We followed the easy track round the ridgeline, then left our Irish stalwart, Rory O’Neill, to break trail up the steepening ridge. As we encountered the main rocks we swapped snowshoes for crampons and ice axe. The snow was not consolidated and care was needed on the ascent up the centre of the main face (the normal route). Crampons continually balled up with the soft snow.

We reached the sharp summit cone 3 hours after starting, a good time for the conditions. There were clear and fantastic views back towards Granada and across to the Alayos de Dilar. Behind us the Sierra Nevada made a dramatic backgound with huge lenticular clouds indicating high windspeeds.

A short break and we headed downhill reversing our outward track. Care was needed over some short sections but we reached the dry river valley of “Las Arenas” (renamed “Las Blancas” for the day). Here we put on our snowshoes for the final descent back to the waiting car at Cortijo Sevilla.

A good day. Recommended. Trevenque is special at any time of year, but in my opinion is at its most magic under deep snow. It might not be the highest, or the hardest, but it has a special quality. You always savour the moment when you tread on it’s fine and pointed summit.

The other reason for getting to the col early is to be in a position in the early morning to capture the rising sun hitting the rock faces seldom seen. For instance, the spectacular NE face of Corazon de la Sandia is only in sunlight for an hour each day. Great for those unusual photos.

We spent a rather cold bivvy up there. The site we chose was just west of the first main peak on the ridge, named El Castillejo (1979m) on some maps. There is nowhere for a tent here, just some spaces where a bivvy bag can be laid out. The ridge hereabouts is a bit chossy with boulders and spiky vegetation, but we managed to find a relatively level area with some gaps between the greenery.

The mists came down overnight, but not before we had treated ourselves to a some delicious mountain food. Mike tried making “Bannock Bread”, a simple mix of flours and yeast which was a staple food during Shackletons famous South Atlantic adventure in the early part of the last century!

It rained overnight but by sunrise it was cold, bright and clear, although some hill fog formed over Veleta and the higher peaks of the Sierra Nevada. By 8.30 we were off westwards along the crest of the ridge. The ridge gets better as you proceed west. Rocky steps can be taken direct or by-passed by a rather vague track on the left. Some good scrambling exists if you choose to go and look for it.

With the sun at our backs we arrived at the reigning peak, Corazon de la Sandia (or “Heart of the Watermelon” in spanish!). A short scramble got us on top of its 1877m rocky summit. Then it was on to Pichacho Alto (1773m) before dropping down into the Rambla Seca and following this dry valley back to the trailhead start.

This is a good 9hr round trip walk, but I believe it is much better if spread over 2 days (or 2 half days) when you can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery that this area provides. For further information about walking in the Cumbres Verdes near Granada or for day or multi day walks with a guide, contact Spanish Highs Mountain Guides.

This is marvellous scenery just to the south east of Granada. Walking in the Cumbres Verdes is varied, interesting and full of changing landscapes. What is even better is that they are situated just 20 minutes from the main Granada ring road.

A few days ago we dropped some clients off for a self guided day trip around the marvellous peak of Trevenque and the dramatic Alayos de Dilar ridge. The sun had just risen and we decided to take in the Peak of the Fishes Mouth. Access is very easy from the main car park for Trevenque at the Collado Sevilla. A pleasant stroll along an interesting path over the Cerro de las Pipas follows. Then its steeply up a zig zag track to the double summited top (the fishes mouth). It is an easy hour from bottom to top, but what a viewpoint!

The peaks of the Cumbres Verdes stretch from the NE to the S covering the Cerro Huenes group, Trevenque and the Alayos de Dilar peaks. To the south, crags fall vertically down into the deep drop of the Dilar valley. Westwards the town of Dilar nestles in the shadows and further still the vegas and olive groves of Granada Province are prominent.

We made the return the same way as that ascended, but various options exist for round trips although the level of exertion involved will rise considerably!

In reality this little known peak of 1877m height is a gem. It stands at the western end of the Alayos de Dilar ridge on the southern side of the Dilar valley, opposite the well known and much frequented peak of Trevenque.

Access

Is easiest from the town of Dilar, only 15 minutes drive from the main Granada to Motril motorway. Head along the dirt track eastwards running alongside the Dilar river. Park at the end of the track.

Another option is to park as for Trevenque at Collado Sevilla and traverse into the Dilar valley towards the Toma del Canal. This gives access to the Collado del Pino and the eastern end of the Alayos ridge.

Water must be carried as once you have left the Dilar valley there is none. The whole area is very arid and like a scene from the wild west.

Routes

From the Dilar valley options exist southwards to the peak via the dry barranco of the Rambla de Rio Seco or via a path up Los Atalayones de Dilar. Both involve about 850m ascent to reach the rocky summit.

Another way is to traverse tha Alayos ridge itself. Reach the Toma de Canal via the Collado de Sevilla or the Dilar trailhead, climb up to the Collado del Pino and then head westwards back along the ridge. You can make it as hard or as easy as you wish. Either follow the main ridge crest or take the faint path on the southern side.

In a rare hard winter at this height a good snow ascent can be made direct from the Rio Dilar up the Barranco de Juana Benitez. Grade 1 snow climb with harder sections available towards the top if desired.

The summit

The summit is distinctive as it is one of the few (possibly only?) summit in the Sierra Nevada where hands and scrambling ability are needed to attain the top. The easiest route is via the neck, from the main ridgeline direct to the summit. Other ways for the adventurous exist but there is steep and loose ground around.

Guided Tours

Spanish Highs Mountain Guides now run day walking tours either up Corazon de la Sandia (5hrs) or along the entire Los Alayos ridge, taking in the main peaks. Contact them for availability.