8 day Walking Package - Centrally Based.
Five days of individual trails.

Dusty paths and shepherds' tracks wind through ancient olive and almond terraces. Criss-crossing the rugged countryside, they link villages and provide unexpected surprises for the walker - dramatic rock formations, secluded valleys and old farm ruins. Occasionally a cold spring bubbles to the surface, offering refreshment to hot and thirsty hikers.

Trails are graded moderate (B - B/C). They are rarely flat, with both lowland and expansive views. Average duration is seven hours. The emphasis is on discovering and enjoying the natural environment, especially places only accessible on foot.

Day 1 - Airport shuttle from Alicante to Hort de Gloria guesthouse arriving at 12:30. Lunch is served at 1:30, followed by a 2.5-hour circular walk of Sella village. The walk includes a rest in the village plaza and a guided visit to the old water mill in the valley below the guesthouse. Dinner is served after an afternoon's relaxation at home. Day 2 - Acclimatise to local conditions on a circular walk to the village of Relleu. Lunch at the abandoned pantano (reservoir) where wild life is prolific. Return home along sheperds' tracks to Hort de Gloria. Time: 6 hours. Day 3 - Discover Las Simas de Partagat, a geological marvel atop Sierra Aitana. A lush micro-climate and deep crevasses provide a spectacular setting for lunch. Then it is a half-hour walk to the summit, (highest peak in the province at 1555m.), returning along the Aitana to the mountain spring Barranc del Arc. Short transfer to Hort de Gloria guesthouse. Time: 7-8 hours. Day 4 - A circular route which begins with a climb to the top of the pass "El Contador", with amazing views into surrounding valleys. It continues with a descent into the valley where we have lunch at some limestone caves, before returning through the " Collado de Papachi" pass. After the climb there is a snack break at the spring "Font del Morer" and then a return to the guest house via a remote Buddhist monastery. Time 7 hours. Day 5 - Travel to the Valle de Laguar, known as the most beautiful region in Valencia. This hike takes us through a man-made wonder of over ten thousand stone steps originally created by the Romans. From a tiny village perched high in the mountains, we wind our way along a circular path which zig-zags down into the valleys and up to the peaks. This spectacular walk is a highlight of the trip. Time: 6-7 hours Day 6 - Traverse the cracks of the Castellets and on to the summit of the majestic Puig Campana. Enjoy vast panoramas of the scenery below, stretching to Ibiza on a clear day. An easy 7-hour walk, including a half-hour's break for lunch. Return to Sella for an early evening drink in the village plaza. Day 7 - A free day to explore the area and/or relax by the pool. Write to a friend, read a book, pick fruit from our orchards - the choice is yours. A shuttle service is available for visits to coastal towns and local markets. Half-day kayaking and cycling trips are available by arrangement. Day 8 - Breakfast, shuttle to Airport and fly home. Centrally based at either Hort de Gloria farmhouse or El Mirador rural house in Sella village. Double rooms sharing or dormitory style. Note: Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.

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DATES for Walking trips 2008:
Jan 13-20, Feb 17-24, March 9-16, April 13-20, May 4-11, June 15-22, Sep 14-21, Oct 26- Nov 2, Nov 23-30, Dec 14-21.


Meals: breakfast (x7); lunch (x6); Dinner (x7)

Breakfasts - at all accommodation, cereal, yoghurt, toast, sweat buns, fruit, coffee and tea.
Lunch - Spanish baguette with various toppings, fruit and a sweet. Snacks of almonds, dates etc. are also given.
Dinner - Three-course meal, mainly traditional Spanish cooking, e.g. soup, paella, fruit salad and ice cream. Wine and water are also served.


The coastal climate of Valencia is very mild with average max. temperatures in winter of 13 C, and a.m.t in summer of 29C. The generally sunny conditions give moderate temperatures during the day, even in winter, although as soon as the sun disappears temperatures can drop quickly. Walking in summer is not recommended as temperatures can soar to 35C.
Annual rainfall is between 400-500mm.
Daylight hours - Winter solstice (dec.22) 10 hours.
- Summer solstice (june22) 16 hours.
Dry days - 300+
Snowfall - Very occasionally on the highest peaks.


Clients should provide suitable walking gear that includes a good pair of hiking boots. Although the climate is moderate, it is essential to have a water-proof jacket in the unlikely case of rain or snow. Adequate sun protection is essential (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).

Group size: Min 6, max 16 people.