Bernia Forat and Fort

The imposing craggy Sierra Bernia at 1129m is not the highest around here but definitely one of the most spectacular. It divides the Costa Blanca from North to South creating the Marina Alta and Marina Baja. It has many fabulous walks to do on it but this is the most popular. It includes a crawl through the rock spine of the mountain, stunning views and a fort with loads of history thrown in.

We drive 650m up to start the walk at the 'Casas de Bernia' so the views are pretty good to begin with.

Then it's good paths and fantastic view of the crags of Bernia all the way to the Font.

It's quite an elaborate font, an essential one in the early days for the traders and their animals travelling over this mountain and for the hill farmers. Flowing fully, it's still in use today.

..well maybe overflowing!

The walk takes you passed some amazing rock formations. With the one I felt like I was walking in to the jaws of a rock monster!

We had a youthful group hot on our heels so we pressed on a little quicker. They caught us up at the crossing of the gorge.

I was glad to see I wasn't the only one a little nervous at crossing it. We later found out there is another route avoiding it.

So we find the Forat and in we go.

I'm thankful Gareth chose to photograph me on my way down to my knees and not on them. I was actually just short enough not to have to crawl. It's just over 18m long but you can make it without torches.

And then you're on the other side, the view is breathtaking, the sea opens up in front of you and you join the others who have made it to one of the best picnic spots around.

After a pit spot we were then back on our way, now heading west across the mountain towards the Fort.

It's the type of walk where you have to watch where you are stepping so you have to stop every now and then to enjoy the views with Sierra Aitana majestic in the distance.

Probably just me but I thought he looked like a big chinned rock soldier protecting his crags.

This photo shows how well strategically placed the fort was. It was designed by Juan Bautista for Felip II in 1562 to protect against marauding Moors and pirates from the south.

It comprised of several buildings including a Church, Priests house and an Infirmary.

There was also a Butchery, Flour and wine warehouses making up 8,000m2 floor space in total.

I love this photo, it looks like the arches of the Fort have melded with the mountain behind.

It was active for 51 years but dismantled in 1612 under orders from Felip III.

You can see the scale of why Bernia Fort was very difficult to reach from other directions.

Time to head back. A last longing glance at the crags and we head back following the path north and east down to the starting point.

We headed in to one of the Bernias restaurants for more great views whilst we had our mandatory half.