8 Feb 2010 - Cross of Montgo

Despite a forecast of rain for the afternoon, eleven of us turned up for the walk. We started from Los Lagos, where most of our Montgo walks start.

The first half hour was through the woods. A recent storm had caused a lot of damage to the trees, but apart from one which blocked the path at the start of the walk, the rest of the path had been cleared.

However along the whole length of the path we passed trees which had been blown down or cut down.

Then we started to climb, and climb and climb. This is one of our more difficult hill walks and the chatter was soon replaced by silence as everyone got on with the climb

This is the part which Jan dislikes. The path becomes indistinct, with large boulders and some “exposure” (narrow path close to the edge of a steep fall). However it was not as bad as she had remembered it from last time.

There was then another steep climb to the main Montgo circuit path. NOT the top of Montgo, but far enough for most folk!

It took us about two hours to get to our first “banana stop”, and the faces say it all…..

The view would be enough for most people to have achieved. But our leader Pat is made of stronger stuff. We were allowed ten minutes rest, and then it was off again – to the cross.

It took another half hour to get to the track which leads to the cross, and then a steep climb for 15 minutes to get to the cross itself

We reached the cross at about 12.30pm, too early for lunch. So after a very short break for a photo opportunity………

….it was back down again to retrace our steps to our earlier halt, where we would now have lunch.

We took the same path down from the cross to the Montgo circuit path, but it was much more difficult than going up. This is often the case, particularly on ill defined paths.

The smiles are because they are on the main track around Montgo. It is a very good path and no more climbing before we reach our lunch stop.

Half an hour later we reach our lunch spot, and settle down to a well deserved rest. It is now 1.30pm and we are all ready for our picnic. Its overcast, but still dry and no sign of the promised rain.

Barry and Wendy settle down to lunch…………

…..and the rain arrives.

I will not dwell on the journey back to the cars. For the first hour our waterproofs were on and off and on. Though overcast it was still quite warm, and when the rain stopped we were soon uncomfortable in our waterproofs, however as soon as we took them off the rain would start again. As we reached the bottom of Montgo and entered the woods again the rain increased in volume and we were a sad looking group as we finally reached the cars. By the time we reached Parcent it was dry, by the time we had our shower the sun was shinning again!

6 Feb 2010 - Pedreguer

We often travel through Pedreguer on our way to Denia or Javea. It is one of the least attractive towns in the area, and we had never been tempted to stop and explore. So we were quite surprised when David and Rosemary asked us if we would like to go with them on a recce walk to see if we could find a suitable walk for the Monday Club.

We parked near the old town, an area we had not seen before. At the start of the walk is this new area map, with different walks marked on it. This is something new to the area, previously there was a distinct lack of suitable maps or walk markings. However over the last year they have suddenly appeared on many of our walks. It’s a wonderful area for hill walking, and it looks like the local tourist information offices have decided to make them more accessible.

The walk starts with a steady climb on a very good mosarabic trails.

Not only was the route well marked with yellow and white markings, but also we found finger posts at each track junction. Unfortunately they are quite flimsy, and already many of them have fallen apart.

In less than an hour we had completed the climb, and took a break at this cleared circular area. A lot of work had gone into clearing the area, and we wondered whether it might be a connected to fire fighting, perhaps a helicopter landing site.

The next section of the walk was along this level and clearly defined track. On such a good path it was not necessary to watch where you put your feet, so we could admire the views of the mountains and coast.

The only drawback was the very strong winds. At times we had to lean into the wind to stand upright. This tree gives a good indication of how strong the wind was. Note also the yellow and white route mark on the trunk.

At the next junction we started to make our way downhill. This was the hardest going of the whole walk. The path was steep with lots of loose rocks and rubble. In parts there were signs of water damage, which made the going very difficult.

We eventually arrived at Font d’Aixa, our lunch spot. This is a lovely spot, which we had visited a couple of time previously on a different walk. This time we had it all to ourselves, and realised how quiet it was as we listened to the bird song. As we were sheltered from the wind it was very warm and we were reluctant to get started again.

A short, but steep, climb followed to get back on the path back to Pedreguer. Then it was downhill for an hour or so.

The walk had taken six hours, and in parts the track was quite difficult. Possible not suitable for the Monday Club. But it is a lovely area, with a lot of different walk options, and I am sure we will find a suitable walk eventually.

1 Feb 2010 - Alt de Ample

No walk last Monday due to heavy rain, however no such problem today. It was sunny with clear skies as we started the walk, though very cold.

After a short approach walk we were soon climbing, and quickly warmed up. Although still close to Jalon, we were soon far from any signs of habitation

This area is well used by local hunters, and consequently the path is very good. It’s an easy climb for about an hour and then excellent all around views.

Looking back the way we had come, with views of the urbanizations above Jalon and behind the coast

With the climbing behind us, there is now a lovely level walk. Bernia provides the background scenery

Ahead are Montgo and the coast near Denia

This was a good spot for a photo of David and Rosemary………

…..and another one of Jan and I

We had made very good progress, in fact too good. To avoid reaching our picnic lunch spot too early we stopped at this abandoned finca for a short break

Not sure what Ken is up to. He has scratched something on the wall of the abandoned finca – I think he might be thinking of buying it.

Another ten minutes and we have reached our lunch location. After this it is downhill all the way, and no suitable spot to stop and eat. So we settled for an early lunch. It was a nice sun trap with lovely views, so everyone was quite happy to have a longer than usual lunch break.

Lovely views as we continued after lunch. The narrow and winding path zig zags downhill for about an hour. Very rocky and one of those path where you have to watch your feet every foot of the way.