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Rock climbing
Those who find hiking not quite exciting enough,
may like to try mountaineering, rock climbing or caving, all of
which are popular in this part of Spain with a wealth of challenges
and some of the best areas in Europe outside the Alps.
The most popular and spectacular mountain range
for climbers is the Sierra Nevada. Its peak, Mulhacén is
the highest peak in the Iberian peninsular. ( 3.482m) There are
many possible locations for climbing in this area.
There are several mountaineering clubs and some
challenging rock faces, particularly around the area of El Chorro,
near Alora. Sierra de las Nieves, between Ronda and Malaga or Sierra
Almijara are also popular with climbers. Other suggested areas for
climbing are; Subética Cordobés, Sierra de Grazalema,
Sierra Magina in Jaén, Sierra Filambres and Sierra Maria
in Almería.
Information about mountaineering clubs may be obtained
from the Spanish Mountaineering Federation, (Federación Español
de Montanísmo) Calle Alberto Aguilar, 3-4 iz, Madrid 28015.
This society will also provide maps for mountain areas.
It is important to employ a properly trained and insured guide if you are new to climbing or to the area. Local clubs and associations are a good way to make friends and find partners, but it is still your responsibility to be sure you have qualified, professional advice before trekking out into the great unknown.
Should you have trouble, Spain does have a good rescue service from the Guardia Civil de Montaña (dial 062), which is very very efficient, well trained and boasts strong and qualified members. For more information, check www.greim.es. In addition fire fighters also have their mountain-teams. However, it is always best to use common sense and good preparation in order to avoid getting lost or suffering an accident in the mountains.
ROCK CLIMBING
Those who find hiking not quite exciting enough
may like to try rock climbing, which is hiking vertically upwards,
mountaineering, which is hiking vertically upwards with snow, or
caving, which is hiking vertically downwards (except for the return
journey, which is hiking vertically upwards underground).
All three disciplines are very popular in this part of Spain, with
a wealth of challenges and some of the best climbing areas in Europe
outside the Alps.
Information can be obtained locally from the Federacion
Andaluza de Montañismo, in Malaga, at Ant. Raiz 10 (Tel:
952 39 90 04).
Or from the Spanish Mountaineering Federation
(Federacion Española de Montanismo), calle Alberto Aguilar
3-4 iz, Madrid 28015.
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