These warm summer evenings mean the start of the barbecue season at the Pure Mountains farmhouse.

There's nothing better, after a day's dusty mountain biking, than relaxing by the tinkling fountain in the rose-filled courtyard with a glass of Rueda. Nothing, that is, until the barbecue is fired up and all manner of delicious dishes appear courtesy of our wonderful cook, Tess. Crispy marinaded chicken, stuffed red peppers, spicy Morrocan salads. Yummy.

June to early September are peak barbecue months in the Sierra Nevada, with long, sunny days and blissful warm evenings.