Category: Costa Blanca Walking

Aixorta - Big days in the mountains of Spain

19/1/2018

Summit of Aixorta

A break from rock based activities, for a day at least that is!
With Kim & Jenny, me & Don enjoyed a fantastic mountain day on the mighty Aixorta. Standing at over 1200m this is a big summit, but thankfully the trail is straightforward so progress quick and relatively easy.

Views from the summit are breathtaking in all directions. Mallada del Llop, the Serrella range, Aitana, Ponoch, Segaria, Bernia and so much more is all on view, majestic indeed.
After a brief lunch stop - in only t-shirts too - we begin our descent, now on vague tracks (probably Boar / Goat) and occasionally bashing through scrub vegetation, this section demands a higher level of concentration and effort, all part of a good quality mountain day. We take a short diversion to check out a 'rock window' which looks out over a massive cliff.
We soon rejoin a marked trail and are able to switch back into daydream mode and become immersed in the beautiful surroundings we find ourselves in.

Arriving back at the car after 18km of walking, we all feel tired but elated. Don quickly falls asleep in that content way only a dog can, such a wonderful sight!

This is just one of many wonderful itineraries in the region, and remember, the weather is often warm, dry, and sunny. All making for perfect walking conditions. Flowers are starting to appear as is the almond blossom. Over the coming weeks these valleys will turn pink in an explosion of blossom :-)

For more information about the area, the walking, the rock climbing and other adventurous activities please give us a call or e-mail. We'll do our best to help.

Thanks for reading

Mark

Don enjoying a well earned rest!

Rock window on Aixorta

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The mountains of Costa Blanca. Walk of the week - Monte Ponoig

19/10/2017

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Monte Ponoig - view from the start of the walk.

Distance: 12km Ascent: 795m Time: 5 - 6 hours.

Monte Ponoig is often referred to as The Sleeping Lion. There is some resemblance of a lion lying down with it's big mane of hair but even if you can't work it out there is no doubt that this is a huge beast of a mountain. It towers above the pretty town of Polop, the huge orange limestone crags reaching upwards; a popular venue for rock climbers with it's many rock routes and via ferrata.

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The path traversing below Monte Ponoig after the Coll de Cigarri, looking towards the Puig Campana.

Earlier this week I guided Gareth and Steph from Brighton, up this wild and beautiful mountain. We started from the eastern end, high up above Polop and completed a full circuit of the mountain as well as getting to the summit.

The walk starts steeply on a path winding up through pine woods on the left bank of the Barranc de la Canal, the shade from the trees bringing welcome protection from the warm sun. All the time ones eyes are drawn across to the big rock faces on the opposite side of the barranc - often busy with climbers during the winter months.

On reaching the Coll de Cigarri a spectacular view of the Puig Campana greets you. This is the bigger neighbour of Monte Ponoig and the second highest peak in the area. From here the path traverses along the southern slopes of Monte Ponoig towards a huge rock tower.

Gareth and Steph on the summit of Monte Ponoig with Puig Campana behind.

On reaching the huge rock tower the path turns sharply right winding it's way up steeply to another col. From here the path heads up to the summit and the signpost at the col reminds one that this is still 1.8km away. From here onwards the path becomes narrower, less defined and crosses over some sections of scree and a couple of rock steps which involve some easy scrambling. This section of path is on the northern side of the mountain so provides delightfully cool walking for a while.

The summit is eventually reached and the views are stunning - the Puig Campana just across the way; Aintana, the highest mountain in the region, is to the north west; the Bernia ridge is to the east (Mark and his two clients were scrambling here on the same day but even with binoculors we'd have had trouble seeing them!); the coast was in view - the prominant mountain of Montgo far to the north, Calpe and El Penon d'Ifach straight ahead at the end of Ponoig's long, broad ridge and over our shoulder the busy skyline of Benidorm beyond the Puig Campana.

We spent some time taking in the view and the peacefulness of the summit whilst having an early lunch, then headed back along the mountain path to the col. From here a right turn, and fifteen minutes later we reach the Coll del Llamp where we met a group of walkers, the first we'd seen since setting off.

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View from the summit of Monte Ponoig looking over to the Bernia ridge with El Penon d'Ifach in the distance.

The route then follows the Barranc del Gulabadar through pine trees, then across terraces of Olive, Carob and Fig trees, all the time beneath yet more huge limestone crags. Some of the lower crags were busy with a group of climbers enjoying the warm rock.

Further on the path widens and eventually one is on a made up road zig zagging steeply down to the valley below. Then a section of quiet tarmac through pine woods and the finish point is reached and a full circuit of the mountain has been made. A five hour round trip and a very enjoyable day out!

A very enjoyable day out!

Kate

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The mountains of Costa Blanca. Walk of the week - El Cavall Verd

15/10/2017

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Walk no. 2 - El Cavall Verd

Distance – 12k. Ascent – 400m. Time – 3 to 4 hours

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Eastern end of the ridge, looking along to the summit of Penya Roig and beyond that Montgo and the coast.

This is a delightful ridge about 5km long which divides the Vall de Laguar and the Vall de Pop. For much of the time you are walking on limestone pavement, in places worn and polished by many boots and best avoided on a wet day. There are a couple of short rock steps on the eastern half of the ridge but these are aided by fixed ropes and don’t present much difficulty. I usually start and finish at the mountain village of Fleix although several other starting points are also possible such as from the Collado de Garga above Benimaurell.

Cavall Verd is the Valencian name for the ridge (Caballo Verde is the Spanish name) and it means green horse. The ridge gets this name due to history, myths and legends. Back in 1609 there was a huge battle on the ridge as the Spanish king, Fillipe II ordered the final expulsion of the Moors. The last remaining Moors had taken take refuge on the ridge near the rocky summit of Penya Roig above Murla. Legend says that a Moorish knight on a green charger rode out in an attempt to save them. Unfortunately, he failed and so the surviving Moors were deported from the port of Denia to North Africa.

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I’ve walked the ridge in both directions and both have stunning views out across the mountains. East to west you have views ahead towards Mallada del Llop and the wild, rocky Serra de Serella. If you walk west to east along the ridge though you have fine views out to the coast with the coastal mountains of Montgo and Serra de Segaria.

In the spring the ridge is home to a wonderful variety of flowering plants including white asphodels, fennels, different varieties of cistus, rosemary and thyme. For me this is the best time to walk here as I love to see the flora in all it's glory, and there is so much of it that the walk always takes longer as I stop to admire and photograph each one!

The terrain at either end of the ridge is totally different. The eastern end of the ridge being home to the rocky peak of Penya Roig. When you drive down the Vall de Pop, distinctive twin peaks at the head of the valley beckon you – this is Penya Roig above the village of Murla. This peak is the true summit of El Cavall Verd. It is not accessible from the main part of the ridge due to the steepness of the limestone crags which would involve a serious scramble. The western end is the complete opposite with green pine woods which are refreshingly cool to walk through after a hot day on the ridge.

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At the western end of Cavall Verd with Mallada de Llop in the distance.

For anyone wanting a shorter day out this is a walk which can also be done in two halves. There is a path at about the half way point which leads back down to hillside. The western circuit takes about two hours to walk. It is best to start and finish in the village of Benimaurell, one of the pretty mountain villages in the Vall de Laguar. Every house seems to be painted a different colour and the balconies and roof terraces are filled with colourful pots of plants.

Keep an eye out for next weeks walk!

Kate

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White asphodel on El Cavall Verd ridge

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The mountains of Costa Blanca walk of the week: Mallada del Llop

6/10/2017

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It is great to be back in the Costa Blanca mountains once again, feeling the warm sun on my back and blue skies overhead. This part of Spain – the north of Costa Blanca is still fairly green - there’s not been much rain here this summer but enough to keep away the dried, parched out look that you see further to the south. This mountain area is only about half an hour inland from the busy coastal resorts of Javea and Denia but they might as well be a million miles away. It becomes quieter and quieter the further into the mountains you drive and on many walks, you’ll hardly see a sole all day long. I love the beauty and wildness these mountains offer that enthuse you to get out and explore them!

The list of walks to do here is endless with ones to suit everyone - high mountain walks with rocky ridges that require some scrambling; walks on good paths that traverse or meander around the mountain; walks up to hill tops with Moorish castles; walks down into valleys following ancient Mozarabic steps or walks through valleys with ancient terraces full of almond, olive, lemon and orange trees.

To give you a good insight into these fabulous mountains and to tempt you a little I shall write about a different walk every week over the coming months…

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Walking through terraces of olive and almond trees at the start of the walk up Mallada del Llop.

Walk no. 1 – Mallada del Llop & El Regall

Distance – 10k. Ascent – 650m. Time – 4 to 5 hours

Mallada del Llop (1360m) is the eastern peak of the Serra de Serrella and you first see the mountain on your drive there as you near the mountain village of Castell de Castells. This majestic mountain rises above the village – green terraces and pine trees on the lower slopes, topped by a rocky ridge high above.

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Following the small mountain path across the mountainside with views of El Castellet ahead.

There are several routes up this mountain but this walk starts from the mountain village of Famorca and begins on tracks through terraces of olive and almond trees. In early spring the whole area becomes a pink patchwork from blossoming almond trees, a beautiful sight to see.

Soon one turns off onto a delightful mountain path, gently traversing up and across the mountain side until it eventually reaches a col with views across to El Castellet (Serrella Castle) and one looks steeply down into Barranc de la Canal, a wide, deep trench with huge rock walls on either side. The route from here descends into the barranc and follows a path up the centre of the barranc. If you look carefully you'll find three old snow pits along the way which were used in the 18th century to provide ice to the coastal towns and villages. Once at the top of the barranc we reach a col and from here it’s not far to the summit were spectacular views greet you - the huge bulk of Aitana, the beautiful Guadalest valley and lake below and in the distance, the shimmering, blue meditteranean.

Looking into the Barranc de la Canal Walking up the Barranc de la Canal

I think the best bit of the walk comes next – a spectacular wild ridge all the way along to El Regall (or the Pico de Serrella). To the left of the ridge is a vertical drop down huge towering rocks to the Guadalest valley below. For those who don’t have a head for heights don’t worry, the ridge to your right is gently sloping and so it’s easy to keep away from the edge!

Walking along the ridge to El Regall El Regall summit

El Regall is the final summit of the day and it's good to linger here for a while and take in the ridge you've just walked along and the 360˚ views before the return route to Famorca begins. It's downhill all the way now. One passes a lone pine tree and near here I once saw a herd of goats grazing, their bells jangling like in an alpine meadow.

On reaching the col below one takes a right turn following a small path and passing another snow pit. Just after is the Clot de Noguer followed soon after by the Font de Noguer. One can now see the village of Famorca far below and soon after passing a walled corral a good path zig-zags its way down the mountainside to the village below and the end of the walk.

Another walk to follow next week, keep posted...

Kate

Herd of goats just below the summit of El Regall

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Barranco de Malafi and rather exciting looking ridge!

17/1/2017

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Yet another striking ridge in Northern Costa Blanca

Yesterday we (Mark, Kate, Kim, and Don) decided on a walking day, partly to let our hands and arms rest from rock climbing, but also so we could explore more of this beautiful area. So often, the way to discover new crags for climbing and / or scrambling is to go for a walk in the mountains and look around.

At 20km distance and about 650m of ascent this was going to be a tiring day, a rest for arms maybe, but legs would certainly be on overtime!
Starting from the Pla de Petracos, the scenery is immediately breathtaking, and it only gets better. The track through the barranco proved to be very rough, probably due to the recent flooding, but wow did it show us some sights. The rocky crags to our right ended in an extremely narrow ridge, one that needs to be climbed for sure. At present we don't even know what it's called, or if it has a name, most likely it doesn't.

Ascending out of the barranco we were treated to views towards Serrella and over to Forada, as well as Bernia.

Arriving back at the Pla de Petrecos, we were all pleasantly tired and feeling happy with our new discovery.

Thanks to Kate, Kim, and Don for their good company.

Mark

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Aixorta - Big days in the mountains of Spain

The mountains of Costa Blanca. Walk of the week - Monte Ponoig

The mountains of Costa Blanca. Walk of the week - El Cavall Verd

The mountains of Costa Blanca walk of the week: Mallada del Llop

Barranco de Malafi and rather exciting looking ridge!

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