Help

Having trouble navigating around the website or looking for something in particular? Below we have put together a list of frequently asked questions, so have a browse through these to see if they give the answer you’re looking for. If not, feel free to contact us, and we’ll try to help if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a hike that meets my requirements?

There are several ways:
1. Use our interactive map to browse for walks.
2. In the navigation bar at the top of the page, click on self-guided hikes and then choose one of the subcategories, or click on all hikes to get a complete listing.
3. To search on several criteria at once, use the drop-down search menu on the right-hand side of the page (or at the bottom of each page on mobiles).

What do the symbols used in the walk descriptions mean?

The symbols give you some key information about the characteristics of each walk, for example how long it is and how difficult. A full explanation of the symbols is given here.

I won’t have a car during my visit, are there any walks I can do?

A: Yes, there are plenty of walks you can access by public transport – click here for a list. Click here for further information on public transport routes and services. Our guided activities also include transport.

I’m planning a trip during the winter, how worried should I be about snow?

During the winter there is likely to be thick snow cover at high altitudes, so independent treks in these areas are only possible for experienced walkers/climbers with proper equipment. However, there are plenty of walks at lower altitudes that can be tackled year-round. The walks have been categorised by recommended season. For walks you can do in the winter click here. For more advice on mountain safety click here.

If you do want to experience the high mountains in winter, look at our guided activities, which include the services of an experienced mountain guide and equipment hire. You can try snowshoeing, do an introductory course on winter mountaineering or ascend Veleta or Mulhacén.

I’m planning a trip in the summer, will it be too hot for walking?

In the summer, the best thing is to get up and out early, before the heat builds up. The summer is the perfect time for tackling routes in the high mountains, where the air is cooler. For walks you can do in the summer click here.

I would like to get out into the countryside for a couple of hours, but I don’t want anything too strenuous; how can I find something suitable?

Click here for a list of short walks of up to 3 hours. Look at the summary information for each walk (length, difficulty grading, altitude difference etc.) to find something you’re comfortable with.

I’m looking for a challenge, which walk should I choose?

The most challenging hikes tend to be the longer ones, so click here to get a list of walks over 5 hours. The altitude difference is a good indicator of how tough the walk is, along with the difficulty gradings.

I will be walking on my own – is it safe?

We have never heard of anyone being robbed or assaulted while walking in the Sierra Nevada mountains. so we believe that in general this is a very safe area for hiking. However, there are obviously advantages to going with someone else: if you have an accident or suffer some kind of health problem, they will be able to get help and/or look after you while you’re waiting for the help to arrive. In the high mountains it is advisable to go with someone else, particularly if you’re not experienced.

If you do go walking alone, tell someone where you are going, what time you expect to be back, and when they should notify the emergency services if you do not return. You can also choose popular routes where there will be more other people. These include Vereda de la Estrella, Cahorros, and the ascent to Mulhacén in the summer months. Even then, it’s also a good idea to prepare for the worst by bringing a mobile phone with plenty of battery, a map and GPS device, emergency rations, a basic first aid kit, some warm/rainproof clothes, etc.

If you would prefer to walk with a guide, see our section on guided activities.

Do I need a guide?

Our self-guided hikes have detailed information that will allow you to complete them on your own. However, some people prefer to walk with a guide, so we also offer guided activities. Here are some of the reasons you might want a guide:

  • To climb the highest peaks like Mulhacén or Veleta in winter, the only safe way to do it is with a guide.
  • We highly recommend a guide if you want to do a multi-day walk in the high mountains at any time of year.
  • A guided walk can be a great way to meet other like-minded people.
I’ve heard about the GR-7 long distance walking route, where do I find information about it?

We do not specifically provide a guide to the GR-7, but we include two stages of the GR-7 in the Alpujarras and some of our other routes follow it over certain sections. Click here for more information.

I’ve heard about the Sulayr walking route around the Sierra Nevada, where do I find information about it?

We do not specifically provide a guide to the Sulayr, but we include the stage from Capileira to Trevélez and several of our other routes follow it over certain sections. Click here for more information.

The map on the information sheet doesn’t quite seem to match up with what I see on the ground, why is this?

The mapping used for our information sheets is from around 2000, so in some cases things will have changed.

Where can I find a key for the topographic base maps used on the information sheets?

Click here for the map key in pdf format.

I would like to buy a good walking map of the area to take with me, what maps are available?

Click here for information on maps.

I will be staying in a village. Will there be anywhere to buy food and other supplies to take with me on my hike?

Most villages in Spain are quite well served with local shops, and as a minimum will have a bakery and a small supermarket/ general store. There is certainly no problem in popular villages like Capileira, Bubión, Pampaneira, Trevélez, Busquístar, Pitres, Monachil and Güéjar Sierra. Smaller villages are often served by vans bringing a surprising range of goods (bread, eggs, fish, bottled gas, ….), and usually there is a bigger village with a shop not far away. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that shops don’t necessarily open very early in the morning (most should open by 10am) and they may well close for lunch between about 2pm and 5pm. Bakeries are normally only open in the morning until 2pm.

Where can I read more about the area?

Hover over “Sierra Nevada” in the navigation bar at the top of the page and choose one of the subcategories for some general information about the Sierra Nevada and surrounding areas. For a list of recommended books, click here.