6 Dec 2010 - Olta

This is a very popular walk near the coastal town of Calpe.   We had forgotten that today is (another) Spanish holiday, and the car park was full when we arrived.   Benissa town hall had arranged a walk and we had to explain to a Spanish chap that we were not that group.  Fortunately they arrived just as we were about to start.

After a long spell of (for us) very cold weather, today was warm and sunny.  For about 10 days the daytime temperatures have varied from 6-10 degrees, and the early mornings and evenings considerably less.   But today there was an increase to 20 degrees.   Something to do with the winds from Morocco and the Sahara.  Whatever the reason the rise in temperature is very welcome and we are making the best of it.

The circular walk around Olta is, for the most part, on very good paths.   We had planned to include the summit to extend the walk and add a bit of a challenge.   However there were very strong winds today and Pat, our leader today, decided against it.   Instead we took a new path with excellent views of the peaks and the coast below.

The decision was taken just as we reached the summit.  So the steep climb up was followed by a steep walk down again.   Everyone had agreed not to tackle the summit in such strong winds, so everyone was quite happy with the decision.

One of the nicest parts of walking on the Olta is The Ermita.   This is a church with an excellent picnic site, including toilets with running water.   A real luxury on a Monday Club walk.   There was no wind in this sheltered spot, which was ideal for a leisurely picnic lunch.

I had forgotten to take my camera today, so I am very grateful to David who took all of the photos for today’s blog.

It was so comfortable sitting at the Ermita that no one was in any hurry to pack up and make our way back to the cars.   David and Rosemary, plus Peter and Ann, are returning to UK this week, so our numbers will be reduced next week.

Next Week

Meet at Pinos at 1000.   Coming from Benissa, drive through the village and after the first bridge park on the right.