Day 38 – to Güéjar Sierra

The Sierra Nevada range is a ridge running largely west-south-west to east-north-east. The watershed stays consistently above 3,000 metres, sufficiently high that the tops are consistently snow covered. There are several of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts here. Much of the range is part of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, formed in 1987, and at the same time, declared a reserve of the biosphere by UNESCO. Particularly where I am now, in the far west of the park close to Granada, it attracts more tourists than the other Natural Parks I have visited.

I took the chance this morning of once again walking from high, at the Puerto de la Ragua, up a couple of the peaks lying to west, which are less forested, maybe bleaker but with more views. It was a cool morning, and ideal conditions. This meant following a steam up to Peñón del Puerto at 2142 metres, then along a gradually ascending ridge to Morrón del Hornillo at 2377 metres. On the top were 5 wild mustang horses, not at all bothered with our presence. Roja is used to our local fell ponies, so stays close to me, and approaches with caution, though there was nothing of concern here, just a pleasant morning meet up.

I wasn’t quite sure where to head on departure, but I had some work to do, as it’s payday at the Lodge back home. After hesitating around La Peza and the little road over the pass, I pushed on, there wasn’t a 4G signal, which I needed, and haven’t bothered about for a couple of days.

So it was onto Güéjar Sierra, which I was aware was close enough to Granada to attract quite a few visitors. I opted for the Las Lomas campsite, which offers pretty much everything to the camper, nearly all of which I don’t need. But it is difficult to park roadside here, there are far less wild places, and the police move campervans on. Also, the place has a decent restaurant, and it had been a while since I had eaten out, or even had a beer out.