16 Mar 2009 - Monday Club 2000 Steps

If I had to pick one favourite walk of all those we do with the Monday Club it would have to be this one. Its actually a 2000 Steps Plus walk, as it involves an extension to the bottom of the Inferno Barranco.

This walk is led by Peter, and starts from Benimaurell. We walk down a path towards Fleix, then turn down a steep track which leads to an impressive short tunnel. Then down more steps to the barranco (dry river bed). We follow this river to a large rock cairn, where the 2000 steps begins the return journey.

Here we do an extension for another half hour or so, which takes us to the bottom of the Inferno Barranco, a huge cave like area. Really, really impressive.

Then its back again to the cairn, where we usually have our picnic lunch. Then up the very steep climb to yet more steps. The path goes up, and up and up. Eventually we reach Benimaurell and the cafe for a well deserved beer.

An excellent walk, which we have done twice now. Its a quite strenuous walk, and I think some of our group find it pretty hard going. However its such an enjoyable, and challenging, walk that it would be a pity if we did not attempt it at last once a year.

11 Mar 2009 - Granadella Recce

Another recce of the Combre del Sol to Granadella beach walk. This time in reverse, so that we could walk down the steep, winding hill. We started from the hipicia as usual, across to the mirador, up and over the ridge and down to the ruined tower for a break. Then along the coastal path to Granadella beach for lunch. Avoiding the baranco we climbed the hill to rejoin the path to Combre del Sol. All agreed it was a much better walk, particularly in the hotter months when the steep winding road can be a reall killer.

9 Mar 2009 - Monday Club Orba Castle

This is the second time we have led this walk with the Monday Club from Parcent to Orba Castle.

This river was supposed to be dry!

Because of the water we had to use a difficult track up to Murla

Just after this group photo was taken, Anne had a bad fall as we walked through Murla. However she insisted on completing the walk

This was one of the largest groups for a long time

Orba Castle is the largest hill on the right

The road leading to the castle suddenly comes to an abrupt end

Sylvia, David and Rosemary

The "B Team" show their appreciation for their leader (me!)

Its not usually this crowded at the castle

Coming down is more difficult than going up

Everyone was ready for a short break in Murla

The water was cold and very welcome

This is the restraurant that was closed because the owner did not have the necessary authority to open. It is rumoured that he lost €1 million on the deal

This was the family home, which was gutted when they moved out

Pat and David share a joke