2 Nov 2009 - Pinos to Bernia

This Pinos village to Bernia circular walk is one of the longer ones the Monday Club do, and it is in one of the most beautiful areas as well. We had a good crowd of 17 for this popular walk

We park well into the mountains and walk up a steep road, but then its off road onto a track heading for the Bernia mountains

As always there is a lot of climbing involved

When you get your breath back after the climb, the views take it away again

The climb is followed by a good level path towards the Bernia, and at last the path is good enough to be able to take your eyes off where you are putting your feet

With such a large group the walk quickly developed into three walks, with a fair gap between each one. But it gave me a good opportunity to take this sort of shot with Bernia as a backdrop for the front group

Just before we started to climb again we had a water break at this lovely old finca

Any opportunity to sit and take off the back pack, not to mention something to eat. Its not for nothing that we call them “banana stops”

By the end of the next climb it was midday, and we were all very hot from a stiff climb. So this shaded area was very welcome for a quick water stop

Or indeed a quick apple stop!

From here we wealked through the woods towards the car park area at the start of the Bernia walk

You can see from this shot why this is one of my favourite walks

This is another section where it is safe to look around at the scenery, and you are spoilt for choice. Apart from the mountains, there are also long views right to the coast.

There is now about half an hour’s easy walk to where we plan to have lunch, with excellent views of the mountains

And towards the nearby Olta mountain overlooking Calpe and the sea

Lunch was at this empty finca

With this excellent view towards the coast

And after lunch a long walk back to the cars.

26 Oct 2009 - Gata circular

Today’s walk was a circular walk from Gata. It’s a walk we have done a few times before, and is memorable for the long, long climb up to the summit of Soldates

The first section is along an easy track and down to the dry river bed

Then a lovely section through the woods, particularly attractive on a nice sunny day like today.

Our first break was a short stop just before we started the climb. Being a very warm day we were all in need of lots of water – even before we started the on Soldates.

The path just goes up...

......and up and up

Reaching the top is a great sense of achievement, and a very welcome rest

And of course there are the views

And still more views

Having done all of that climbing, it was then downhill on a very difficult track to our lunch stop

Beside this lovely old ruined finca

Wiith stunning views of Montgo

After lunch the walk provided excellent views of and the coast

And still more of Montgo

Not to mention Gata itself

As we neared the town we passed this lovely olive tree

And finally to a well deserved very cold drink

19 Oct 2009 - Olta Circular

Today’s walk was a circular one around Olta, the very distinctive hill overlooking Calpe. Although we have done this walk two or three times before, we still misread the road signs leading to the car park at the camping site. But we had allowed so much time to get there we were still one of the first to arrive.

This walk is shorter than most we do, and drew a good crowd. It was led by Ann, who took us on a route which was new to Jan and I. Normally we tackle a difficult bit of scree, either going up or coming down. It had rained quite a lot recently, and we were concerned that the ground might be difficult. But Ann avoided this section all together and we followed a broad track all the way.

Todays weather forecast was possible light rain in the morning. But despite some cloud it was sunny but cooler than lately for the whole walk. The path was exceptionally muddy, and for the first time here in Spain we had to walk with a build up of mud on our boots. I had forgotten how uncomfortable it can be, and feels like walking on stilts!

The first things everyone did when we stopped for our "banana break" was to scrape the mud off their boots. But as soon as we started walking again it was as thick as ever after a few minutes. Fortunately towards the end of the walk the path was much less muddy.


There is a lovely lunch spot at the church, with picnic tables and toilets. But it is very close to either the start or the end of the walk, depending on which way you walk the circuit. So today we stopped for lunch at an old ruined finca.

This walk may be a little short for some of our more energetic members, but I always enjoy it. It makes a pleasant change not to have to climb mountains, and with the ground so muddy it was a very good choice. Also there are some wonderful views over Calpe and the coast, and all for less physical effort than usual.