Guided Walks

COMPANION GUIDE | RATES | PROVISIONALLY RESERVED HIKES

Inspite of the abundance of trails, English speaking guides, who know the local area, are few and far between due to there being relatively few companies in the area dedicated to this. Most companies tend to focus more on adventure activities or alternatively within the area of the "Alpujarras".

Walking requires general common sense relating to the terrain, current weather conditions and forecast, dress sense and companionship. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required particularly for high altitude treks. An overall respect for the environment is fundamental particularly in terms of fire prevention, (including smoking and throwing away smouldering cigarette ends), littering and a high regard for the local flora and fauna.

Sierra Essence provide "Companion Guides". They are NOT certified mountain guides although they are fully trained and qualified in similar mountain related pursuits as well as holding valuable experience of walking in these spectaular mountains. "Companion Guide" is purely a term used for this web site. See below for our rates.

Sierra Essence offers fully competant guides who have worked in mountain activities specialising in pursuits such as climbing, abseiling, canyon descents, canoeing, skiing and of course walking. All guides we use have lived in this very area for many years and therefore know the local terrain extremely well. In addition to this they also spend time exploring new routes and diversions to incorporate into our programmes to create as varied an itinerary as possible. Our guides are also often experienced snow sports instructors and our experience with our sister company the "British Ski Center" (a small ski/snowboard school) in the winter months provides us with essential skills required for group safety, management and client relations.

Sierra Essence is legally bound and registered through the Spanish "Active Tourism" authority to organise accommodation and activities complete with a fully comprehensive public liability insurance. However, a "Companion Guide" is not covered by this insurance!

You may be required to accept a disclaimer acknowledging this fact before any hikes take place with one of our Companion Guides.

Our liaisons with various activity companies mean we can provide officially registered walking guides. The only difference is that the costs increase significantly and routes/times may vary but they are covered by a Public Liability insurance. It is therefore important that you stipulate your preferences at the initial booking stage.

Walks generally run for either half day, (approximately 2.5 - 5 hours), or full day, (over 5 hours), in length. See our list of suggested itineraries for some ideas on where to go. The essential role of a Companion Guide is to ensure maximum safety among the participating walkers and lead you at a pace relative to the general fitness levels within the party, to indicate particular points of interest, to orientate the party geographically and provide basic information regarding the local flora and fauna. Sierra Essence accepts no responsability for the general behaviours and actions of the accompanying party although we are fully prepared to assist where necessary in the events of any situations such as an injury sustained during a trek.

All routes covered are more than familiar to our guides and follow well trodden paths and tracks. They all appear on the ordnance survey maps available locally.

We can also arrange multi-day treks that will be carried out by a local company dedicated to this activity, (limited English speaking!).

Rates for a Companion Guide are as follows, (Euros):

Provisionally Reserved Hikes with Companion Guide - 2008

Due to occassional difficulties in meeting the minimum number of people required (e.g. where just 1 or 2 people have enquired) the following lists date ranges of interest expressed for hiking whereby spaces are currently available*

19th - 24th June

*Please note that for periods not mentioned above, hikes are still very much available. If you are interested in other periods please contact us and we will add these dates to the above list in an effort to increase numbers to the minimum requirements and thereby saving costs for all involved.

Considerations for Walking Trips:

Come prepared with necessary walking equipment i.e. good walking shoes/boots, sturdy backpack with waist and chest straps, (30 litres in size is generally more than adequate), hat/cap, high factor suncream (minimum factor 20), sweatshirt/fleece (depending on the walk and weather), waterproof gear (depending on the weather), spare t-shirt, socks & shoes for changing after walk, mobile phone.

Depending on the walk, prepare well for food & drink. Water can be scarce on many trails so a large bottle, (1,5 lts), as a minimum should be packed. Fruit can also be a good substitute and/or addition to water. Chocolate is a standard recognised "survival" food but don't limit your lunch box to just this!

Personal transport is needed for most trips and not included in any of the prices. Transport may be provided for up to 4 people at an extra fee of 10.00€ per walk. On some routes a 4x4 vehicle is necessary.

Some trails require a reasonable level of fitness and stamina due to the altitude and hot conditions particularly during the prime summer months of July & August. For this reason, consider doing a smaller walk on your first day to aclimatise and get a personal feel for things.

Any timings given for the listed trails are approximate if not slightly over-estimated. They may vary according to the level of fitness among the group and speed of which the walk takes place and hence intended only as a guide.

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