Join Us for the Sierra Nevada Trek – Our Latest Overseas Fundraising Adventure!
We are thrilled to introduce our latest overseas fundraising event: the Sierra Nevada Trek! This exciting challenge will take you to the summit of Mount Mulhacén, the highest peak on mainland Spain, standing at an impressive 3,482 meters. Along the way, you’ll experience stunning scenery, including sheltered valleys, lush green gorges, winding watercourses, terraced farmlands, and picturesque high-altitude villages nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Event date: 18th – 22nd June 2026
Registration fee: £200
Minimum fundraising: £2,600
Why not push your limits and take on this incredible challenge? Led by Rhod Gilbert—a Velindre patient and beloved Welsh comedian—this three-day trek in 2026 promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Most importantly, your participation will help raise essential funds for Velindre.
Please Note: Our overseas events are designed to be challenging! Make sure you are prepared to train and are in good physical condition before signing up.
Are you ready to make a difference and embark on an adventure of a lifetime?
Trek Itinerary:
Day 1: Flight to Malaga
On arrival we transfer from the airport and travel to the village of Capileria
(1,450m) in the heart of the Alpujarras, and at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
After checking into our hotel and dinner, we will have our trek briefing about the
adventure ahead and enjoy wonderful Spanish hospitality.
Day 2: Capileira to Capileira (circuit route)
Today we begin the adventure and start our trek around the Poqueira Valley though
the three whitewashed villages of the region. The Alpujarra offer a combination
of outstanding scenery and we experience this today as we follow old bridle paths
and trek through Holm Oak and Chestnut forests and even cross the river twice! We
return to the same hotel in Capileira where we have dinner.
Day 3: Capileira (1,450m) to Refuge Poqueira (2,500m), 5-6hrs
After a typical Spanish breakfast we set off for the first stage of the trek.
We leave Capileira, one of Spain’s highest villages (at around 1,450m) where we follow the Poqueira Gorge and head up into open mountain terrain above the tree line. This is where we will get our first peak at Mulhacen (3,482m). As we reach the
refuge (2,500m) nestled in a protected area much of the area looks barren from a
distance; however up close you will see its rich with flowers, woods, springs and
streams. Here we can relax, enjoy a drink and a wholesome evening meal and look
forward to the challenge tomorrow. Accommodation in the refuge is in
dormitories with bunks.
Day 4: Refuge (2,500m) Mulhacén (3,482m) to Granada (1,500m), 7-9hrs
We leave the refuge and aim to reach the highest summit of the range and of Spain’s mainland, Mulhacén (3,482m). When we reach the summit we will have spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada range and the beautiful city of Granada.
We will then go westwards, descending to the Mountain Lake, La Caldera at 3,000 metres and follow the ridge across the north side of the Sierra Nevada, reaching the ski station of Prado Llano.
From here we get transport down to Granada (35kms).
Tonight we will toast our achievements with celebratory drinks and dinner.
Then the fun can really begin – a chance to explore the city by night for those with
enough energy.
Day 5: Depart Malaga
Before our flight to the UK, we may have an opportunity to explore the cultural
delights of Granada – if you only see one city in Spain it should be Granada!
Transfer to Malaga airport for direct flight to the UK.
© Ultimate Challenges Itinerary complex and subject to change
Please ensure you have read our overseas terms & conditions ahead of registering for this event.