The most spectacular path in the Sierra Nevada that nobody knows about!
The Veredon Inferior is definitely superior to the better known “Veredon Superior” that leads into the Corral del Veleta some 500m south. It deserves to be known as the most spectacular path in the Sierra Nevada that nobody knows about! We now head down onto a vasar, a descending rake which rather cleverly circumvents the vertical cliffs above and below.
There's something special about striking campsite pre dawn and hiking in the first daylight hours, whilst the rest of the world is seemingly still in bed. The sunlight soon hits the mountain tops and a myriad of colours adorns the summit rocks. You amble slowly along the deserted mountain tracks. You are alone in the still and quiet of the hills sharing the experience with animals and birds.
In the summer Sierra Nevada, any bad weather is likely to arrive mid afternoon. Of course, by then, we are enjoying a few cold beers and reflecting on unforgettable shared mountain moments.
There is a small section of chains on the Verea Corta that facilitate progress across a deep gully. A spectacular setting and easier than it looks. But, don't look down!
A stunning mountain track adjacent to the Lanjaron valley
The Verea Corta – first light is best time to experience this beautiful walk. The sun hits the mountain tops and illuminates the peaks. Always ahead lies the stunning Cerro de Caballo (3009m). This is a superb mountain track best experienced north to south at first light.
The North Face of Mulhacen. Its long been an ambition of mine to view the sunrise from Mulhacen's north face. This morning I got my wish and it didn't disappoint!
Leave the summer crowds heading up Mulhacen behind and instead have a go at the Vasar de Mulhacen which takes an improbable looking horizontal shelf across the seemingly vertical north face of Mulhacén to reach the peak of Puntal de Siete Lagunas. An adrenaline-filled but very straightforward walk to a superb summit with only one short section where the hands need to leave the pockets.
Yesterday's trip into the dramatic Corral del Veleta. Still plenty of snow remaining. A steep climb up to the wonderful viewpoint of Cerro de los Machos. Morocco clear on the southern horizon. Then via the Paso de los Guias to Collado de Carihuela and back via the lush “borreguiles” and lakes at Lagunillas. A superb day.
Today we've been doing a bit of this. As I said to Kiersten .... “if you don't let go, you can't fall off”.
At the Paso de los Guias, Veleta
Dropping into the Coral del Veleta
On Cerro de los Machos looking towards Alcazaba and Mulhacen
An amazing 2 day trek covering the northern 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Day 1 Walk to Lavaderos de la Reina: Quite simply the most beautiful wild camping location in the Sierra Nevada. Watched the sun set and then fell asleep to the sound of running water
Looking south towards Alcazaba and Mulhacen
Day 2:
Ascent of Picon de Jerez – A start at first light. Then a tough 500m climb over rough scree, achieved in under 2 hours
Traverse the main ridge over 3 other 3000m peaks – easy walking, superb views and light winds with spectacular views
Descent back to car – a tough descent of 1200m into the afternoon heat. Legs feel it a bit (lot!) this morning
Thanks to my amazing and fine spirited companions Kiersten Hartley Rowland, Matt Dowse, Alistair Hunter and Ann Hunter
Yesterdays walk up Europe's most south westerly 3000m peak, the Cerro de Caballo. The old legs feel a bit tired today, my first time at altitude since the heart problems and definitely struggled getting enough oxygen circulating through the body. Must go even slower next time!
A glorious walk on the western slopes of Cerro de Caballo along the Acequia de los Hechos to the lonely and remote Laguna del Puesta Cura
What a day! You won't find this lake we visited on most maps. It involves a 5hr round trip of 12km with 600m ascent. All accompanied by running water, grand scenery and wild flowers, some endemic. On a hot day with grand company ... what could be better?
