May 20, 2012

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Walking in Andalusia

March 29, 2012 By Lara Pugh

If you’re thinking about a walking holiday in Spain, there’s surely no region more dramatic, more varied and more steeped in history than Andalusia.

Andalusia lies at the southern end of Spain and includes has three main geographic sub regions. To the north, the mountainous Sierra Morena separates Andalusia from the plains of Extremadura and Castile–La Mancha on Spain’s Meseta Central. Further south, there’s Upper Andalusia – generally highland as the name implies, and Lower Andalusia with its Baetic Depression of the valley of the Guadalquivir.

This is a land of extremes. In winter, particularly, you can really experience some extremes of temperature and conditions – which many of us love when walking.

In the valley of the Guadalquivir, you’re hardly above sea level, whilst the region has the highest peaks in the country in the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. In just 30 miles, you can move from the subtropical coast of Granada to the snowy peaks of Mulhacén. Andalusia also includes the dry Tabernas Desert in the province of Almería and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the province of Cádiz, which has the highest rainfall in the whole country.

So you need to be prepared for everything – particularly in the colder months. If you’re camping (which really makes the whole experience superb at almost any time of year – though the nights are extremely cold in winter) then research the campsites thoroughly, plan your routes very carefully and buy the best tent you can afford whilst seeking expert advice for the time of year you choose.

Womens and mens waterproof jackets, good walking boots and thermals will be essentials – more or less at any time of year depending on how high you’re planning to walk – but when you’re sweltering in 100 degrees in the summer months at lower altitudes, it certainly won’t feel like it. In short, you need to be fit and to prepare yourself for everything the weather can throw at you – but if anywhere is worth that effort – it’s surely beautiful, dramatic Andalusia.

Filed Under: Spain Tagged With: , , ,

Backpacking in Spain

January 23, 2012 By Lara Pugh

When you’re thinking of how to spend your summer, you might not have considered backpacking in Spain.  It’s a great place to explore and you’ll find a friendly welcome wherever you go. There’s some great hiking to do there and the countryside is amazingly beautiful.

You can follow in the footsteps of literary giants like Laurie Lee and Ernest Hemingway who found inspiration in the beauty of Spain.

Though you may think of Spain as being hot, don’t go unprepared for chilly nights. The mountains can get really cool, and even if you stay by the coast when the sun goes down it can suddenly feel very cold. So pack clothes that include something that will work well as a base layer – snug fit clothing items that will provide your core body with warmth. And don’t forget to invest in a decent sleeping bag.

If you’re a first time back packer you can’t go anywhere without buying a decent pack. These needn’t be too expensive – check out a Regatta outlet for a whole range to choose from. While you’re there, you can also pick up some hiking boots or trainers and a good waterproof jacket. Although it’s unlikely to rain in Spain too much during the summer, it can get windy, and a good jacket will protect you from both wind and rain while letting your body heat escape at the same time.

You certainly won’t be stuck for places to stay when you’re touring round Spain. There are over 250 REAJ youth hostels throughout the nation. Most of the hostels are located in the main cities in Spain and near the most popular tourist sights. The REAJ associations form part of Hostelling International and are kept to a really high standard.

Filed Under: Europe Travel, Spain Tagged With: , , ,

Climbing in El Chorro

January 23, 2012 By Lara Pugh

One of the classic winter climbing locations in Spain is El Chorro.  It’s easy to get to, as it’s only 50 km from Malaga, and there’s a huge range of climbing there – for beginners through to experts.

The big attraction at El Chorro is the limestone gorge. There’s multi-pitch climbing and other crags suitable for all kinds of climbers. There are more than 650 different routes – both bolted single and multi-pitch.

Handily close to El Chorro village, climbers can easily walk to the gorge, so there’s no need to think about transport at the beginning and end of each climb.

It’s best to get your climbing equipment before arriving at El Chorro – you’ll have a wider choice available than buying on the spot.

The climbing routes are accessed by a walkway called ‘Camino Del Ray’. It’s a manmade structure that travels the length of the gorge a hundred metres above the valley floor. It is a bit rickety as it’s been there for more than eighty years. Recently though, it has been strengthened with via ferrata cables and bolts. Most of the multipitch routes are above or below the Camino Del Ray.

As you go deeper into the gorge, you used to be able to use railway tunnels to get access, but they are now patrolled by guards. Climbers have to use another route in – either by the Camino Del Ray or walking over the top of the gorge.  In this part of the gorge, most of the climbing is single pitch.

Highlights of the gorge include El Polvorin with its really steep wall and 6th grade routes and Los Cotos which has slab climbing at the lower grades.

If you’ve done plenty of climbing before, you’ll know exactly what equipment you need to take with your climbing shoes. However, if you’re a novice, you should play it safe and go on a guided climb for your first venture in the El Chorro gorge.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Winter walking in Spain

December 21, 2011 By Lara Pugh

If you’re looking for adventure, then walking in Spain during the winter can give you just that.  Some of the terrain is very wild and unforgiving, with many of the trails being remote and little used.  You need to be well prepared so that if you do run into trouble or get lost, you’ll be able to cope.

Walking in Spain can be incredibly rewarding but there are a number of things to note before setting out. Walking paths or trails are often not included on Spanish maps and can’t always be relied on to be accurate when they are included. It’s useful to have a GPS with you, but remember they don’t always work well if you are in a gorge or forest, and are best used when you have a clear view of the sky.  As well as the GPS, slip a compass in your backpack as backup.

Even in winter, dehydration can be a problem when out doing serious walking. Take plenty with you, and drink little but often throughout the walk.

You need to consider your footwear carefully. A good pair of walking boots is essential and will see you through most types of terrain. However, if it’s really cold make sure you have either ice grips for shoes or crampons in case you need them. These are easy to find in outdoor shops and will fit over walking boot soles.

As for clothes, you need to wear a base layer to protect your core body warmth, and then a couple of middle layers for insulation – fleeces are good as they pack down small if you want to take them off as you get into your walking stride. Of course, a good waterproof jacket is essential to protect you from the wind and rain.

Once you’ve got the right gear and found a route to follow, you’ll be able to enjoy walking through some of them most beautiful and rugged wilderness in Europe.

Filed Under: Europe Travel, Spain Tagged With: , ,

Getting around in Amsterdam

September 20, 2011 By Lara Pugh

If you’re taking a short break in Amsterdam, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to get out and about in the city.

Most of the main sights in the Dutch city are easily located in and around the centre, so it’s the perfect place to walk around if you fancy doing that. If the rain’s making an appearance, you’ll obviously need to grab your mens waterproof jackets before walking in the city, but it’s still a nice place to visit even then.

Another option for getting around is to do what the Dutch do and cycle around the city. This is fairly weather dependent as well, although with a pair of waterproof trousers, you should be able to brave any rain! It’s one of the best ways to experience the city, as you’ll be able to get into some of the winding and narrow streets around the Dutch capital, which aren’t accessible by car.

If you don’t really feel like you want to do anything too strenuous on your city break, you also have numerous other transport options to explore.

There’s public transport, in the form of trams and buses, running regularly throughout the city centre. If you’re heading out at night, these are great ways to get back home again. You’ll be able to get hold of some hour-long or day tickets to use the public transport, allowing you to use the services whenever you need them.

Unsurprisingly, the waterways of Amsterdam offer another mode of transport for you. There are canal boat services in operation around the city, with regular departures taking you to the majority of the attractions which are bound to be on your to-do list.

If you can’t decide on one mode to use, why not try a few different ones? You could play it by ear each day and choose how to travel depending on the weather each day.

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: ,

Tips For Travelling Spain

August 31, 2011 By Lara Pugh

Ah Spain, a mere two hour plane ride away and you can find yourself in a golden land of heat and beaches. Drink sangria, eat tapas and take advantage of an afternoon nap. Here are some tips to travelling the country…
1.    Remember the Siesta – pretty much everything will be closed between 2 and 5pm during which time it is Spanish tradition to take a nap. Schedule meals around these times.
2.    Stay in hostels t save money or camp. Hostels are a great way to meet travellers but camping is the most cost efficient accommodation. If you intend to camp however you will need to carry your tent and other camping gear around with you which can be a hassle. Perhaps stay in hostels for as long as money allows then watch out for tents for sale.
3.    Always carry toilet paper with you as you may not find it in all bathrooms.
4.    Don’t carry to much cash with you, only ever what you need and carry it on different parts of your boy in the unfortunate scenario that you are mugged.
5.    Spain’s public transportation is very good so the best way to see the country is by taking the train. Fares are not dirt cheap but they are comfortable. Look out for the high speed train called, AVE.
6.    To save money on food look for the menu of the day where you will get traditional, home cooked food of usually three courses for a few pounds. Usually you will get starter, main and sometimes a dessert.

Filed Under: Spanish Culture

Five Spanish Festivals

August 31, 2011 By Lara Pugh

Spain isn’t just known for its sun, beaches and sangria. Spain also has some of the hottest and most bizarre festivals in the world. However book early as accommodation will book up massively in advance. Prices can become very inflated around festival times therefore it can be cheaper to camp. Cheap tents can be found at stores like Argos, watch out for tent sales and reduced prices on other camping gear before you go.

1.    La Tomatina – Spain’s most crazy and random festival. La Tomatina is a huge food fight that takes place in Bunol near Valencia on the fourth Wednesday in August. Trucks dump tons of pureed tomatoes on the streets for thousands of people to the thrown at each other. It’s unknown why the festival came about but the history is much less important than the fun involved!!
2.    San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run) – Taking place in Northern Spain in Pamplona this is one of Spain’s most famous festivals. A week-long bull-running and bull fighting festival in July, at 8am brave or crazy people (depending on how you see it) run down the narrow town streets ahead of a herd of bulls while spectator’s line the streets to watch.
3.    Las Fallas – A five day festival before Saint Joseph’s Day on the 19 March, it takes place in Valencia. The festival involves a lot of fire and a lot of fireworks. Communities group together to make large puppets of which the best are burnt during huge parties.
4.    Semana Santa – A religious Christian festival that takes place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday, Semana Santa, meaning Holy Week, takes place in the form of huge processions in the cities of Seville, Málaga, Zamora and León.
5.    Moros y Cristianos – A set of festival activities celebrated across Spain to commemorate the battles, combats and fights between Moors (Muslims) and Christians during the 8th to the 15th century. To mark the occasion, people act out battles, often centred around a mock castle constructed from paper mache and set in the centre of the town.

Filed Under: Spanish Culture