Walking in Calpe

Distance: Six miles Ascent: 606 feet Starting by an ancient farmhouse on a remote mountain, this walk fulfils the promise of a pretty and peaceful country walk on, for the most part, good paths and tracks with only brief significant uphill and downhill sections. Throughout the route there is a backdrop of dramatic limestone ridges which stand in contrast to the superb rural scenery. A variety of ruined casitas and other historic remains provide links with past agricultural lifestyles. The scenic features include almond groves, abandoned terraces, fields of grape vines, pine woods, virgin mountainside and stands of bamboo.

Distance: Six miles Ascent: 885 feet This walk begins in a typical old mountain village set high amid rugged landscape. There are several significant uphill and downhill sections though none of more than short duration. Much of the earlier part of the route lies along the impressive remains of a Mozarabic trail. The area is renowned for its superb scenery, notably the breathtaking Pasa Tancat. The walk visits the site of an Iberian settlement and a Moorish spring and reservoir together with many attractive areas of both cultivated and abandoned terraces. The route uses many twisting narrow paths, mule ramps and old tracks while offering myriad wonderful views throughout. The final section of the walk takes a tortuous route through the interesting village and its church square.

Distance: nine miles Ascent: 1000 feet Sierra Olta is a designated nature reserve. Rising steeply above extensive pine woods, this attractive mountain sits crowned by impressive cliffs supporting an apparent plateau. The route includes a good number of short, significant uphill and downhill sections, mainly on forest trails and mountain paths. The summit area is most interesting, possessing many rocky outcrops which are surrounded by undulating heath land with scattered clusters of contrasting pine trees. Throughout the walk the views of the coastline, the Peñon de Ifach and the towering Sierra Bernia are spectacular. Signs of the resident boar colony are often seen, especially when close to the sole natural spring lying near the summit.

Distance: nine miles Ascent: 1300 feet This walk sets out from the tiny village of Fleix and later passes another village, Benimaurell, both of which are perched high upon the side of an awe-inspiring gorge known as the Barranco del Infierno (Gorge of Hell). The river here becomes extremely turbulent when swollen by floods, clearly demonstrating its dramatic name. The route has significant, moderate duration, ascents and descents and uses a series of Moorish zigzag pathways, farm tracks and peaceful lanes, mostly in good repair. Other particular features of this walk include Labaderos, or village washhouses, local fonts, an old water mill and attendant features, extensive mature woodlands and a former leper colony with its imposing surrounding wall. Throughout the walk there are many memorable views to be enjoyed.