The Walks

Walking Grades

Easy (E)	For anyone apart from the seriously unfit. Mostly on good tracks and roads although may include unsurfaced rural paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
Moderate (M)	For people with walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and some open country., Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Strenuous (S)	For experienced walkers with an above average fitness level. Walks may include hills, some short scrambles and some trackless walking. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Very Strenous (VS)	For experienced and very fit walkers. Walks may include steep hills, some scrambling, scree, etc. but never climbing! Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Here are some examples of the many walks on offer in this area:

CIRCUIT OF BARRANCO (10KM - 3 HOURS) - E Starting from the outskirts of Jalon village, this walk ascends an ancient track recently discovered after a fire. Lovely walk on good tracks with splendid views of the valley.
VALLEY CIRCUIT FROM PARCENT (10KM - 3½ HOURS) - E Leaving the village of Parcent, you will stroll through the orange and almond groves in this picturesque valley, pausing in the village of Alcalali for refreshments followed by a visit to an olive tree which may be up to 2,000 years old.
ALT DE AMPLE (10KM - 4 HOURS) - M This walk begins in the village of Jalon. The ascent takes an excellent mozarabic trail. All on good tracks passing old settlements, there are dramatic views into the Barranco del Cao. Short optional scramble to the summit and then descend back to the valley.
CARRASCAL DE PARENT (16KM - 6 HOURS ) - M Leaving Restaurante La Piscina, we head out on good tracks and quite a steep ascent onto the ridge, then a traverse of lovely tops with wonderful 360 degree views. Tracks most of the way but one or two sections which are almost trackless. Short, easy descent on concrete road and back to the mozarabic trail back to the restaurant and maybe a pause for refreshments!
BERNIA FORAT AND FORT (14KM - 5 HOURS) - S Starting at the base of the impressive Seria Bernia this clockwise circuit ascends on the north side with views of the valley below.  Following a short crawl through a small tunnel you will emerge on the south side to stunning coastal views of Altea and Benidorm in the far distance.  Carry on the rough tracks and over some scree to an old fort.  Spectacular views, some scrambling. Descending on good tracks passing through to the north of the Bernia again and down to restaurant.
ABOVE THE CORDILLERAS DE BENIGEMBLA (15KM - 6 HOURS) – S A circular clockwise route across lovely remote hills which are not often walked, and returning down the long Almadich valley.  It is partly trackless but generally good underfoot.  The ascent involves one very steep section for about 20 minutes.  Very varied and lofty views.
WALK OF THE 10,000 STEPS (18KM - 6 ½ HOURS) – VS The length and height gain make this a very strenuous walk but it is all on good tracks, most of which are ancient stepped mozarabic trails.  It descends and climbs out of 3 gorges, and almost all the going is either uphill or downhill.  The views are stunning and this is a great classic walk of the area.  If you do it once, you will want to come back and do it again!  You don’t have to be an athlete to do this walk, but reasonably fit and experienced in mountain walking.
Grades are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk, please contact us in advance. You should also bear in mind that times allowed are approximate; people walk at differing paces and of course the possibility of bad weather can make a walk more difficult than planned.   On all walks, please ensure you have suitable clothing, walking boots, waterproofs and warm clothing are essential!  Always carry plenty of water as it can get very warm, even in the winter months.   Above all remember, this is meant to be a pleasurable experience!  Please inform your guide if you are having any difficulty and they will adapt the walk to suit you.  All walks are undertaken weather permitting and unfortunately we cannot be held responsible for any cancellations due to adverse conditions.  We will only undertake walking if conditions are safe to do so and, as all our guides have lived and walked in the area for many years, their decision is final.