Walking on the Costa Blanca

The path, never as popular as the neighbouring 10,000 Steps (Walk 22), has fallen into disuse and become harder to follow and more precarious.

Walk 28

Head of the Algar Valley

A fence has appeared on the final section of the walk where the route passes between the ruins of farm buildings onto terraces. Fortunately, it can be avoided by turning right for a few steps to access the terraces. Gates at the far end can also be avoided by turning uphill and scrambling down a banking.

Walk 36

Alt de la Penya de Sella

Fences and gates which appeared at the start of this walk now seem to be permanently locked. So from the parking area walk along the now unsurfaced road for about 500m to where it turns sharply uphill.

On a left hand bend look out of a small cairn with red, white and gold waymarkers. Turn onto the narrow path along a short terrace. At its end follow the narrow path through trees to reach the corner of a new fence, which is followed steeply uphill.

At the top follow the fenceline horizontally to a gate near the far end. Here turn left uphill on a narrow path to a higher terrace. You are now back on the original route making for the col above.

It is possible to drive to the col where the walk starts but if you do so please park considerately off the road.

The approach road has now been repaired and resurfaced.

The Lady Elizabeth School has moved and is no longer signed from the Xalo road though a small 'Colegio Internacional' sign remains. Parking arrangements are unchanged.

Walk 17 page 89: Carrascal de Parcent

A new path, marked with green and white flashes, has been opened on the descent from the ridge to the Coll de Rates. This avoids the long concrete road and is a blessing for tired knees.

Jan 2019

Walk 30: Bolulla Circuit
The rough dirt road from the suggested parking area has recently been concreted and it is now possible to drive all the way to the col where there is space for a a handful of cars. This creates a pure circular walk and knocks about 30 mins off the total time.

Walk 7: Castell de Granadella
The damage caused by the major fire has largely healed and in fact the loss of the scrub trees has opened up the views along the coast.

February 2017

Walk 10 Circuit of the Serra Bernia.
Distance quoted 14 kms
Actual distance 9.5 kms

This is a 'tricky' route and so the time of 4/5 hours should be considered sensible, although shorter times can be achieved.

January 2017

Walk 7 Castell de Granadella

In September 2016 arsonists set fire to the nature reserve, destroying more than 800ha (2000 acres) as well as some villas, leaving a hideous wasteland. Sadly this once-beautiful walk is now best avoided.

October 2016

Walk 8 Penon de Ifach

The gate that had been put up across the path above the tunnel, while repairs and improvements to the path were carried out, has now been removed and the path to the summit is now open.

December 2015

Walk 2 Tossal Grau

The upper slopes above the refuge have been affected by a fire and some of the signposts are now charred stumps. It is not clear when they will be replaced.

Walk 3 Serra Segaria

Descent from the picnic area. The steep path is becoming very overgrown (perhaps through lack of use because of the steepness) and many walkers currently prefer to follow the road down to the house with the large concrete water tank.

Walk 8 Penon de Ifach

The park authorities. have placed a gate across the path above the tunnel because of fears the paths were becoming dangerously polished. The gate is easily (and frequently) avoided but signposts on the upper section have been removed to further deter visits to the summit. If you do go beyond the gate take extra care on the paths (though nowhere on the upper path is as polished as the section through the tunnel immediately below the new gate).

Walk 16 Alt de l'Ample

The pole and power lines where the path leaves the PRV to Cases de Bernia have gone. All that remains is a sawn-off pole.

Walk 23 Baranc de Racons or 5000 Steps

Some readers have suggested this merits a grade of Moderate/Strenuous rather than merely Moderate.

Walk 30 Bolulla Circuit/Raco Roig

The red arrow marking the spot where the path leaves the initial approach road has been repalced with a new dark blue one.

Walk 44 Mallada del Llop

The clearest – and best – path from the 'flatter area' at the top of the cultivated terraces above Famorca now attacks the slope more directly. It climbs the slopes and then contours round the heads of barrancs to reach the main ridge by the cairn which makes the start of the descent into the Barranc de la Canal. This is now the recommended route.