kept detailed daily weather records since 2005. Now we have upgraded to a professional weather station giving online live weather data for the Alpujarras
Please note, the current station was [...]
Are the Sierra Nevada winters getting warmer? The evidence!
The following gives data extrapolated from the last 3 winters here in Lanjaron. An attempt has been made to show the likely data for the Poqueira hut at 2500m, below Mulhacen.
The figures show a definite warming trend over the last 3 years and make interesting reading.
In Lanjaron at 650m over the 6 winter months:
Average Daily [...]
Weather July 2008 in Lanjaron
We recorded the following observations from our weather station:
Low….. 18.3 (Jul 07……17.4)
High….. 36.4 (Jul 07…..36.7)
Ave Low….. 20.8 (Jul 07…..20.2)
Ave High….. 31.9 (Jul 07…..31.8)
Rainfall….. (mm) 0 (Jul 07…..0)
Rainfall….. (days) 0 (Jul 07…..0)
Full details of all the reading since May 2005 can be found on Spanish Highs Weather Records webpage
Avalanche Prediction made easier?
Scientists have made new insights into cracks under the surface of snow that could help to predict when slab avalanches might occur.
These avalanches are often triggered by skiers and account for many skiing accidents.
It was previously thought slab avalanches were caused by shear cracks, in which one layer of snow slides off another.
But a team [...]
Altitude Effects in the Sierra Nevada, Spain
There have, in reality, been very few instances where AMS has resulted in having to bring a person down to a lower level. When that has been the case, the person has recovered immediately on getting to lower ground and has had no further problems.
These mountains have much high ground over 3000m, but provided that [...]
Intermediate level Sierra Nevada “winter skills” courses available for next winter
Spanish Highs Mountain Guides have been running mountaineering and winter skills and alpine courses now in the Sierra Nevada for over 6 years. These highly popular courses have introduced hundreds to the joys of winter mountaineering. The basic course is a great introduction for those seeking use of axe, crampons, ropes etc. For people aspiring [...]
The ridge of Maimon, Sierra de Santa Maria, Velez Blanco
Came across this ridge the other day whilst travelling from Murcia to Granada. Also remember seeing an old photo in a book showing some people roped up along the summit ridge. Does anybody have any information about this? Look interesting or is it wishful thinking? Photo below.
Los Tres Miles - Summary of a traverse of the main peaks of the Sierra Nevada
So there we were, loaded up with 5 days of equipment and food. Richard, of Spanish Highs Mountain Guides, dropped us off at the trailhead near the Ventura Hut at 2250m above the town of Lanjaron in the Alpujarra region of Andalucia, Spain.
The skies were blue and clear as we made our way onwards. There was a [...]
