Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The panoramic views across the sierra, the amazing pena (rocky outcrops), the spectacular sunrises and the the riot of almond blossom.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose worked hard to ensure the week went smoothly for us. Excellent sandwich maker--the best! Yummy lunches, the purple carrots, cakes and chocolate were a great treat. All transportation worked like clockwork. Unparalleled last night entertainment--singing, flamenco, the tattiest tat competition, the sangria drinking...unforgettable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weathers--we had snow the first couple of days (or was it almond blossom disguised as snow???) so thermals and woolly hats and gloves were needed, but by the end of the week were walking in shorts.Be prepared for long days and be reasonably fit. Some descents are tricky and poles are helpful. This is a step up from a "B" grade, so expect that.Don't expect to lose weight on this holiday because of all the walking, there is a lot of eating too. The food at the accomodation in Sella (Casa Roc) is outstanding. Also, lots of chocolate involved. Jose's sandwiches as previously mentioned are "legendary".The accomodation at Sella had shared bathrooms, worked OK as people were considerate. The communal kitchen and terraces were ideal for relaxing in. We needed oil heaters in the rooms as it was quite cold at night. The hosts, Steve and Liz, both British, were extremely welcoming and the dining room was wonderfully warm and atmospheric. In Benimantell the rooms were en-suite and warmer, though the atmosphere of the place was far less cosy.Not much to do on the free day--that suited us as we did some bird-watching and read our books and had a luxurious and delicious 3 course lunch with wine and liquers at Cafe Rafal in Benimantell for euros 15 each (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). Others in the group had massages (arranged by Jose), or went to the coast, even bravely venturing to an out-of-season Benidorm!! We had a group that got along well, which made the trip enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

What was going to be put in the sandwiches each day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local leader (Jose Miguel) was extremely informative about the area and brought great enthuasism to his job.  He managed the group well, ensuring that all members were able to participate in the walks.  He was also very helpful in dealing with medical dietary requirements, as were the two accommodation places.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough and have some experience of more strenuous paths/terrain conditions and, in the cooler months of the year, have all the appropriate gear.Take walking poles, but ensure you have experience in using them properly beforehand. Be open-minded about the possible requirement to share bathrooms in the second accommodation.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments of 'did I really walk/scramble up there?!' and 'how on earth am I going to get back down!', but getting through the 'eye of the needle' rock, otherwise known as Fat Man's Agony, and then having a picnic lunch in the sunshine after I'd stopped trembling is a memorable moment. Another was almost getting to the summit of Puig Campana and then down the other side! After 4 days of looking at a very daunting summit from our balcony at Casaroc I could say to myslef, 'yes, I did it!'

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel was our sandwich-maker and leader extraordinaire, who effortlessly organized, drove and guided us through a landscape which he was clearly passionate about, and even maintained at his own cost and in his own time. Some of the paths would have remained unpassable had he not strimmed his way through them before we arrived. He gauged the strengths and weakenesses of our group pretty quickly, and dealt with them appropriately. He had a great sense of humour too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even if you don't usually use walking poles, they will be handy for the descents, which can be hard on the knees otherwise. Also, most of us came away with scratches on arms and legs from the multitude of spiny bushes, so gaiters would be a good idea. Camel backs were ideal for the amount of water you need as well as ease of use for the whole day's walk. Be prepared for quite a bit of scrambling and very rocky terrain, and make your day pack as light as possible (but with rain gear and water). I think that the walks were perhaps more challenging than moderate, but all the more satisfying for that.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summits of each mountain climbThe sunset on the final day of walkingJose's passion for the region and his committment to the local communityEnjoying the generous supply of Spanish wineThe hospitality we received at both sets of accommodationThe tranquility - on most days we hardly saw any other walkers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was incredible. He has a great sense of humor, is extremely knowledgeable, and a tremendous patriot for this region of Spain. His community minded attitude, and respect for the environment, was inspirational. You couldn't ask for a better host and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather at this time of year was really warm on most of the days. Plenty of sunscreen and water required

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending from Puig Campagna as the sun was setting down and the mountains were covered in gold and amber.  Just perfect!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel was a perfect host and guide.  He ensured everyone's needs were taken care of.  And, his knoweledge of the region and history complemented his tasty sandwiches. 

Most Inspirational Moment

 Very difficult to pin point any 'one' thing as everyday had plenty of very fond memories. Scenery is really magical and whilst on the trail you often saw glimpses of valleys or ridges that we had either done previously or  were to be challenges in the days ahead .  If pushed then certainly the summit of Puig Campana was indeed a great finale to the week ...a great route to get to the top, and an even better one heading back to our base at Sella. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was a real character and makes great packed lunches!  His local knowledge was very impressive and love of the area was obvious.  He had spent huge amounts of effort in fine tuning the routes to maximise our enjoyment, and was able to give interesting anecdotes about rural village life past and present. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only a small point  but here is not a lot of chances to buy any trail snacks ( or indeed anything)  so you might want to take some them out from the UK . On the other hand you might get the chance to sample the odd Orange as you pass by a grove! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Great views across the Sierra to the coast.Wonderful Spanish home cooking at Benimantell. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good fun, very knowledgable and clearly a local celebrity.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It might just about be a B/C grade, but it's pretty close to a C; there are a couple of longer days, there's the odd short scrambly bit and sometimes because the area is so rarely walked the trail is a bit rough. The trip notes describe the walks very accurately, so read those rather than just go by the grade. This is all good, but it's best to know what to expect. April and May departures are likely to be pretty warm, although there was always a breeze up on the ridges.

Most Inspirational Moment

A wonderful full body massage after some very challenging hiking.We did this trip 5 years ago and were so impressed we decided to do it again (we don't usually repeat a trip). But 5 years, two unreliable knees and a dodgy hip combined to cause some problems for me. I decided to forgo the hike up to the highest peak and after the first, easy 3 hour walk, sat in a sunny glade with my book to wait for the rest of the party. I figured I had done it once and had nothing to prove. I spent an enjoyable few hours chatting to passing hikers and bikers and one very elderly gentleman who wanted to try out his English. He could read English well but didn't know how to pronounce most of the words - we both had fun guessing what the other was saying.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

In a word - excellent. Jose Miguel is full of enthusiasm for this part of Spain - his home. Committed to the rural way of life and sustainable living. Very adaptable when the weather wasn't on our side.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take heed of the trip notes - this is not an easy stroll.Sadly, the weather was not as kind in March as it had been in late January 5 years ago when the sun shone every day. Be prepared for some rain in early season. 

Most Inspirational Moment

First day ( Sunday pm ) of arrival walking around El Castell de Guadalest after tapas, close our first hotel and seeing the landscape of walks ahead, and feeling the warm sun after the wet, wintry and cold of the UK.  Mid week walk from Benimantell guesthouse to next stay at Sella, and walking over Aitana, 1558 m , highest point of the week, and walking through a gap in the rocks from one valley to the other.Walk up Puig Campana 1408m , mountain that backdrops Benidorm, challenging , would class as the C walk, rest all B, was windy on our day, but dry and sunny, did not quite make the top due to conditions, zig zagging up scree slope challenging but expertly lead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel an excellent guide , locally based in Sella, with a great backup team of local drivers, all working in the local community of Sella, your base for second half of week. Spoke excellent English, knows the area very well, excellent mountain guide, discussed topics of interest along the way, regularly checked group for level of happiness, made some warping 3 layered sandwiches for the lunches. Helps with the options for your free day. A TV star as was shown a DVD of him with Cameron McNeish in the area for a BBC TV Adventure programme.  A big plus for this tour, being lead by a local man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ideal for regular hikers, anyone who can do Snowdon will find it ok. Definitely bring a walking pole or 2. And drinking water bottles, thirsty work in the warm sun. The almond blossom week went on added some pretty colour to the arid landscape.Free day options , I went to the coast, beautiful sandy bay of a Spanish resort of La Villa Joyiasa, colourful houses, quieter resort certainly in early Feb; train from here could take you to Alicante , or Benidorm ( if like skyscrapers on a sandy bay), or further up to Altea or Javea if time allows, I was happy just to stay and chill in the sun after the strains of hiking.

Most Inspirational Moment

reaching the top after a push and a shove  to go from the dark side to the flat light side of the peak!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was funny sweet and lots of fun  my did he walk FAST A very good sandwichmaker  he even pleased the vegetarian of the group  when i was cold in one of the stops  hotel  he made sure the heating was on for me  and got me blankets

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit  lose weight  be prepared for challenging uphill walking