Sierra Aixorta circuit

This is a particularly satisfying and interesting walk once the possible obstacle of accessibility to the start is overcome. It is a high level walk both snowier in winter and slightly cooler in summer. The non stop succession of views is superb and on a really clear day the islands of Formentera and Ibiza are visible some 100 km to the E.N.E. Font Tejo (Dels Teixos) is a delight, particularly on a hot day as it combines a north face, shady trees and cool water. A hut in which to shelter generally seems to be open and makes it a very pleasant place to wait while the less relaxed of the party climb the summit. The ascent of Cerro de Parados from here is fun and not too arduous and rewarded with vertiginous views and an optional short “ridge scramble” to the W. Subsequent visits to the Nevera, (ice pit), and Morro Blau are interesting and there is the challenge of pathfinding to and from Font Major to come. At the end the cave’ (ice pit?), is curious and well worth an “end of walk” push.

This could be made into an easy, but still very satisfying, walk by missing out the summit and taking the short cut indicated later.
A local bar would create perfection but Castells and Tarbena are not far.

Click here for instructions
Click here for video

PINOS - SELLA de CAU CIRCUIT

New walk by Alan  Bridgeman
A very pleasant walk in fairly level, upland “karst” type scenery, including an old mule path through a barranco, short stretches of track, and long “improved” goat paths among undulating hills with mountains in the background. A sharp climb to the saddle below Cau from where there is the opportunity of a short climb to its summit. Then continuing along short tracks and a long path down to the restaurant/bar at Pinos. The views are excellent and the wildflowers in spring and early summer fascinating. For those making a long day of it a visit to the Iris Garden in the middle of the walk is rewarding in April to June when it is at its best. (Opens April 1st). A possible short cut is described at the end.
Pictures and map to follow.

Click here for map and instructions

MOUNT PONOCH CIRCUIT

This is a long circuit through some of the most majestic cliff scenery on the Costa Blanca. Mont Ponoch as seen from this walk is a stupendous mass mostly bounded by cliffs some perpendicular 200 meters or more high which brood over Polop. There are often rock climbers. The paths have been improved and are not likely to be muddy. There is little shade until the descent from El Cigarri

View pictures

Clicki here for map and directions

MALAFI CIRCUIT

Barranca Malafi is the grandiose and remote gully formed by the, generally dry, river Malafi. Both walks are superb with plentiful wild flowers in spring and early summer and lots of birds, nightingales and sometimes eagles. Both start with 5.0 km along stony paths and stream bed. with gentle gradients, with the same return for the medium walk, For the hard walk this is followed by a return over the heights of Alfaro, via a rough track with one hard gradient to start but then undulating with superb views ending with a good path down to Petracos on the road near the start.

(Petracos is the site of some protected prehistoric cliff paintings and well worth a visit).

Best time not too windy or hot with fairly long days. Stream occasionally has water in the winter and the high track is a bit muddy after heavy rain.

Click here for slideshow
 
Click here for map and directions

SERRELLA CASTLE

From the starting point your destination towers above you with its ruined Castillo just visible. But the easy start up track and path gives you your “second wind” and superb views of the Guadalest Reservoir. Then the steep path ascending the rugged Barranco de les Coves, with its occasionally gushing stream and rock scrambles, ends at a fuente. To the West rises the imposing Barranco de la Canal de les Coves with its two parallel spines of upturned strata leading to Malla del Llop, (Alt 1357m). To the East the spectacular peak of the Castillo now looms appreciably closer.

For Walk 2, only approx 50 meters of ascent remain mostly along good tracks beneath the massive cliffs of Penya Horadada and then down a road to the cars.
For Walk I there is another 300m climb with the reward of the stunning 360-degree views from the Castillo.
As usual the use of secateurs and gloves to help keep the paths clear will help both yourselves and your successors.

Click here for map and directions
Click here for photos

T0SSAL de GRAU CIRCUIT B

This is an allied walk to the medium Tossal del Grau Circuit. (A). With the addition of other steeper, higher and rougher paths. The walk links in with part of the well known Circuit of Puig Campana but going anti clockwise reveals different views. The valleys around Tossal del Grau are very beautiful and surprisingly unfrequented. Views are excellent. Puig Campana resembles a volcano from this direction and Ponoch hints at its massive bulk and shear cliffs.



Click here for instructions

SOUTH WEST BERNIA

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. A fourth way to climb Sierra Bernia from the South up part of the old mule track of the Camino de Jalon with a superb view from “Rock Gate” col near the top. Possible detour to climb the spectacular peak of Severino.

Seductively easy for the first hour along forest tracks. Then steep up the Camino Jalon mule path to the ruins below Severiño. Level track to a small plateau above the “Cave House”, followed by another steep mule path to “Rock Gates” col, (possible ascent of Severino. Described later) and then right to the Fort. Then a path to the Fort and on from there, a new (2010) path leading to the Picnic Area. The 30mins down the surfaced road to the cars could be avoided if enough cars were prepositioned at the picnic area.
The easy and medium optional walks are described as Walks 2 and 3 at the end.
The bars of Altea le Vieja are convenient for the end.

Click here for directions

BARRANCO DEL CAU- ALT DE L’ AMPLE. CIRCUIT

An excellent walk up the dramatic gorge of the Barranco del Cau, on through the almond orchards of the high plain of Casas del Cau and Planises. Then back along the heights of Alt de l’ Ample with superb all round views particularly spectacular down into the barranco you have just climbed. A well-engineered mule path eases the descent to your cars.

70% on paths, some rough, 15% on tracks and 15% on surfaced roads. A few fairly short stretches of path have steep long drops down into the barranco and need particular care. Not for sufferers of serious vertigo. It is safer and less vertiginous to go up the barranco, as described, than down. Best avoided until rocks and paths have dried up after rain.
 
Click here for instructions
Click here for video of walk

THE ANCIENT ROUTE TO BOLULLA CASTLE

While a surfaced road reach almost to the col below the Castle it is well worth tracing the old mule paths from Bolulla that supplied the Castle and areas beyond. This old path is now cut by tracks and roads which were probably built over it but there are still four well defined sections of mule path to enjoy and the intervening stretches of road are short. Point "B" provides an excellent stop on olive bancales where shade and shelter can usually be found. From here 10 minutes up the track to the col and then a scramble of 30 minutes gets you to the ruined Castle. As always the views in this area are superb in all directions, and the option of returning to point "A" down the road frees your eyes to enjoy the scenery. The return from Point A to the bar Era includes tracks and a mule path through pine woods.

Click here for instructions

AITANA RANGE Font del Arbre Circuit

A high level walk dominated by the escarpment of Aitana to the S. and with a superb vista over a circle of mountains in all other directions. The start is at the pretty, well watered, and wooded, picnic area at Font del Arbre, which you reach by driving along the spectacular surfaced mountain road from Confrides. Confrides itself is a pretty unspoilt village with the good Hostal and bar of “El Piraneo”.

By starting the walk at 1,170meters you get directly into the mountains but at this altitude there is occasional snow and ice and in winter it can be very cold. In hot sunny weather there is enough shade.

The basic walk is easy and there is an optional detour that brings it up to medium and lets you relate to, and see from above Font de Partagas and its surfaced road up from Benifato.
The basic walk is 100% on good tracks and the detour of the medium walk is all on stony paths. Tracks can get very sticky after rain or melting snow.

Click here for walk instructions.

TWO “ROCK ARCHES” WALK

Although there is an easier way to visit the Large Rock Arch this circular walk includes the Little Rock Arch and a traverse along the northern slopes of Aixorta. Both arches are geological curiosities and probably formed by a harder part of the roof of a cave the remainder of which has fallen in. The initial ascent to the Little Arch is arduous and can be mitigated by taking Variation A. To reach the Little Arch pathfinding skill is useful but not essential as the ground to its SW is generally passable with care. The descent to the Large Arch is a scramble and can be avoided by taking Variation B. Both variations visit the arches.


Click here for map and directions
Click here for photos

SIERRA AITANA.Circuit. Moli Ondara

Font Moli d Ondara is a well-watered picturesque area with shady trees, excellent water, and a picnic area with tables and benches.

This walk provides superb panoramic views especially from the track before the nevera and also completely different magnificent views to the south of the Aitana divide. There is also a Nevera, (ice pit), and a view down to the font at Partagas.
The basic walk described can be made in a hard version ascending Penyo Mulero or a medium version at a lower level. The medium version can also be shortened. The medium walk is nearly all on good tracks. The hard walk is 70% on good tracks and 30% on mountain paths.
Being high it can be cold and snowy in winter. Isolated shade in summer.
Some mud soon after heavy rain.

Click here for map and directions.

TARBENA- SEGUE- LA MONTANA- PENYA DE TARBENA. CIRCUIT.

This walk focuses on the ancient and once remote village of Tarbena which commands the route between the lush valleys of Callosa d’ en Sarria in the South to Parcent to the North. In prehistoric times there was the nearby settlement on its impregnable site of La Montana, followed in the eleventh century A.D. by the early Moorish castle on the summit of nearby Segue. Our walk visits both and is notable for a succession of superb views from the 360-degree panorama of the mountains of the central Costa Blanca, viewed from the castle, to vertiginous views down into the Paso Tancat from La Montana. To the West, across the deep defile, looms the castle of Penya Castellet above Bolulla. We also visit an ancient and elaborately constructed combined well, and deposito, obviously important to the old village, with the steep mule path from it bearing testimony to the arduous life of the early people. In Tarbena the characterful Bar/Restaurant of Can Pinet, offers hospitality, and reminders of Republican loyalties of more recent times. This walk is partly based on one described by Eric Wright.

45% on good paths, 45% on good tracks and 10% on surfaced roads. Not normally muddy..

Click here for map and directions

SIERRA BERNIA: SOUTHERN SLOPES.

Roads up mountains may irritate purists but, to others, they give opportunities to explore otherwise unattainable heights. Such is the road up to the barbecue area half way up the Sierra Bernia. This is the starting point for this lovely walk as well as other walks.

The basic walk is short, shady, spectacular and very easy. The optional extra, to the East Col, is verging on hard, but short and very rewarding. For the mountain climber this also gives access to the E. Bernia summit, (976m), from the “shelf.”
There is a splendid panorama from the E. Col. Starting with Cau to the NW continuing to Montgo and the coast of Javea and Moraira. On to L´Olta, with Calpe and Penon Ifach behind, Then SW across the Mediterranean to the Sierra Helada, Campana, Ponoch, Sanchet and the start of the Sierra Aitana to the West.
To Casita and back. 95% on good tracks. Muddy patches after heavy rain can be circumvented. 5% good paths.
To East Col. 100% paths, some rocky and vertiginous. Three short screes.

Click here for directions

SIERRA BERNIA. SOUTHERN HIGHER SLOPES

This walk up to and along the higher slopes of the Sierra Bernia shows the ways up to both eastern end and the center of the range. By starting at 300 m altitude most of the ascent to 670 m is avoided. Much of this is on a good path. The descent of 570 m can be more taxing although the middle part is on a beautifully engineered old mule path which waltzes enjoyably down in zig zags with every step being a different one. Views are excellent. The small “Ermita” is evocatively positioned between the ridge and the broad valley of the Algar River below and almost the entire length of the Sierra, with its “Forat” (hole which penetrates its ridge), in view. The walk ends at the pretty old village of Altea La Vieja with several welcoming bars and restaurants.

Click here for walk details

TARBENA AREA. EAST. BINARREAL CIRCUIT

A fairly easy circular walk, which could be shortened. Skirting Segue with its ruined Castell, then down into the broad valley of barranco Binarreal surrounded by mountains with a final climb up an old mule path.

20% fairly good paths, 40% tracks, 40% surfaced roads. Some tracks muddy after rain.
As usual snips and gloves are a good idea in case paths are overgrow.

walk being updated due to problem at end.
Dec 2010 - Walk abandoned due to excessive
                    growth in final stages of walk.

TARBENA TO BOLULLA

A generally downhill walk with a 100m ascent during the final third. All on good dirt tracks or surfaced roads, (Except path to Paso Bandoleras). SE from near Tarbena down into the Riu Algar/Secco valley with superb views of Sierra Ferrer and the Bernia, then SW along the heights of the Riu with splendid views of Ponoch to Aitana and the Serella ranges. On to preferably meet cars left by the Riu at P (B) to ferry walkers back to the Bar Era at Bollula thus avoiding the dull 60minute drag along the road.

Some mud after rain.

Click here for walk instructions

ABDET AREA. NORTH.FIGURE OF EIGHT

A very pretty figure of eight circuit walk. North from Abdet up an old mule path which follows high above the stream to corral Fondo and on tracks and paths by the Manecillo stream followed by a climb up an old mule path leading to the “Sculptors” casa near Raco de Llosa. Then along tracks to 900m in the valley below Pla de la Casa, (1379m) and returning to end the walk for 30 mins along a surfaced road to Abdet with its good Bar Mari.
The attractive optional extra is well worth while if time and energy permit

Best avoided after very heavy or prolonged rain to avoid “boots off” stream crossings.

Click here for map and directions
Click here for pictures

QUATRETONDETA

Very rewarding rather steep ascent towards spectacular cliffs and spires with satisfying final 20 mins up a beautifully engineered mule path and high up along an impressive ravine to the lovely Font Roja with good water and picnic tables.

50% good tracks, 30% good mule path, 20% poor paths on manageable scree. The track may be muddy after heavy rains.
Once at Font Roja you have several options to go further; The ascent of Pla de la Casa. A very rough path north about the mountain to Facheca. Or a better path to Facheca around the southern cliffs of Pla de la Casa. All these would take considerable time. Or a walk in the fairly level pine woods in the hidden valley between Serella and Les Bardals.
In Quatretondeta there is a bar and restaurant at the walkers hotel El Fares.
.
Click here for details and map

ABDET AREA : NORTH

A very pleasant and varied walk, mostly on good tracks and paths, not too muddy after rain. Including a short narrow barranco with stream leading into a broad valley which is all easy, but a short steep optional scramble plus a necessary final 25min steep decsent make it medium grade. All amidst stunning scenery ending at the bar Mary in Abdet with great views over Guadalest.


Click here for map and directions

SIERRA OLTA CIRCUIT

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.

Click here formap and directions

SELLA to RELLEU CIRCUIT

A very pleasant walk in the distinctive Sella/Relleu countryside. Dramatic views especially on the higher route from Relleu to Sella from which the entire range from Aitana to Campana and on to the sea appears particularly dramatic.

75% on good tracks, 15 % on good mule paths, one short semi scramble up a pathlet up old bancales and 75 meters along a tarmac road.
This circuit can be varied by parking and starting from the cemetery at Relleu. (See later), This is 30 mins longer involving either walking further along the tarmac road back to the cemetery, or finding a way along the track to Casa del Figeral, or walking up the track and then down the mule path you started up from Relleu, ( My preference). See Map.
Could be muddy within 2/3 days of heavy rain.

Click here for directions

VAL DE LAGUART. LOWER BARANCO DE L´ INFERN

Into a local “Grand” canyon, not quite as large, long or deep, but grand enough and similar in that you start off high and walk down low, meanwhile trying not to forget the extent of the climb back up. Starting from the remote mountain village of Benimaurell, along a charming, winding country lane to near Fleix and then down a beautifully engineered old “mozarabic” mule path, once one of the country’s main roads, to the usually dry bed of the Riu Ebo.

Becoming wilder and less frequented as you walk “upstream” along a path and streambed into the ever-narrowing spectacular gorge of l’ Infern. Finally blocked to walkers by a series of high, narrow usually dry waterfalls and pools. Then back a bit and a steep climb out of the gorge up a poor path to join another mule path, which takes you in easy zig, zags up 200 meters to the top of seemingly unscalable cliffs. From now on easy walking to Font d’els Olbi and down the surfaced road to Benimaurell and the Oasis Bar or the nearby new “walkers” hotel.

Click here for walk instructions

Sierra Bernia Circuit

This is a popular walk and deservedly so. It is a circuit encompassing the main part of the Sierra but excluding its Eastern end. Starting at an altitude of 650 meters gets you into easy contact with the higher part of the mountain. Yet the walk is quite challenging involving some easy short rock scrambles, short traverses across or slightly up scree, some steep climbs and a 30-meter long semi stoop/ crawl through the "Forat”. Views are magnificent especially from the Fort onwards. The ruined Fort is interesting and the "Forat” is a curious feature. This is a tunnel through the "rock spine" of the Sierra some 30 meters long and in part approx a meter high and wide, not claustrophobic as daylight shines through and taken with care, no hazards. Sometimes muddy.


In my opinion the better way around this walk is clockwise but an equally convenient stating point is from The Bernia Inn at Bancal Larga. This has the advantage of several restaurants at the end. The way described has the bars and restaurants of Altea La Vieja to look forward to.

Click here for map and directions
Click here for photos

COL DE RATES CIRCUIT

An interesting walk from the almond groves of Murtes. Up through the contorted strata of the slightly grim Barranco Negre to a high “Shangri La” cultivated valley with cherry orchards. Followed immediately by a surprise return to the 21st centuary as the main road and restaurant complex near the Col de Rates hove into view. Superb views back to the Sierra Ferrer and on down into the valley of the Jalon River.

Best done late Feb/ early March or in April to catch either the almond or cherry blossom.
As usual the use of secateurs and gloves is invaluable to clear the path for yourselves and successors.
Not muddy after rain.
55% Tracks, 40% Paths. 5% Roads.

Click here for map and directions

SANXET CIRCUIT

A very good circular walk introducing the eastern end of the range and two of the six main passes, Collados Sanxet and Llam. Views of stunning cliffs, a glimpse of the Buddhist Colony, visit to a large farmhouse, high up and spectacularly sited. This is also the starting point for the optional ascent of Sanxet, (1184m). This option is hard and is described separately below. Like many circuits it is almost as successful done the other way round which has the difference of an easier but less interesting start followed by a rather long haul up to Collado del Llam.

.

Click here for instructions








Click here for pictures
Click here for video

T0SSAL de GRAU CIRCUIT A

The valley between Puig Campana to the West and Ponoch to the North is very beautiful and, considering its proximity to the tourist areas, surprisingly unfrequented. The views of the mountains are excellent and from an unusual viewpoint. Puig Campana resembles a volcano while Ponoch reveals its massive bulk and stupendous cliffs. Climbers and walkers flock to the Collado del Pouet from Finestraat on their way to the summit or to circle Puig Campana but very few explore the tracks and paths to the S.E. below. Views to the south of Benidorm etc are interesting but distant enough to be unobtrusive when concentrating on the Mediterranean beyond.

Although this is a short walk it is steep. 90% on good tracks, some of which are muddy after heavy rain, and 10 % on a rough path.

Click here for instructions

FINESTRAT AREA. MONTE CASTELLET

This is a varied circular walk up to Portall de Lopez, the pass over the long jagged spine of rock forming Monte Castellet, and then down into pine woods clothing its northern slopes. Not very high but as it is in the center of a range of mountains curving from Puig Campana to Aitana there are excellent varied views. The total ascent is conveniently divided into several climbs. The start is an easy one along roads followed by a 285-meter main ascent to the pass and then several lesser climbs through the woods to end with an amble back to the start. After the pass lots of shade helps on hot sunny days.

Roads 20%. Tracks 35% all good. Paths 45% medium. Some tracks muddy after heavy rain.

Click here for map and directions
Click here for photos

LLIBER.CASTELL d’ AIXA CIRCUIT. “The Red Cliff Walk"

Although the ruins of the Castell itself are not impressive the walk to and from them is one of the most popular with our group of walkers. You start by crossing the shallow river Jalon, which generally has water in it here before it disappears underground further downstream. Then up a good old mule track to a pleasant resting place at a casita in an almond orchard followed by a mountain path to the “shoulder” Penyes Blanques, an outlier of Aixa. From here an optional detour to the col below the castle and on to the summit at 607meters.

Back to the “shoulder” and a steep zig zag down a rough path into the Barranco Fontdaixa to circle back to your car(s) along a mix of good paths and tracks alongside the river Jalon.
The path from the shoulder to the col d’Aixa could be muddy after heavy rain.
70% paths. 30% tracks.

Click here for map and directions

JALON AREA. CAU RIDGE

The ascent of Cau (724m) can be made up the ridge starting at its N end, but the writer prefers an indirect approach up the spectacular Barranco del Cau, or even the less dramatic route up the Barranco Carretes. Then up to the summit of Cau followed by the long gradual descent along the ridge, which provides excellent views.

The ravine of Barranco del Cau should not be missed if possible but it is somewhat vertiginous and occasionally steep so is safer to ASCEND rather than descend. The barranco is characterized by an old water pipe supplying Jalon from the upland springs with a series of small concrete huts, which seem to be a type of filtration system. The ascent via the Barranco Carretes, though a few meters more climb, is somewhat easier. Even if Cau itself is not climbed an excellent, easier walk is to walk up the Barranco del Cau and down the Barranco Carretes.


Click here for directions.

BOLULLA. CIRCUIT TO NORTH WEST

A satisfying circular walk including a little known but very useful old mule/ hunters path to a lunch stop at Foia Selles with its spectacular 360º views and ending at the bar Era. A mix of fairly good paths, tracks and surfaced roads.

Option A starts and finishes at the bar Era & includes the first 30 mins 100m climb up surfaced roads to the start of the mule path at cairn C. Option B avoids this by driving to near cairn C, but parking is on private land and this should be used with discretion.
Option B leaves a car at the bar Era to ferry drivers back to cairn C.

Click here for instructions

ALMEDIA. NORTH OF CALLOSA d’ EN SARRIA

A THERE AND BACK WALK. FROM NEAR FONT d'ONAER UP THE BARRANCO d'ONAER IN AN ENE DIRECTION.
DESCRIPTION.
A good walk for unsettled weather due to options and mainly stony paths that dry out quickly. To a casita in a very pretty hidden valley.Three options according to weather and aspirations.
a) To casita and back. (Easy.)
b) To casita with a detour to the summit of Almedia. (Medium).
c) To casita ,(Optional). Summits of Almedia and down to Callosa. (Hard).
    (This involves arranging transport and meeting the other walkers in Callosa.
Click here for map and instructions

BENICHEMBLA. EAST COCOLL—VAL DE ALMADIC

The Val de Almadic, South of Benichembla, is relatively undiscovered and still has a feel of remoteness and peace. It is bounded on the S.E. by a massive, craggy, escarpment rising nearly sheer some 600 meters and cut by several dramatic “cleft” barrancos, which, after an exceptional downpour, would create waterfalls. To the NW the mountain rises less steeply and levels out to the “hill like” summit of Cocoll, (1048m), which only reveals its mountainous nature by its stupendous cliffs descending 600 meters into the Barranco de Dalt, to the West.

This walk takes you up the gentler N side of the valley to the Collado de Mirabo and then on an unfrequented, sometimes poor, path with constant views of the escarpment to the South and on to the Airstrip just below Cocoll summit. This is followed by a rough path down the head of the Barranco Almadic and a welcome relaxed walk along a good track ending with a short mule path, pretty fuente and, stretch of road back to your start.
The walk verges on hard, certainly if the ascent of Cocoll is included, however it can be eased as described below.
Occasionally Bulls graze the walk. They do not like dogs.

Click here for map and directions

Senija Circuit

An attractive and pleasant walk through the quiet streets of Senija and up an old mule path to the cross on the summit of Les Basetes from where there are excellent all round views. Later along a spur with a strange rock spine. The motorway is visible far below to the East and just over the spine there are views of the Jalon valley and beyond to the West The path ends at a wall before a precipice and from here there is an optional semi scramble to visit a cave with a rather grisly legend. Your walk returns to the road and on down to Senija with bar/restaurant "Senitja" on the L, just before your cars. Here the amusing elderly lady owner may tell the story of the cave. She also serves enormous helpings of liver!

Click here for map and directions
Click here for photos

Puig Campana Circuit

Puig Campana towering to 1,408 meters above the nearby Mediterranean, while not being as high as Aitana is the archetypal mountain. Impressive from every side ranging from its "volcano" like aspect from the east to the massive shear crags on the south and west As such it is much visited; by the very energetic to make the asent by rock climbers to ascend its cliffs and for the less energetic to make this circuit. Consequently, except for the first few minutes, which makes "interesting" path finding, the path is virtually unmissable. This gives time to appreciate the succession of mountain spectaculars from the superb crescent of Monte Castellet, backed by Aitana to the NW, then Sanchet and Ponoch to the N, and on round south to look down on the overdeveloped coastal plain relieved by the clear blue of the Mediterranean beyond. Despite being a "Protected Area" this did not prevent an extensive forest fire in March 2006, which has blighted some 2km of the circuit path until vegetation has had time to regenerate. To avoid this I have described an alternative three quarter circuit, which involves a pleasant 4km walk along a surfaced road and some intricate "path finding". Still an excellent walk. This 4km can be avoided if you have enough cars to leave one at the car park at Font Moli to shuttle the drivers back to their cars. This would make the alternative walk some 10 mins shorter and with 80 meters less ascent than the complete circuit There is a very pleasant restaurant / bar at Font Moli and a good "Spanish" bar, "Moii Dos" in Finestraat.

Click here for instructions
Click here for photos

El Cabecó D'oro

A circuit around the southern part of this impressive Sierra, which at 1209 meters high is a contorted ridge of rock thrust up some 800 meters above tie surrounding land. It runs North to South and has shear, frowning cliffs on its West side interspersed by deep gullies and barrancos. The walk starts with 35 minutes of fairly gentle ascent along a good track beneath high cliffs, folfowed by a stiff 200-meter ascent up a path up tie barranca Raco Seva. This has occasional shade, it might prove slippery on a descent. This is followed by a gentler climb through pinewoods to Polset, (950m) with its ruin and nevera & excellent views. From here the ascent of Cabecó d’Or (1209 m) takes sorne.90mins return and is not included in this circuit From Polset the descent, via a good mule track, is fairly easy with delightful views of cliffs, bluffs, and the countryside to Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. When Pla de Cabecó is reached some may welcome the opportunity, if a car has been pre positioned, of avoiding the final steep 130 m ascent to the Cuevas del Canelobre. The Cave, with its snackbar, is well worth a visit, but involves a fee and takes an hour.

Click here for map and directions

Sierra Hilada Circuit

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

Sierra Bernia Circuit from BBQ

This is a popular walk and deservedly so. It is a circuit encompassing the main part of the Sierra but excluding its Eastern end. Starting at an altitude of 650 meters gets you into easy contact with the higher part of the mountain. Yet the walk is quite challenging involving some easy short rock scrambles, short traverses across or slightly up scree, some steep climbs and a 30-meter long semi stoop/ crawl through the "Forat”. Views are magnificent especially from the Fort onwards. The ruined Fort is interesting and the "Forat” is a curious feature. This is a tunnel through the "rock spine" of the Sierra some 30 meters long and in part approx a meter high and wide, not claustrophobic as daylight shines through and taken with care, no hazards. Sometimes muddy.
In my opinion the better way around this walk is clockwise but an equally convenient stating point is from The Bernia Inn at Bancal Larga. This has the advantage of several restaurants at the end. The way described has the bars and restaurants of Altea La Vieja to look forward to.

Click here for map and directions

Buddhist Colony Circuit

An excellent walk, certainly one of the best in the Aitana Range. A circular walk, not too hard, or long or high, which crosses the sierra and encompasses views and aspects of both sides of the range. Passing through the narrow Paso Contador', (much enlarged since the days when sheep could be counted singly as they passed}. Spectacular views of the Sierras Bemia and Aixorta to the east and the Arc valley leading to Sella to the west Soon followed by a stiff climb over the ridge of El Carrascal with a shady place at the summit from which to admire Puig Campana and Sanxet before descending into the wooded Sanxet valley with its Buddhist colony. Returning over the lip of Sanxet, (pause to teke In the views), to pass below the "waterfall" (occasional), and the overwhelming cliffs of ths "Habitaciones de DIOS", followed by a gentle descent to the 3 Bars and Restaurants in the Rincon de Pepe area.


Click here for map and instructions
Click here for video of walk
Click here for photos

Pla de la Casa (from the South)

CONTADOR BARDALS- PLA DE LA CASA- FONT ROJA- CONTADOR BARDALS. CIRCUIT

Choose a clear day and the views are stupendous, climb amongst shear jagged cliffs and spires, look over precipices with the valleys spread below like a map, discover a verdant hidden valley, peer 13 meters down one of the largest neveras in all these mountains, write your name in the book on the summit and visit Font Roja with its cold water and mule track down to Quatretondeta. The penalties are some grueling climbs and descents on very rough paths often amongst scree. But interspersed with paths through pinewoods and good forestry tracks which provide welcome variety. Not for vertigo sufferers. The actual walking time is some 4hours 50 mins but roughness and steepness of paths necessitates, and stunning views warrant, frequent stops. So allow plenty of time.

Click here for map and instructions
Click here for slideshow

BENIFATO CASTLE CIRCUIT

An excellent walk on the northern slopes of Aitana with superb views on a clear day and a surprising view of the Castle. High altitude so choose weather. Occasional snow. Tracks and paths not muddy.

50% on mostly obvious paths, 50% on forestry tracks. 10 minute each way optional scramble up to Castle, (not for sufferers from vertigo).

Click here for map and directions