12 May 2006 - Castells Walk

Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers (CBMW) is the largest and most popular walking group in the area. It is similar to the Ramblers Association in UK and it meets twice a week on Saturday and Wednesday. There are usually two walks on each day, one moderate (for reasonably fit walkers) and one difficult (for the A Team types). There is no charge to walk, but all are expected to buy the walking programme which comes out in Spring and Autumn, however at a cost of 1.30 euro it will not break the bank.

Although walking is very popular in this area, particularly amongst ex pats, most of the walks are not easy to find or follow. There is nothing like the Ordnance Survey Map here on the Costa Blanca, and usually only long distance paths are way marked. So the CBMW provide an excellent way to explore the area, and make new friends at the same time.

This was our second walk with the group, unfortunately I did not take any photographs of our first one, which was from Jalon to Parcent.

Castell de Castells is about 10 miles from Parcent. Its a small and very Spanish village, and is reached by driving along a lovely valley. Its a very popular walking area, and CBMW walks in this area are usually well supported. This one was no exception with about 30 walkers turning up.



This walk was led by Gerald and Maureen. are very experienced walkers, and have led walks in this area for many years. During the midday halt for a picnic lunch, they told us about another local walking club, called the Monday Club, and invited us to attend their next walk to see if we liked it. We were already committed to two walks a week with CBMW but were happy to expand our range of walking, and friends.

We already knew that this was a lovely area, but we were still surprised just how lovely. Once again we found ourselves comparing it to Scotland, where we had spent many happy days walking the mountains. Here we were again surrounded by lovely mountain ranges, but this time in pretty constant sunshine.




When we think back to this walk we always remember the lovely poppy fields. There are many flowers to be found in the surrounding area, and I am ashamed to say I know pretty well nothing about them. However to my eye nothing compared to the carpet of poppies.



This was one of our first walks here on the Costa Blanca, and we always remember it with affection. I use a digital camera, and do not normally have prints made. However we were so pleased with this walk that we had some made and framed.