Welcome to El Perro Negro
Where the story begins…“Perro Negro” started as a nickname for my magnificent, chaotic black Labrador, Rocky. In 2002, he and I swapped British drizzle for Spanish sun, and he became my faithful, if spectacularly disobedient, shadow in the Sierra Nevada. This site is named for that adventurous spirit.
From Spreadsheets to SummitsI’m Richard. I traded my life as a (very) bored accountant for boots, ice axes, and thin air. For over 20 years, the Sierra Nevada has been my home, my playground, and my office. I founded and ran Spanish Highs Sierra Nevada (now expertly steered by my daughter), and I’m the current Cicerone Guidebook author for this incredible range.
My passion for remote peaks has taken me far beyond Spain: leading six expeditions across the Patagonian Icecap, and being invited to ski volcanoes on a Berghaus-sponsored expedition in Kamchatka. Just recently, I spent five intense weeks in the wilds of El Chalten (Nov/Dec 2025).
A Quiet Rebellion on the Web
In my downtime, I’m an amateur web developer. I’m deeply frustrated by what big corporate tech has done to the internet, siloing our conversations and sanitising our discovery. That’s why I champion the Fediverse, RSS and self-hosted blogs. This site is my small stand for a more personal, independent, and human web.
This website was created using Eleventy Static Site Generator and SimpleCSS. Based on Privacy & Speed, enhancing user experience. Complies with the GDPR by not collecting and personal information, and with the EU Cookie Directive by not using cookies.
NO TRACKERS, NO ADS and NO ANALYTICS!
Is This Website For You? If your heart beats faster for…
- Mountains: Whether it’s hardcore mountaineering, a multi-day trek, a simple day walk, or just gazing at their grandeur
- Authentic Landscape Photography that captures more than just a view
- The realities and joys of an immigrant’s life in Spain, far from the postcards
- Stories from a Dog Lover, Heart Attack Survivor, and a proudly Grumpy Old Man