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.
Yesterday we went in search of Shangri-La. And we found it!
To the people of Lanjaron, their Shangri-La is the upper Lanjaron valley, it's lakes and it's rivers. It's the source of it's life giving waters. A special place that we were privileged to walk and spend the night in.
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.
It's a long time since I had a pre dawn start in the mountains and I had forgotten how wonderful an experience it was moving at first light.
Camping has got easier too with lightweight gear. My trusty 1.5kg single skin Crux Raid X1 tent kept Kiersten and I snug as temperatures dropped to below 5C.
The sub 200gm cooking stove/pot/windshield combination from “Stormin Stoves” performed admirably. All in all a pack under 6kg (without water).
And coming down the mountain at midday after a days walking, just as people were heading up Mulhacen, meant we were always going against the grain. The best way to enjoy the summer mountains for sure.
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
