Highlights
- Remote technical riding on seldom visited paths
- Impressive views of the Sierra Nevada’s highest peaks
- Testing climbs and descents on natural terrain
- Re-fuelling on tasty local cuisine
- Endless free-flowing trails through a bikers paradise
- The beautiful white villages of Moorish origen in the dramatic Poquiera Valley
An amazing and brilliant holiday. Technically demanding, fun, awesome scenery and top rate guides. It’s the best biking I’ve done!
Itinerary
After arrival into Malaga airport we have a 2-3 hour transfer up to the mountain village of Guejar Sierra, perched on the northern edge of the the Sierra Nevada National Park and beneath the huge mass of the highest mountain range in mainland Spain.
We have time to build up our bikes and maybe stretch the legs before tucking into some traditional mountain cuisine.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
For the first day’s ride we set you up with an absolute classic and head straight into the remote mountains. Local riders’ eyes light up when they talk about this route that takes in some incredible biking and awesome views of the north faces of Mulhacen (3482m/11,400ft) and Alcazaba (3371m/11,000ft).
A testing climb will set us up for an incredible rollercoaster ride high above the gushing Rio Maitena along the famed Cuerda de Alguacil. At the high-point at 2336m/7400ft on the summit of Las Catifas we can take in impressive views of the dramatic Lavaderos de la Reina trail and map out our way from here. The descent takes in some great varied singletrack taking us deep into the Mediterranean forests and pastures of Camarate, high above the Rio Alhama.
Winding our way through pastures and pine forests we’ll pass ancient farms and drop steeply to cross the Rio Alhori before a last testing climb to the mountainside refuge at Posterio Alto Mountain where we can take a replenishing picnic lunch with a view of the snow-capped Picon de Jerez.
It’s a fantastic post lunch ride with four amazing sections of sinuous forest singletrack that finish with fast and furious flow!
A short spin takes us to our digs for the night in the castle-topped village of Calahorra.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
After breakfast the vans will be loaded for an uplift to the Puerto La Ragua (2000m/6500ft) missing out the 1000m/3250ft asphalt slog.
As the sun rises and lights up the snow on the El Chollo mountain top high above us a lightening fast track throws us onto some exhilarating singletrack through thick pine, crossing Barrancos (ravines) and pastures.
A good track will climb us high, passing the waterfalls of Las Chorreras, a great spot to re-fill water bottles and take in some food.
Our support drivers and guides know a thing or two about feeding hungry cyclists. A delicious spread of locally cured jams and cheeses, fresh salads, pasta or rice dishes and many other local specialities along the way, all served up in nature’s own dining room. Expect to be well fed all week!
We pick up smooth paths that pass the summit of Cerro Gordo 2083m/6800ft before the singletrack drops steeper and into the dramatic Berchules gorge passing ancient water mills and acequias (irrigation channels) masterminded by the Moors.
We’ll pick up a long distance footpath, the GR7, that winds its way along rocky ridges, through pines and spits us out in the white village of Berchules.
The last trail is an absolute cracker as we take on the ‘El Fuerte’ singletrack that clings to the olive clad hillside high above the Barranco de Cimboa. The trail takes us down over 1400m as it runs fast and smooth into slate steps and back again and doesn’t let up until it hits the Rio Guadalfeo high on the adrenaline running through your veins!
An absolute blast, will take us down technical and smooth trails, through ancient villages, olive and almond groves to deposit us at our beautiful country hotel for après bike refreshments.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
True to form in getting to ride the very best trails of the area we’ll uplift back up into the Sierra before you embark on a meaty climb to the 2000m/6500ft mark. With great views of the highest peaks on the Peninsular and the dramatic Trevelez gorge we will take on ‘Noah’s’ trail. An ancient mule track that hugs the precipitous mountainside. The finale of cobbled switch-backs really tests your skills before arriving in the village of Trevelez.
The villagers claim they inhabit the highest village in Spain at over 1400 metres (but actually isn’t) and is renowned for curing some of the tastiest Jamon in Spain (which is true!).
After coffee and a touch of Jamon tasting we get cracking with climb high above the iconic Trevelez gorge. We head through smallholdings and almond groves before some cracking singletrack switchbacks.
The trail to come is worth every drop of sweat you’ve expended. Fast flowing singletrack dips and winds through the forest with glimpses of the mountains towering overhead.
We’ll cross plenty of refreshing barrancos on the way before heading into some more fast, rocky switchbacks through a dramatic gorge to bring us to our nights rest in the pretty white village of Fondales.
The local bar dishes up terrific food with great views and atmosphere.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
The number one objective today is to give maximum fun! We’ll uplift you to 2000m and after a short climb, take on some tasty, lengthy singletrack that weaves high across the sierra until we reach a fantastic vantage point overlooking the Poquiera gorge dotted with white villages.
After a scenic lunch with views up the valley, you’ll be able to see the Refugio Poquiera over 1000m above dwarfed by the looming southern slopes of Spain’s highest peaks. The afternoon will be filled by trying the best of the infamous Poquiera valley singletrack. Switchbacks, fast and flowy and technical rock descents await until we can´t take anymore.
We will stay the night in the highest village in the valley, Capileira, with inviting plazas, incredible views and delicious local cuisine.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
What a fantastic place to wake up, one and a half thousand metres up in the Sierra Nevada National Park. As the sun rises on the peaks and the chill of the night subsides, we´ll embark on one incredible day that will see us descending over 1800m!
Easy trails heading past a view point will lead us to beautiful sweeping singletrack along an ancient irrigation channel, taking us into forests and past huge dramatic cliffs. The singletrack becomes testing before it takes on another long smooth traverse, dropping us past picturesque villages and deep into the Poquiera gorge for a nerve calming lunch stop.
A steady track climb leads us to a terrific undulating singletrack, linking villages, crossing streams and pastures until it throws us into the final descent of the week, down the awesome Rio Lanjaron for a fitting finale. Back down to civilization in Orgiva it’s time to celebrate what we’ve achieved during the week in grand style.
- Meals: Breakfast
It’s time to pack your bags for the last time and say farewell as we transfer you to Malaga Airport (AGP) for onward connections.
Why not stay a few days in Malaga?
Malaga is a great place to relax and unwind after a week on the road and if you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been here!
Loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the city that gave the world Picasso has transformed itself in spectacular fashion in the last decade, with half a dozen new art galleries, a great port area and Soho – an uber cool art district.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The Sierra Nevada is serious mountain biking country. You will be experiencing a range of terrain over the course of the week with frequent narrow, exposed trails and steep, rocky and sometimes loose descents.
There are some road sections and 4×4 tracks to get us from each section of trail to the next but be have sought out the best options to maximise our off-road time.
While we use vehicle uplifts on some days, there is still a substantial amount of climbing involved each day and a good level of fitness is required to get the most out of this holiday (even on the e-bike departures). We’d expect all riders on this tour to have mountain biking experience, and be confident taking on the technical terrain and challenging nature of a grade 4 holiday.
There is an option of using an e-MTB on this holiday, as well as e-MTB exclusive departures. Please note, if opting for an e-MTB on a standard departure, the pace of riding will be set by the hybrid riders. If you are interested in riding an e-MTB on this holiday please click here for more information.
Mountain Biking Grade
Distances of 25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day
For regular mountain bikers who have a good level of fitness
Routes with frequent moderate to difficult technical sections
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
As well as keeping a good level of fitness you are also an experienced biker and enjoy riding more challenging trails. You usually ride most weekends and can cover between 30 and 50 miles over a full 8-9 hour day (with breaks). The routes you choose generally include more challenging 1-2 hour long climbs perhaps with sharp switchbacks and sections of large and loose rocks. You are comfortable riding most trails including sections of technical or exposed singletrack with some testing obstacles such as drop offs and steep downhills. Our grade 4 trips should suit you.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Well planned, researched and executed! The guides knowledge and ability to dynamically change the route due to trail conditions made the experience a memorable one.
Dates & Prices
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Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers
F) GPX files available on request
G) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Malaga airport (AGP)
H) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Malaga airport (AGP)
I) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
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Reviews
Graham, UKSuperb route in an amazing area. I would happily do it again!Superb route in an amazing area. Wide range of terrain and challenges. Nicely paced and made even more enjoyable by the judicious provision of uplifts. Support team were extremely competent and caring for our needs. The group felt more like family than a group of strangers I had never met. Everyone got on so well.
Massive thanks to Laura & Nico for some really amazing lunches – with a great mix of local produce and tasty home-made salads. They were a great team and worked really hard to keep us all fed and watered.
Charles, Oxfordshire, UKPositive and passionate...Dan ensured that the group had consensus for each day, whilst also responding to individual needs and any concerns. His positive enthusiasm and empathy were actually inspiring…The logistics were clearly demanding at times, but always carried out with a smile.
Lisa, UKThis was done brilliantly by all guides....Super enthusiastic tour leader. very much appreciated that he had ridden the whole route himself the week we arrived so he knew everything that was coming and could give us good information and keep us safe as we rode. appreciate how hard it must be to manage a diverse ability group of e-bikers and acoustic bikers. this was done brilliantly by all guides.
Such a hard working, kind and solid woman as the tail gunner. I felt very safe in her presence. Nathan and Liz were a brilliant team. As a female it was very reassuring to have a fellow female as one of the guides!
Hotels were much nicer than I expected. loved the selection of small, historic ‘family run’ places. so great not to be in generic chain hotels. this added a lot to the trip for me. Loved the picnic lunches en route. salads were amazing.
Brian, Cork, UKAbsolutely one of the best things I've ever done!Had been looking at going on one of the Skedaddle trips for about a year so and am so glad I finally committed. Trails were superb – perfect mixture of open, fast, flowing all mountain descents mixed with tight, steep, technical rocky sections that got the adrenaline pumping. Scenery was stunning and biking point-to-point during the days meant we got to see a large portion of the mountain range and made the trip feel like a proper adventure. Great trails, great group of people, great food, and great scenary!
Hugely impressed with the service provided by Saddle Skedaddle. This was my first trip with the company and wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip or recommend it to a friend. Everything ran flawlessly from the very start to the end of the trip which is a credit to the guides and the amount of work they put in behind the scenes as they had a few curveballs thrown at them with the storm that rolled in during the week. All the hotels were great; really couldn’t fault them. Staff were always very friendly and helpful. Rooms were always very clean and comfortable.
Dan (Tour Leader)is an absolute gentleman. Apart from being amazingly friendly, his knowledge of the mountain range and the area was hugely impressive – at the start of every trail, he was able to give is us a quick description of any notable features or sections of trail that would be coming up. I also had a blast with Ludo (the guide), trying to chase him down the trails! Really friendly guy and super helpful whenever there were any mechanical issues with the bikes. Mica’s cooking was just fantastic and was a great laugh hanging out with him during the week.
If there were not so many other holidays to try, I’d probably re-book this one!
Chris, Essex, UKService by Skedaddle was motivational!This was the best riding holiday I have had so far, the choice of trails and daily plan really allowed us all to get the most out of the opportunities to enjoy the of road adventure. Service by Skedaddle was motivational! The team were always supportive fun and helpful! I was particularly thankful for one representatives company up a long climb. His chat, banter and tips made the ascent so much more bearable. Descent from the Refuge on last day was awesome and the swimming pool and hot showers at the end, were so good!
Peter, Warwickshire, UKTruly fabulous trails!Some truly fabulous trails in remote places. The challenge was spot on, demanding but all enjoyable, even on a wet day. Dan was always able to pull the perfect trail out of his head to suit the weather and the group’s abilities and appetites. He always supportive and positive too. All the guides and drivers worked really hard to get us and our bikes in the ideal places, invisibly. They certainly were not just guiding.
Simon, Worcestershire, UKAlready recommended the Sierra Nevada trip!Every day was excellent. Well planned, researched and executed. The guides knowledge and ability to dynamically change the route due to trail conditions made the experience a memorable one. Their preparation of lunch was ingenious, varied and always enjoyable. They obviously take huge pride in their work and went the extra mile in feeding us great lunches – Master chefs, all of them!
Richard, London, UKBest organised trip I have been on!This was the best organised trip I have been on-cycling or otherwise. The guys at the Spanish end, Dan, Ludo and Micha, could not have done more to ensure a smooth trip. They were entertaining, helpful, very hard working and organised. When the weather was bad they rescheduled the days, changed the accommodation, reorganised the meals to ensure the riding was as good as it could be for the conditions. And the riding was awesome too! I cannot imagine this being done better… Thanks!
Ian, Essex, UKSuperb riding!The riding on this trip was superb – a variety of terrain which really pushed my downhill skills in some stunning landscapes, and probably the best mountain biking I’ve done. Mica should be congratulated on the amazing lunches – it’s not every day you get a qualified chef greeting you at lunchtime! A brilliant holiday really well put together by Dan and his team. They made this a really memorable trip and worked really hard for the whole week. And it felt like I was biking with my mates at home which is a sign of a good holiday and a great group. Superb. Thanks very much!
Alex, Durham, UKIt's the best biking I've done!An amazing and brilliant holiday. Technically demanding, fun, awesome scenery and top rate guides. It’s the best biking I’ve done.