7 Feb 2009 - Granadella Recce Walk

David and Rosemary invited Jan and I to accompany them on a recce to find an easier route from Colbre del Sol to Granadella beach. In particular David wanted to avoid the long walk along the baranco (dry river bed)

The walk starts from the riding stables at Combre del Sol and we had to find a path down to the beach at Granadella.

We found the path ok, and were soon on the pebble strewn beach. We had the beach to ourselves, apart from this hungry little cat

I expect he makes a fuss of all the visitors, and gets handouts as his reward

This cat obviously knows just how to get his way with David and Jan

Although bright and sunny, it was still cold enough on the beach for coats

Last treat for puss

This shot looks more like UK than Spain

We left the beach and climbed the long, winding road to the view point above

Granadella beach from the viewpoint

Then its along the coastal path, with lovely views out to sea

The old Spanish fort destroyed by a British ship during the Napoleonic Wars was to be our lunch picnic spot

This has always been my favourite part of the whole walk

There is a comfortable wall to sit on and enjoy the quiet

The views are some of the best along the whole coast

Rosemary, Jan and I trying to keep smiling while David takes the photo

This is a very sheltered spot, and Jan is soon warm enough to remove her coat

None of us were in a great hurry to leave this lovely spot

After lunch it is straight up the hill. The path is not very clear and we had to search to find it

Once found the path is quite easy to follow

Its quite a steep climb, so we stop for a drink stop

Its a narrow path on the top which makes Jan a little nervous

At the far end of the ridge we come to this mirador (view point)

We have David to thank for this nice photo

David and Rosemary enjoy the break

The weather improved during the walk, and it was now quite warm

There used to be a wooden roof on this mirador, but a storm blew it off

Jan gets ready for the last stretch

From the Mirador its a level walk on good paths back to the car

We all agreed that this route was a great improvement on the usual walk, but we decided to try it in reverse to avoid the horrible hill climb on the road after the beach.

4 Feb 2009 - Almond Blossoms

For a couple of weeks each February the Jalon valley is covered with Almond blossoms. It is often windy at this time of year, and strong winds can shorted the period to a few days. We are particularly lucky, because at the end of our road is a particularly lovely view up the valley towards Murla.

Each year the Jalon Valley Help, a local charity, organise a walk in the Jalon valley to view the blossoms. However as this is a local walk for us, we choose a nice sunny day and do a circular walk from Parcent to Jalon.

The whole valley seems to be carpeted in blossoms

The view from our naya of Parcent and the blossoms beyond. Its normally a very beautiful sight, but at this time of year the colour is amazing.

This is the view from the bottom of our road, looking towards Murla. This is one of the best views of the blossoms we have seen.

Another view from the bottom of the road. Its so impressive it hardly seems worthwhile to go on to the 8 mile walk to Jalon and back.

Again from the bottom of our road, this time looking towards Murla (left) and the Orba valley (right). If you look carefully you can see the wall of the Fontilles hospital, which used to be a leper colony and is now a research and training centre.

2 Feb 2009 - Monday Club Campell Walk

Having done the recce for this walk the previous month, David and I were confident we could find the way and had selected good spots to have a break.

We all met at Tormos and walked through the village to Isbert Dam. Then it would be through the disused tunnel and up the hill to Fontilles. Another climb would take us to lunch at Campbell. Then down through the village, back downhill to the railway tunnel and back through the valley to Tormos.

Its only a short drive of about 6 miles to Tormos, where this walk starts. We begin by walking through the valley towards Isabert Dam.

We soon came upon this poor little black dog. He had a quite distinct limp, which Peter thought was the result of ill treatment. He was delighted to be made a fuss of, and we were all happy to do so

Peter makes a new friend. We are always ready to be distracted and call a halt. It might be a flower, a pretty view or in this case a stray dog.

For those who have not done the walk before, a stop at the dam is recommended. Very impressive view of this folly. After the dam was built it was discovered that the water soaked away into the underground lakes and rivers.

Most of us walked down to the dam to have a look. Peter went further, and climbed the rusty hand rails right to the top of the dam. The rest of us just took the opportunity for a rest and a drink of water.

Pat and the more daring members of the group walked to the head of the dam along the disused railway track.

A group photo with a background of the blossoms and the mountain village of Campell.

Lunch was at the isolated church just above Campell. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy our picnic lunch. Often on these walks we are lucky to get a pointed rock to sit on.

26 Jan 2009 - Monday Club Gata Walk

This is the second time that Peter has led this walk in the hills around Gata. It is mostly a valley walk, but with one steep climb and a difficult decent.

Gata is always popular as it is very central, and on the A322, so easy for everyone to get to.

It is about 12 miles from Parcent.

Mostly very good paths like this one allow us to look around at the views

Peter is leading at the front, closely followed by David and Barry

We have David to thank for this nice one of Jan and I

We are never far from Montgo, the mountain overlooking Denia

One of the more picturesque wells to be found on this walk

David and Jan share a joke over a cup of coffee

Most unusual to have two photographs of Jan and I. Again we have David to thank.

This lovely church on the outskirts of Gata was a bonus just at the end of the walk. Most visitors to Gata would probably not find it, as it is outside the town proper.

Ken, Jan and I pose by the Stations of the Cross

Nice setting for a final group photo of a memorable walk.