Who are we ?

Sierra Trekking was founded and is headed up by Mark Ainsworth. Mark is a fully qualified IML, an International Mountain Leader and a current member of BAIML which is affiliated to UIMLA.. Mark is also a member of the BMC, MLTA, and the INWA.

Mark has been assessed to the highest level in the leading parties in the hills and mountains. His extensive experience of more than 20 years in the mountains of Britain, Europe and further afield has equipped him to safely leads groups worldwide. We specialize in providing a friendly, relaxed and professional service to our clients.

What is an International Mountain Leader ?

Our Philosophy:

We understand that your time is precious and we aim to provide the very best experience possible to those who choose to spend their time with us. Sierra Trekking is a small company and can therefore provide a more personal and tailored service to our clients. We aim to be as flexible as possible, tell us what you want and we will aim to provide a package that meets your requirements. Alternatively, let us provide you with one of our established itineraries. We very much welcome inquiries from Groups and can also provide Women only walking holidays which are led by a female leader.

Who will lead your walks ?

Mark will personally lead the majority of our itineraries. Alternatively, we will use only leaders with the appropriate experience for the activities undertaken. All of our leaders will hold a current First-Aid qualification. Please read our Safety policy for more information.

What do we do ?

We specialize in guided walking holidays in the beautiful province of Andalucia in Southern Spain. The highest mountains on the Iberian peninsula, the Sierra Nevada range provide an impressive backdrop for our walking itineraries in the beautiful valleys and foothills, the Alpujarras. Many of our walks explore the historic Pueblos Blanco's or White Villages of this old Moorish area of Andalucia. For clients with 'high' aspirations, we offer opportunities to climb to the very Roof of Spain.

Where do we operate ?

Spring and autumn are ideal for walking in Southern Spain and this is where you will find us.

Summer and winter see us operating both in the UK and Worldwide providing guided walking, Mountain skills courses and Nordic Walking activities.

A personal note from Mark :

Sierra Trekking exists because of my passion for mountains, the outdoors and in particular the wonderful corner of the world that is 'Las Alpujarras'.

I have spent so much time in this part of Andalucia over the past 10 years that it now feels like home. The Land of the Moors is a magical sun blessed paradise in the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains, the highest mountain range in Europe outside the Alps.

I invite you to come and join us for some beautiful walking, some Andalucian hospitality, a glass of vino tinto or a cold cerveza and of course, the complimentary Tapa.

Our UK activities make the most of our very own stunning landscapes, with fingers crossed as ever with our 'wonderful' British climate, we offer some classic experiences from the very best of the 'Poets' county, the beautiful and incomparable Lake District to the land of song, the beguiling country that is Wales.

If you're looking to make a start at venturing into our mountain environment then take a look at our 'Introduction to Hill Walking', or if you need to improve your navigation skills then consider one of our Navigation or Mountaincraft courses.

Nordic Walking is an increasingly popular fitness and leisure activity and the UK is now catching up with our European cousins and realising the benefits of this all round fitness activity. We are able to utilize our mountain experience and hillwalking skills to offer an exciting hybrid between Nordic Walking and mountain walking. We call this "Nordic Trekking" and are able to offer itineraries in southern Spain as well as our traditional Nordic Walking Taster sessions and classic Nordic Walking courses in the UK.

Whatever your requirements, please Contact us, were always happy to chat about our activities.