hotels in spain malaga
Is it safe for me to attempt a 3,478m climb with no experience?
I’m a 21 year old 6ft 75kg Aussie male who does about 40 kilometers of walking every week. I’m quite fit and very healthy.
I’m going to Spain at the end of the year by myself and I plan to go from Madrid to Granada to Malaga in 4 or 5 days before continuing my holiday in England to see old friends and family.
Near Granada there is a mountain named Mulhacén which is 3,478 meters high. It doesn’t look particularly difficult to climb. There is a town at the base with a hotel so I can set off early in the morning. They say the climb takes 1 whole day.
HERE IS A PICTURE
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3244864787_4fb8ebdbda.jpg
The temperature at the summit in winter will be something around -5c
Is it safe for me try it? I doubt I will be the only person attempting it on the day but then again it will be winter when I’m there.
If yes then what clothes should I be wearing? What kind of foods should I bring? How much water should I take?
it doesn’t look steep or “technical” so it will be more of a long trek than a climbing challenge. The ground looks rough and rocky so you will need sturdy hiking boots, preferably above your ankles for support and with thick stiff soles so your feet don’t get bruised from the stoney path. A good cushioned pair of wool or polyester socks is important. Since you walk so much already I am guessing you already have this kind of footwear. Gaiters to keep the gravel out of your boot tops might be wise unless there is a fairly well-worn path.
You should take at least 3 liters of water and be sure to drink often, BEFORE you feel thirsty. If it is a hot day, an extra liter would be a good idea. At 3,000 meters you may have effects from altitude so keeping hydrated is extra important. Carry a small backpack with some food — bread, cheese, dried fruit, chocolate, nuts — enough for at least 3 meals. To wear, don’t use anything made of cotton (no tee-shirts, no jeans.) If they get wet and the temperature drops and it is windy you will chill and could become hypothermic, very dangerous especially if you are alone. Wear synthetic (nylon or polyester) or light wool clothes, maybe loose long pants and a long-sleeved jumper plus a wind proof shell jacket with a hood. Carry a warmer jumper or soft jacket (synthetic fleece) and a warm knit cap in your backpack. Lightweight gloves aren’t a bad idea — even if it is warm at sea level the mountains at that elevation will be cold. Other items I recommend would be a flashlight (torch), a trail map (which you can probably get locally), sunglasses, a camera, a compass (if you know how to use one), a hiking stick or old ski pole (helpful for balance and climbing for a long stretch) and a large plastic trash bag for an emergency shelter just in case you run into heavy rain or get stuck out overnight.
Hiking alone is always a little risky so make sure you tell someone when you are going and when you expect to return so they can notify rescue personnel if something happens and you don’t make it back in time. Then remember to check in with them when you get back so they don’t worry. I don’t know if they have it in Spain, but in the States and Canada the Park services have sign-in lists for trails so the park rangers know if someone hasn’t made it back from a hike. Check and see if they have that there.
Happy hiking! Looks like there will be some great views from up there.
Hotel Silken Puerta Málaga in Malaga, Spain
