FAQ

Interested to join us? Part of the fun of our group is to meet new folks and enjoy our superb scenery with them. BUT, we have to have to be aware of our impact on that very scenery.

None of us like large groups, so we try to keep numbers somewhat limited. After all, we all want to enjoy the mountains and retain their peace and serenity, not add to the noise. We have found that a large group might mean less chance of getting those glances of special animals and birds.

In the first instance, please feel free to email your interest to:

mountainnomads [at] pm.me

Pleas explain a little about yourself, where you live, what sort of walking you enjoy, distances and ascent you feel comfortable with. The suggestion is that if you feel this group is for you then please come along and join in to one of the easier walks.

Depending on the walk and your home base, you can either meet at the walk start point or in Lanjaron. Meeting point in Lanjaron is at the Bar Faroles, opposite the Repsol garage (east end of town). The started time for leaving the bar is stated on the event/walking page. If you wish to have coffee and breakfast first, arrive earlier!

Most of us have dogs, we love our four legged friends. What we have to watch is when we are on narrow tracks or the route involves scrambling or activities unsuitable for dogs.

Walks are shown as "UNSUITABLE FOR DOGS" when it is best if dogs don't attend.

Of course, we welcome any members report on the day out they have had.

If you have any Trip Reports or videos you would like including on this site please submit (via email to mountainnomads@pm.me) with text and some photos.

Alternatively, we can also pull posts from Facebook or WhatsApp if that is your preferred way to send in a Trip Report. Just point us in the right direction.

You can upload photos from any trip into a photo album by visiting our Flickr Page. Find the photo album for the walk your photos relate to and add your photos into that album. They will automatically be added into the slideshow for that walks trip report.

Alpujarra Nomads on Flickr

To Log On ...

Email: mountainnomads@pm.me

Password: drinkinginfaroles

Come along and meet the group. Later you can talk via our WhatsApp group or via Facebook Messenger. We are all members and friends in Facebook too.

Most of us live in the Alpujarras, walk frequently, love the outdoors and are between 50 and 70 (ish) years of age. Fit for our age and have a healthy outlook on life.

We try our best to access a walk in advance. It's not an exact science, in fact it's a complex subject, but it generally works in most cases. The majority we do are in the "Moderate" class. You might be pleased to know that we haven't had a "Very Tough" trip (yet!).

In addition we do try other activities from time to time and these are mixed into the annual itinerary. In particular we like to do high level summer scrambling and snowshoeing in the winter. We have also arranged occasional days Rock Climbing or doing Via Ferratas

Difficulty: Easy

Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk can manage a Leisurely grade.

• Length of walking day - Short, often optional walks of between four and five hours duration
• Conditions underfoot - Good, well maintained paths or tracks
• Altitude - Low altitude, with little daily variation
• Weather and temperature - Generally good with no extremes
• Remoteness and comfort - Comfortable with easy access to local amenities

Difficulty: Moderate

Again, no experience is necessary; good health and reasonable fitness are important. These Moderately graded walks are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks.

• Length of walking day - Occasional longer/harder days. Average five to six hours duration
• Conditions underfoot - Generally good paths, but some rocky terrain
• Altitude - Generally no extremes of altitude or ascent/decent. Max ascent approx 800m
• Weather and temperature - No real extremes
• Remoteness and comfort - Mainly good facilities, with access to local amenities

Difficulty: Challenging

Fitness is important. Most treks at this grade compare to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes or Snowdonia, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.

• Length of walking day - Six to eight hours with occasional longer days on peaks or passes
• Conditions underfoot - Expect some difficult terrain underfoot, including loose scree
• Altitude - Some trips may reach high altitudes, with occasional significant daily ascents. Max ascent approx 1000m
• Weather and temperature - Expect some extremes of hot/cold, and changeable weather patterns
• Remoteness and comfort - Possibly remote areas with basic facilities on some nights

Difficulty: Tough

Those experienced in trekking for a number of consecutive days in the Scottish Highlands, will understand how tough treks at this grade can be. Stamina is essential, as walking days are long. We recommend previous trekking experience, preferably at altitude; you need complete confidence in your physical condition and the ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain.

• Length of walking day - Long, hard days of around seven or eight hours (or longer) duration
• Conditions underfoot - Difficult terrain including snow or scrambling sections. You may need ice axe and crampons
• Altitude - Expect extremes of altitude, and long days of ascent/decent. Over 1000m of ascent
• Weather and temperature - Be prepared. Expect the unexpected!
• Remoteness and comfort - Remote, wild environments with few facilities, perhaps for extended periods. Be prepared to rough it!

Difficulty: Very Tough

This grade combines all the elements of our previous grade, tough itineraries, but adds extra difficulties such as tricky river crossings, very high or difficult passes, glaciers or peaks that require basic climbing skills. Often specialist equipment, like ice axes and crampons will be needed and you must have experience of them.

• Length of walking day - Numerous long hard days with early starts
• Conditions underfoot - Some technical terrain...ice, snow or rock
• Altitude - Our biggest and most technical trips. Prolonged periods over 3000m
• Weather and temperature - Real extremes of cold can be expected for prolonged periods at high altitude, except high summer
• Remoteness and comfort - Remote itineraries well away from any amenity

Each member is expected to supply their own hiking gear including walking poles (if utilised). As and when required we can supply snowshoes, helmets, ice axe, via ferrata and rock climbing gear.

Especially important for new members!

Good question! We have some very experienced walkers in our group, some of whom hold First Responder First Aid qualifications. Most have been walking in the hills for many years and are aware of the potential dangers involved. Some have been on expeditions outside Europe. We normally have satellite communications available to contact rescue services if cell phone coverage is unavailable.

That said, your safety is first and foremost your responsibility. Personal insurance is also your responsibility. The group cannot be held responsible for you tripping over!

Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end. Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end

Edward Whymper, Ascent of The Matterhorn, 1871

Especially important for new members!

• Participation in recreational activities involves known and unanticipated risks which could result in personal injury. Such risks simply cannot be eliminated due to the environment and/or nature of the adventure activities.
• Adventure activities supervised by this group may include outdoor climbing facilities, ropes courses, hiking and other challenging activities.
• All of the activities are strictly voluntary; and it is your own choice to participate in each activity to whatever degree you deem appropriate after due consideration of your own physical health, physical abilities and medical condition. You are willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition you may have.
• Accept and assume all of the risks existing in chosen activities. During any activity, there may be contact with plants, animals or insects that could create hazards such as stings, allergies and associated diseases. During adventure activities risks include the potential for slips, falls and falling, rope burns, pinches, scrapes, twists and jolts that could result in scratches, bruises, sprains, lacerations, fractures, concussions or even more severe life-threatening hazards.
• You should have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage you may suffer or cause while participating, or else you agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage to yourself. This group does not provide health or accident insurance for participants.