The Sierra Helada is a deceptive mountain. Seen from the normal, landward, side it seems a long gently undulating mound, which only just qualifies as a mountain at its NE end. The landward slopes are interspersed by forested barrancas, quarries, the Depuradora, (sewage treatment plant), & housing developments, all crisscrossed by paths, tracks & roads. From the other, seaward, side it shows its aggressive aspect of some 4 km of steeply undulating cliffs, which plunge some 375 meters into the Mediterranean. Consequently this walk varies from the 400m climb at the start followed by a clear but rough path along some 3km of steeply undulating cliff edge, (another 275m ascent and 350m descent), before returning to Albir along ^variety of paths, tracks and roads through pinewoods entailing another 120m of ascent and 445m of descent to the Start Similar to the ascent & descent involved in climbing the highest mountain in England! The return involves careful path finding, helped by a series of cairns & red dots and takes approx two hours. For those preferring an easier option continue along the cliffs to Benidonn & take a taxi or bus back to Albir.
Click here for map and walk details
Clich here for photos
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WELCOME FROM MICHAEL
My purpose is to pass on these walks so you can enjoy them as much as I have. I want you to use them freely for non commercial purposes. Perhaps a donation to your favourite charity?
The normal hazards in mountains apply but generally the conditions are benign, some cold and wet in winter, possibly the heat in summer is more dangerous. My personal advice is not to leave the paths as ground can be covered with spiky bushes concealing ankle breaking rocks. By "road" I mean surfaced, by "track" an unsurfaced one,(often rough). Paths vary from beautifully engineered mozarabic "muleways" to very rough hunters or goat paths. Updates are welcome.I am very grateful to Terry, my wife, who has helped to explore all the paths and often helped to clear them.
Of course I owe much to my predecessors, especially my early mentor, Cristl. Batnick,who helped to found the excellent Costa Blanca Mountain Walking group. Also the early explorers, Roger Massingham, Bob Stansfield, (all on the web), and Eric Wright,(www.openlibrary.org/b/OL11958879M).Many walks are made possible by the generosity of the landowners, especially the Spanish, who allow walking on their land,please treat their property with respect.
Being computer illiterate this website would not exist but for the enthusiastic, energetic and expert work of Jean and Bob Hall. Many thanks to them. Their website ,which complements this one, plus, is: www.costablancamountainwalks.com.
Mike Davies. Dec 2009.
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