Sierra Olta is a massive isolated lump of rock that is detached from the even more massive Sierra Bernia to its NW. Walking around this often-sheer rock, some 600 meters high above the sea level close by, is an impressive experience. There are excellent views of Calpe & Penon Ifach, also along the rather pretty coast towards Benidorm, and then of the Sierra Bernia. Calpe lies at its S.E foot &, also being close to the main N332, the walk is easy to reach. So it is a very popular walking area with a variety of paths, often well signposted. Its W. & N sides are still undeveloped but the lower S.E slopes are riddled by a confusion of roads and houses. From our way there is a steep path to the summit on the E side and another on the W side. The summit is an area of fissured sharp rock and ankle-supporting boots with thick soles are essential for this. However our way does not include the summit and has the advantage of starting at an altitude of 240meters. Other places to start from lower down include the Estacion and a track from opposite the old Disco Wilson on the N332.
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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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