On this week the programme varies from the default plan, to take the opportunity to join in one of the village's most famous fiestas. La Romeria de La Virgen de las Nieves.

We will join in by walking to Las Siete Lagunas on the 4th, Camping/bivvying there and joining the procession to the peak of Mulhacén on the following morning.

It will be necesary for you to bring at least a sleeping bag and polybag survival bags. If you wish, bivvybag or tent. This overnight camp replaces the night in the refuge

The refuge is a youth-hostel-like establishment that we use on night 4. Staying here gives more chance of arriving at the peak of Mulhacén on Thursday in a more leisurely way, while still having time to take in the beauty.
All meals are provided at the refuge which has sleeping platforms with mattresses, blankets and disposable sheet bags, provided in unisex dormitories. If you prefer you can bring your own sheet bag or sleeping bag. The washrooms are also unisex.

Day1. Meeting day.
We will meet arrivals at Malaga airport. Our bus will leave the airport at 1500 so it is best to use a flight scheduled to arrive by mid-day. At dinner in the hotel we will all be together, anticipating a good nights rest, and the first walk, or sketchbook trail of the week.

Day 2 . As an introduction to the Trevélez valley we will walk, gradually climbing on to the east ridge of the valley. Once on the ridge horizons disappear far to the east, west and south, while to the north we will be able to view our targets for later in the week. Our highest point today will be Pico de Fuente Fria (2200m.) (15 km, 1000m ascent/descent, strenuous).

Day 3 . Today's is a 5 star walk of moderate grade. It includes the river, with paddling likely, and some stupendous views of the valley and of the peaks as we tread a course between the two. (15km, circular, 700m ascent/descent, moderate grade)

day 4 The photo shows El refugio del Poqueira at 2500m. and some highlights of the walk. We stay here tonight making it possible to claim the summit of Mulhacén tomorrow. The walk from Trevélez is steeply up at first via cultivated terraces, then alpine pastures and finally high mountain at Laguna de la Caldera (3000m) and rio Mulhacén. A great day out. (Strenuous. 8hrs, 1500m. ascent, 300m. descent).

Day 5 . Our first target for today, weather permitting, is Mulhacén (3482m). After absorbing the view far north towards central Spain and south into Africa we start the descent via Las Siete Lagunas, and their falls to Trevélez and our hotel. (Strenuous, 8/9 hrs. ascent 500m. descent 2000m)

day 6 is a day with no planned activities, an ideal chance to doze on the terrace, finish "War and Peace" or take a taxi in order to visit one of the other local villages. For the strong, determined tourist there is the possibility of visiting Granada.

Day 7 sees us on the same ridge as on day 1 but higher and further up the Valley. After working slowly up the valley the walk rises to the peak of Piedra Ventana (2500m). There are rewarding views of everywhere we have visited during the week. (A long circular walk, 20kms. 1200m. ascent/descent.)

day 8 , departure day. We will have an early start but even so it is not practical to arrive at the airport before 10am. We recommend that you arrange a flight leaving at 1200 or later.