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The tour starts at our pension in the little village of Benimantell, half way up on Guadalest Valley on the north face of the Aitana Massif. It can be time consuming to make your own way there so we recommend you coordinate your travel arrangements so that you can join the group transfer from Alicante Airport - please provide your travel details in advance. There will be a welcome briefing at the pension this evening.
We make our way to Racó de Tovaines, where we access the spectacular limestone peaks and needles of Penya Roc and walk through El Salt up to Collado Papatxi. This area enchants people with its soaring towers and walls of rock all around. Early sunset rays will highlight the spine of the jagged Castellets Ridge that stretches down to Orxeta. We return through Pas del Comptador back to Benimantell.
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 7.30
Altitude Gain: 768
Altitude Loss: 768
From Benimantell we walk down to Guadalest water dam and climb on a track to Peña del Rastrell. From here, we make our way up Tossal Redó and Almedia above Callosad'en Sarria, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Altea Bay and Guadalest Valley. We then descend along the spine of Tossal Redó down through the old town of Callosa where we join the short transfer (approx. 25mins) back to Benimantell.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 6.5
Altitude Gain: 600
Altitude Loss: 1012
After a short transfer to Abdet, we begin by ascending to Pico Serrella (1,323m) and follow the western spine of Serrella to Mallada del Llop (1,361m). We usually stop for a picnic lunch here to take in the sweeping views of the Aitana Range, and even the Valencia Mountains on a clear day.After lunch we begin our long descent on the spectacular and remote Barranc de la Canal Gorge, with its two parallel fins of upturned limestone strata leading to an abandoned farmhouse at Penyeta de la Hedra. Inititally the descent is a fairly steep gradient on a rocky/scree surface, which we zigzag down. Scrambling is required on some sections. During the last stretch, the gradient lessens and we enjoy pleasant views of terraced olive groves and centenary carob trees, which lead us to the village of Beniardá.In Beniardá there’s time to visit the local olive oil factory, a small scale outfit producing award-winning olive oils. Afterwards we can either walk or be transferred back to our accommodation in Benimantell.
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 8.10
Altitude Gain: 976
Altitude Loss: 1100
Today is a free day to relax or perhaps take the chance to head to the the beach at Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory.
A fairly tough walk - the summit of the Puig Campana (1,410m) with 360º panoramic views! Almost all of the peaks and ridges traversed in the previous days may be seen. On the other side, the Mediterranean stretches to the horizon. We approach the north face of this mountain along good trails and paths, embarking on a gentle climb passing the Collao del Llamp to the Collao Pouet, the actual base of the mountain. From here, we climb a new footpath, which is steep and rocky, on the north face of this spectacular peak, returning to our vehicle from the Casa de Dios. Scrambling is required on some sections. (Occasionally the walks on days 6 and 7 may be reversed in which case the Aitana Peak walk will be done today).
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 7.15
Altitude Gain: 995
Altitude Loss: 995
From the pension we walk along the northern slopes up to the Font de Partagat and then scramble through Pas de la Rabosa, the only natural break on the Aitana, which gives access to the summit from this north side. We have lunch at the Simas limestone fissures, up to 90m deep, situated on a ridge near the summit of Aitana. It is an impressive geological formation and a perfect picnic spot. Weather permitting, it’s possible to climb the summit (optional). We then have another long descent today.
Distance in Km: 18
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 7.30
Altitude Gain: 1107
Altitude Loss: 1107
The tour ends in Benimantell after breakfast. If you have not booked flights through Exodus but would like to join the group transfer back to Alicante Airport you must request this at the time of booking.
7 nights family-run accommodaton5 days guided walking; 1 free dayGroup
normally 4 to 14, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrsAltitude maximum 1558m,
average 1100mSome rocky paths and steep ascents/descents
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (plus local wine with dinner) are
included. Breakfast: Continental style - local fruit, fresh orange juice,
different types of bread, cakes, cheese, ham or bacon, tea and coffee.Lunch:
Picnic lunches will usually consist of bread rolls with cheese and
salad/meat, fruit, and muesli bars, biscuits or nuts. Our local guide usually
also provides some snacks such as pickled olives, chocolates and dried
figs.Evening Meal: As the main meal of the day, we enjoy a large variety of
local cuisine including espencat, minxos (small pancakes) and oven-baked
rice. Most of the food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal
produce, and the pension produce their own olive oil. A reasonable amount of
local wine is provided with the evening meal but additional beverages are not
included.Please note should flights change to arrive earlier, or depart
later, additional meals are not included. Please also note that no refund
will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where
designated.Vegetarians, vegan and gluten free are well catered for given
prior notice, and most other dietary requirements can also be accommodated as
long as you let us know in advance (at the time of booking).Mealtimes in
Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between
20:00 and 21.30.
7 nights family-run accommodaton5 days guided walking; 1 free dayGroup
normally 4 to 14, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrsAltitude maximum 1558m,
average 1100mSome rocky paths and steep ascents/descents
This trip is Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) You should be confident
in your physical condition and ability to deal with heights and difficult
underfoot terrain. The walking routes are all fairly long (around 15-20km a
day) and vary in duration from 7 to 8.5 hours per day (including stops). The
trek is more on the challenging side - in five days of walking we climb three
summits, Serrella (1,361m), Puig Campana (1,410m) and Aitana (1,558m) with
approx. 1,000m of ascent and descent on each of these days.The majority of
the paths we follow are footpaths and mule tracks. Some sections are with a
gentle gradient, whilst other sections follow quite steep rocky paths
(sometimes with scree slopes) and there are some sustained ascents/descents.
We also trek some cross-country terrain.This trip is for anyone confident in
their health and fitness. It is not recommended as a beginner's trek. It is
suited for those who regularly hill walk and have put in some physical
preparation beforehand.Sierra de Aitana is very rich in flora and fauna and
along the walks we will see a great variety of birds and flowers. Castles dot
distant hilltops, and we visit springs and snow wells as well as having
plenty of time to soak up village life. In the evenings the hosts of our
characterful family-run village pension will make us feel right at home.
Family-run Hostal, Benimantell, AlicanteThis is a centre-based trip, spending all seven nights in the village of
Benimantell in the region of Alicante.We usually stay at Hostal Rincón de
Pepe, a small family-run hotel offering eight simple but clean en suite
rooms. The main draw of this little place is the warm welcome and the
stunning mountain views from its large terrace and from every room, as well
as its proximity to the walks. The hotel restaurant is also popular for its
traditional fare and friendly service.Occasionally we stay at Hostal El
Trestellador, another small family-run property of a similar style only a
few kilometres away.Should you require additional accommodation before or
after the tour, it is possible to book extra nights in Alicante through
Exodus and join the group transfers to/from Benimantell - please enquire for
details. Pre/post-tour accommodation is not available at the accommodation in
Benimantell.As the pensions only have eight and nine rooms respectively,
single supplements (on request) are limited and are allocated on a
first-come-first-served basis.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (plus local wine with dinner) are
included. Breakfast: Continental style - local fruit, fresh orange juice,
different types of bread, cakes, cheese, ham or bacon, tea and coffee.Lunch:
Picnic lunches will usually consist of bread rolls with cheese and
salad/meat, fruit, and muesli bars, biscuits or nuts. Our local guide usually
also provides some snacks such as pickled olives, chocolates and dried
figs.Evening Meal: As the main meal of the day, we enjoy a large variety of
local cuisine including espencat, minxos (small pancakes) and oven-baked
rice. Most of the food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal
produce, and the pension produce their own olive oil. A reasonable amount of
local wine is provided with the evening meal but additional beverages are not
included.Please note should flights change to arrive earlier, or depart
later, additional meals are not included. Please also note that no refund
will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where
designated.Vegetarians, vegan and gluten free are well catered for given
prior notice, and most other dietary requirements can also be accommodated as
long as you let us know in advance (at the time of booking).Mealtimes in
Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between
20:00 and 21.30.
A private mini-bus is usually used for airport arrival and departure
transfers. Depending on the group size, the short daily transfers and
organised excursions will be either by 9 seater van or private vehicles. On
occasions your leader will need to make two journeys at the end of the walks
so some members of the group may have to wait 20 minutes (or have another
beer) to join the second transfer.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysThe group flight from London
is usually a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from
LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or EasyJet
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger
Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and
nationality, to be added to your booking before departure. When booking
Easyjet flights through Exodus your sales consultant will do this for
you.Travelling Land Only: 8 days starting and ending in BenimantellYour trip
normally starts at our accommodation in Benimantell in the afternoon of Day
1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in
the Final Joining Instructions ‐sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please
check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take
this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at
your own expense.If you miss the group transfer or choose to make your own
way to the accommodation Benimentall, there are a couple of options to
consider:You can pre-book private arrival and departure transfers through
Exodus if you wish (payable in advance). Please ensure that you provide us
with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure.If you wish
to make your way to Benimentall by public transport (bus and taxi) you can
first take a bus (operated by ALSA) from Alicante Airport to Benidorm bus
terminal. ALSA offer transfers between Alicante Airport and Benidorm bus
terminal from 8:00 to 23:00 and they depart regularly throughout the
day. The bus trip is direct and takes approximately 45 min. The price is
approximately EUR 10 per person.ALSA bus timetables and details can be
found:https://www.alsa.es/rutas/benidorm-aeropuerto-alicante-altet.htmOnce
you arrive at Benidorm bus terminal, you will need to take a taxi to the
accommodation in Benimantell. The price for a taxi is approximately EUR 25-30
per taxi and it takes between 25-35 minutes.Alternatively, a standard airport
taxi from Alicante Airport to the accommodation in Benimantell should cost
you approximately EUR 140 (per car).
This area is known to have the most benign climate in the whole of Europe.
The Winters are mild and sunny, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
At night however, temperatures can be chilly, especially in the mountains.
The little rainfall is usually concentrated in very few days at the beginning
of Autumn, but rain cannot be discounted altogether on any of the departures.
The daytime temperatures in winter usually vary between 14ºC and 20ºC
depending on altitude and orientation. These Winter temperatures are ideal
for walking although, with the exception of the months of July and August,
one can walk here the whole year round. In Spring and Autumn temperatures
should be between 25ºC and 30ºC but May, June and September departures may
experience some even warmer days, up to 35ºC.
20-30 litre daypackWaterproof jacketRefillable water bottle (1-2 litres
capacity at least)Walking boots with sturdy soles /ankle support are
mandatoryWalking socksTrekking trousers and shortsSun hat, sun block & sun
glassesCollared shirts (to cover your neck from the sun)Waterproof trousers,
woolly hat and gloves (Nov to Feb departures only)Please note that tap water
is safe to drink in the area which means all you need to do is bring a bottle
to re-fill at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will
save on wasteful plastic bottles.
Walking poles are strongly recommendedBlister plasters / CompeedSit mat (for
picnic lunches)Pocket knife (for slicing up picnic food)Energy snacks /
sweetsTrainers/walking shoes for eveningsFlip flops / sandals for
eveningsThermal flask (winter departures only)Travel games, cards, MP3, book
or reading tablet for eveningsCamera, charger and plug adaptorImportant Note:
Please use a soft bag or holdall and not a hard suitcase for your main
luggage as there is limited space for luggage in the minibus. Exodus kitbags
are available for purchase at GBP 25 including VAT, plus postage. Please note
that they are only available to residents of the UK.
For meals not included you should allow about EUR 10‐20 each. Should you
choose to take part in the activities in Villa Joiosa or Altea on the free
day, a transfer can be arranged for between EUR 40 and EUR 75 per vehicle.
You will also need Euros for extra snacks, drinks and any souvenirs bought
during the week. Entrance fees to museums and monuments are not included.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between EUR 15 to
EUR 20 per client. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the
local staff at the hotel. This can be handed in to your leader at the end of
the trip. For the local staff we recommend to budget approx. EUR 10 to EUR 15
per person.
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