The influence of the Arab civilisation that ruled for many years in Spain is explored in this walking holiday that visits castles, Mozarabic trails, and historic battle sites in remote canyons. We also visit some ancient cave paintings that are a record of the civilisations that inhabited the area more than 8,000 years ago.
Itinerary: this is a typical weeks walking, but it may vary according to weather conditions, etc,
Day 1: Arrival in Abdet. A short walk around the village (depending on your arrival time), looking at some old mills, anclent irrigation systems built with Moorish technology, and the old wash house (lavadero).
Day 2: Serrella Castle and Summits. Our route follows an ancient mule track that negotiates a hidden canyon and a massive rock arch, it then visits the spectacular ruined Moorish castle perched high on rocky ridge, finally traversing an easy ridge to the summit of Mala de Llop
Day 3: Barranco de Sinc. Witness the amazing vulture colony and the historic castles and watch towers around Alcoy
Day 5: Confrides Castle and Guadalest. The impressive remains of Confrides Castle command extensive views over the whole valley. The 12th Century Moorish village of Guadalest is also explored.
Day 6: Val de Laguart. 5,000 steps on the Mozzarabic trails that lead into the Barranco de Infierno. These Moorish mule trails are the quite incredible and take us down into the depths of a rocky canyon
Day 7: Bernia Summit and through the Ridge. We head to the Bernia peak which lies beyond Guadalest. A superb route with an easy scramble to reaching the rocky East summit. We also visit an unusal Mozarabic fort. Then a natural tunnel through the mountain!
Day 8 - Depart Abdet
As part of the week you are invited to help clear/maintain some local walking paths. This involves clearing collapsed walls and rocks, cutting back fallen trees and thorns, and making signs. This is of course optional and is just for half a day, it's actually great fun!
Please contact us and we will arrange accommodation and provide free advice on guiding options
Or any other dates for groups of 3, 4 or 5.
Location: Guadalest Valley (Sierra Serrella & Sierra Aitana), Val de Laguart, Barranco de Malafi, Sierra Mariola
Price from: £550 (based on two sharing)
