Trevenque. The best summit in the Sierra Nevada? Dec 08

Trevenque (2079m) is an old favourite. We have known this peak in all weathers, at all times of the year. It stands isolated and proud on the outskirts of Granada in the Cumbres Verdes http://spanishhighs.co.uk/walking-cumbres-verdes-granada.html range of hills. It is not linked by ridges to any other peak, has the ideal mountain profile and has one of the best summits in the Sierra Nevada. Oh, if only it were 1000m higher

The peak is good for a poor day on the higher Sierras, or when you fancy a change from the sparse tundra like peaks rising above. Trevenque has contrast. From the arid “badlands” of “Las Arenas” (the sands) to the lush greenery of the Dilar valley, to walk this peak is to sample great variety. Yet, it is only a 10 minute drive from the Granada suburb of La Zubia.

We arrived at the normal starting point at Collado Sevilla (1350m) to find the road encrusted with ice and snow. From the off we had powder snow to contend with. This is very unusual as snow normally only lasts a few days on this peak. There were a few tracks at first, but they soon ended and it became apparent, as we trudged through deep snow in our snowshoes, that the peak had not been ascended since the last snowfalls nearly a week ago!

We followed the easy track round the ridgeline, then left our Irish stalwart, Rory O’Neill, to break trail up the steepening ridge. As we encountered the main rocks we swapped snowshoes for crampons and ice axe. The snow was not consolidated and care was needed on the ascent up the centre of the main face (the normal route). Crampons continually balled up with the soft snow.

We reached the sharp summit cone 3 hours after starting, a good time for the conditions. There were clear and fantastic views back towards Granada and across to the Alayos de Dilar. Behind us the Sierra Nevada made a dramatic backgound with huge lenticular clouds indicating high windspeeds.

A short break and we headed downhill reversing our outward track. Care was needed over some short sections but we reached the dry river valley of “Las Arenas” (renamed “Las Blancas” for the day). Here we put on our snowshoes for the final descent back to the waiting car at Cortijo Sevilla.

A good day. Recommended. Trevenque is special at any time of year, but in my opinion is at its most magic under deep snow. It might not be the highest, or the hardest, but it has a special quality. You always savour the moment when you tread on it’s fine and pointed summit.